quote:
I installed a micro-air on my 4ton about a month ago. Even though the app usually says my starting amps is around 34 amps, I can run it off my general 5500 using a 30amp plug. I’ll eventually get something with a 50 amp but I’m glad that I at least have the option to just run central air if another storm comes through.

Exactly my set-up (HVAC tonnage, watts of gen-set when operating on natural gas, 30 amp plug). I have doubts if my gen-set would operate my 4-ton single-stage HVAC even with a soft start, but I could easily upsize the gen-set, plug, and interlock breaker to 50 amp if required.

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Posted by ApisMellifera

SWLA

Member since Apr 2023

575 posts

Posted on 7/18/24 at 11:04 am to CrawDude

quote:
I have doubts if my gen-set would operate my 4-ton single-stage HVAC even with a soft start, but I could easily upsize the gen-set, plug, and interlock breaker to 50 amp if required.

I had my doubts too and actually upgraded my inlet box to a 50 amp in anticipation of needing to upgrade the generator as well. When I installed the soft start, I plugged in the gen using an adapter for my 30 amp plug on the gen and the AC kicked on no problem.

Now, one thing I need to do is if it will still start while I have my fridge and freezer running at the same time. It may struggle at that point.

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Posted by bapple

Capital City

Member since Oct 2010

12130 posts

Posted on 7/20/24 at 9:48 am to ApisMellifera

quote:
Now, one thing I need to do is if it will still start while I have my fridge and freezer running at the same time. It may struggle at that point.

Agreed. Where you’ll start getting to the limit on the generator is if your HVAC is running and other small loads kick on. A small portable running central air may be like 60-70% loaded before adding a bunch of the smaller loads. Always good to do a test run or play it safe with a larger genset.

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