Hard start capacitor/generator question

[Mark S]

Greetings. I have a Dometic 15 K BTU air conditioner and a Dometic 3,000 watt inverter generator. I know the numbers are very close but I was wondering if I were to add a hard start capacitor to my AC if this generator will run the AC.

I use the generator very, very rarely and cannot justify buying a new one. I would really like to make this combo work if possible without hurting the AC or generator.

Any thoughts please.

Thanks

[WolfWhistle]

I don't have such a combination, but if I read it right, the generator is able to make 2600W continuously and 2900W peak; that's about 21 amp continuous and 24 amps peak @ 120 vac. If the voltage is lower the current (amps) will be higher.

Converting watts to amps: Watts / Volts = Amps or properly stated P / E = I

The new Briskaire II 15K draws about 11 amps run (some web sites show 16 amps for some 15K units) and about 21 amps to start, which could be lower with the start assist capacitor, such as the Supco SPP6.

By the numbers along and only running the A/C on the genset, it should be able to do it. I would think the 3000W (actually 2600W) Dometic is undersize for daily and / or continuous use.

BTW, Dometic recommends a minimum of 3500W genset for both the 13.5K and the 15K units.
WW

[Mark S]

Thanks for the reply. If I did use this it would be very rare. But you are right, the numbers are really tight. Thanks

[TURBS]

Dometic recommends 2500 running watts.


2015 Columbus 320RS
2008 2500HD Duramax
2015 nights camped "34"

[AquaMan]

I have the Dometic 3000 watt generator also, and it would run my 13.5k A/C no problem. That was without any mods to A/C. I had good intentions of trying to run my 15K A/C, but never did. Best possible scenario would be to utilize a hard start capacitor and a time delay on the fan in order for it to work. If it's too much draw, the generator will shut down fairly quickly. I have used this generator on my 12" Dewalt Mitre saw, which has a huge start up draw and 15 amp running, and if I don't feather the trigger a bit, it will kill the generator.

[WolfWhistle]

Dometic B59516 Brisk II RV Air Conditioner 15,000 BTU White

Click Specification... Read down

[Grampa Jim]

I've been in the AC business for 40+ years and you're pushing it and tempting the gods if you do this.Too close for comfort zone to exist.

[dontay]

It may be okay at sea level but at any altitude the motor will lose power and you won't get enough power from the generator to run the AC.

[wildbill79]

My champion 3100w (2800w running) runs my Dometic 15k without issue even in economy mode. When running in economy mode, I turn the fan on first then turn on the A/C so it doesn't start them both at the same time. If I'm not running in economy mode I can start the generator then turn on the fan and A/C at the same time. Obviously a different generator, but similar wattage and A/C unit for comparison.

[dieselguy]

I have an 6 year old Kipor similar to the current IG3000 model. It's very near your generator's specs. If I have most everything else off save the converter, it will easily run my 15K A/C if I leave it off ecothrottle. I'm like you elude to ... rarely need to run the big A/C on the generator, but nice when the need arises.

[fmc]

It must be off eco-throttle to run the AC. For those of you that find the Dometic generator difficult to start I found that the slot for the choke lever was not long enough. The choke was not allowed to be fully closed. I elongated the slot and the generator starts much easier even in very cold weather.

[WolfWhistle]

Keep in mind, these small generators are not rated for continuous max load. We should consider how well one ( or two) that we want to buy will do on a 105° day and how well it handles a "hot" restart. Ever heard the term "you get what you pay for"?
WW

[AquaMan]

Originally Posted by fmc

It must be off eco-throttle to run the AC. For those of you that find the Dometic generator difficult to start I found that the slot for the choke lever was not long enough. The choke was not allowed to be fully closed. I elongated the slot and the generator starts much easier even in very cold weather.

X2

[Mark S]

Thanks for all the input guys. It sounds, like I expected, too close for comfort.

[mfMcFroggierPod]

I have used a Honda 3.000 for years.
I turn refrig & w/h to propane, turn converter and all other a/c draws off.
Turn eco mode off
Yes very rearely did the overlimit trip but i like the quiet Honda. After the
a/c is running limit additional a/c draws. A hard start kit will benefit you.
Don't forget to re-enable disabled a/c devices.
The key is power management.
Ohms Law
W=V*A
.......


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[AquaMan]

If you have an EMS, it will kick out before you harm your A/C anyway.

[Too Tall]

Any recommendations on a hard start capacitor for a Coleman Mach III 13.5. I'm going to try to run it with a 2400 surge, 2100 running generator. Think I can do it?

[HONDAMAN174]

It might. But it would run at 100% all the time and no power left to charge batteries.


2014 Evo 2850 "Woodstock"
2011 Toyota Tundra "Clifford"

[Too Tall]

Yes, I didn't buy it for that purpose but it would be nice. It's purpose is to charge batteries and make coffee. (It can be paired).

Has anyone found that the hard start capacitor provide a benefit for starting load? thanks.

[HONDAMAN174]

When hooked to shore power, I have noticed a difference.

SUPCO HS6 (SPP6) Hard Start Relay Capacitor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002YTLFE..._aamRwbBVGJGB1

Being they are rather cheap, I bought two in case another camper needs the helping hand.

Just don't remove the relay that it comes with and just follow wiring diagram on your ac unit.


2014 Evo 2850 "Woodstock"
2011 Toyota Tundra "Clifford"