Isata 5 28ss couldn’t run AC on 30 amps…?

[Ekg]

We are headed to Canada this summer, and the places we plan on staying with hookups have 30amp service. We stayed at a local state park with 30amp service to try it out and see what we could run.

Even after turning off the water heater, switching the refrigerator to LP, and turning off/unplugging everything we could think of, we were unable to start one AC. We tried both individually, and neither AC unit could get past the “shed” stage and engage the compressor.

Is there a trick to this we don’t know? If not, we are probably looking at one of the soft start products.

Thanks,

Erik

[SeaDog]

You should be able to run one AC while on shore power, but not two. There seems to be something else going on here, where you tripping your rigs breaker or the campground breaker? Did you test things using your generator? I would inspect the shore power cable and start from there. JMHO

[Ekg]

Thanks SeaDog for the suggestions.

Things we checked:
1). Moved to a 50amp site and everything worked, so concluded that the cord was transmitting power.
2). Checked the firefly unit, and the power screen showed electricity flowing all the way through the system.
3). Inspected the pedestal breakers, and reset them.

Is there a large enough draw to keep the AC from receiving power from the inverter on pass through, or when the system is charging the house battery? We also had to use a DogBone to get from the 30amp plug to the 50 amp cord, but since the Firefly indicated power was coming in, could that still be a problem?

Best,

Erik

[Desert Boat]

One possibility.

FF can only detect when a feed is not 50 amps, so the change between 15-20-30 is a manual setting. It may have been set on 15 or 20 amps, which will not allow the AC to run.

At the top left of the electrical screen on firefly, ensure that it says 30 Amps.

The picture shows it on 15 amps. Just tap the power source block to cycle between settings.

[jeff64]

Not uncommon for the 30A receptacle on the post to have 'burned contacts . How does your plug look?
From your profile, nobody has a clue what vintage machine you have. Be a great idea to complete it!

[Lvnthedream]

I just purchased Softstart AC. I haven’t installed them yet. I hope this allows my ACs to start using 30A and maybe run one on 110v. softstartRV.com

[bclemens]

I have run an A/C off of 20A.

As was mentioned above, you need to make sure it is set for 30A and you may need to turn the charger down in the I/C settings.

[KRedburn]

Originally Posted by bclemens

I have run an A/C off of 20A.

As was mentioned above, you need to make sure it is set for 30A and you may need to turn the charger down in the I/C settings.

What he said ^^

I have also done this. BUT -- you need to set your charge rate to 5 amp and the load share to lowest setting or at least 30amp rather than 50amp.

[lwbfl]

Originally Posted by Lvnthedream

I just purchased Softstart AC. I haven’t installed them yet. I hope this allows my ACs to start using 30A and maybe run one on 110v. softstartRV.com

I'm pretty sure they all run on 110.

[Desert Boat]

Originally Posted by Lvnthedream

I just purchased Softstart AC. I haven’t installed them yet. I hope this allows my ACs to start using 30A ...

You should be able to run one AC on 30 amp without the SoftStart.

SoftStart has no impact on the load monitor settings, which is what holds the compressor in "SHED" until it sees sufficient power.

SoftStart advertises the ability to run two Acs on 30 amps. I do not believe the Firefly programming will ever send the second compressor a start command on 30 amps.

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by Lvnthedream

I just purchased Softstart AC. I haven’t installed them yet. I hope this allows my ACs to start using 30A and maybe run one on 110v. softstartRV.com

Huh? 50 amp sources, 30 amp sources, 20 amp sources, and 15 amp sources are all 120 volts. Is there something you're misunderstanding?

[kenandterry]

Originally Posted by Lvnthedream

I just purchased Softstart AC. I haven’t installed them yet. I hope this allows my ACs to start using 30A and maybe run one on 110v. softstartRV.com

ONE air conditioner at a time should run off a 30A power plug.
You don’t need a Softstart for that scenario.
You would use the Softstart if you were to try running an air conditioner on 15 or maybe even a 20A power plug.
You need a 50A connection for running both air conditioners at the same time.

[Ekg]

Thanks, all, for the information. There was a lot I didn’t know, and wouldn’t have even known was out there!

Best,

Erik

[TwoFlags]

Originally Posted by Desert Boat

One possibility.

FF can only detect when a feed is not 50 amps, so the change between 15-20-30 is a manual setting. It may have been set on 15 or 20 amps, which will not allow the AC to run.

At the top left of the electrical screen on firefly, ensure that it says 30 Amps.

The picture shows it on 15 amps. Just tap the power source block to cycle between settings.

I had this same issue yesterday. Wanted to check the manual settings but when I tap the power source block nothing happens. I don't see any manual settings.

[bclemens]

In the picture on post #4, press the button that says 15A shore (that will let you change it. might need to turn the charger down)