A/C soft starter

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by Chaplee

Yes -I Installed the “RC-AC-Starter” from Appliance and Air. Any idea why it would not allow my generator to restart the compressor?

It is only a fan delay relay. At very high ambient temperatures, the refrigerant pressure in the compressor may require a higher starting surge than your generator can supply. Did your generator try to start the compressor, but fail?

[Chaplee]

Yes, indeed--The generator tried to start the compressor and failed...after successfully starting it at the outset. In other words the AC went on, cooled the RV, then failed to keep it cool due to the compressor failing to start again.

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by Chaplee

Yes, indeed--The generator tried to start the compressor and failed...after successfully starting it at the outset. In other words the AC went on, cooled the RV, then failed to keep it cool due to the compressor failing to start again.

A soft-start device such as the one from MicroAir would help. What you have is a timer delay relay. It does not control the current required by the compressor.

[Chaplee]

Thanks for the advice...which sounds like a good solution.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by emm-dee

I’d like to have a 3000 series. As soon as their weight gets below 50 pounds I’ll get one.

My Champion 3500 Inverter Dual Fuel hardly weighs a thing. I put it on the rear bumper platform (A GennyGo) and don't have any reason to lift it all. Adapted a Genturi vertical exhaust kit to it and all the smell goes up and away along with some of the noise..

As for noise? Usually the "next door neighbor" with his small 2200w generator at full throttle is making more noise than mine running on Eco mode.

[Too Tall]

How soon is the AC trying to come back on? If it's short cycling, the compressor overload will stop it from starting but eventually it should could down enough to allow a start. Seems the very 1st start in 100 deg. would be the toughest, not subsequent start. BTW, Are you using a surge protector.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by Too Tall

How soon is the AC trying to come back on? If it's short cycling, the compressor overload will stop it from starting but eventually it should could down enough to allow a start. Seems the very 1st start in 100 deg. would be the toughest, not subsequent start. BTW, Are you using a surge protector.

Because the refrigerant pressure is related to temperature I'd agree. What I've done over the years if my A/C is heat soaked from the sun and hot temps is to turn it on in fan only mode for 15 minutes or so to cool both evap and condenser down. Seems to cut down on the straining sound the compressor makes when starting.

[Chaplee]

Thanks! It was very hot that day...I’ll try that trick next time and see what happens. I am using a surge protector. Appreciate the tip!

[Too Tall]

probably a long shot since it starts in the 1st place but you might want to try it without the surge protector. You might need a neutral ground bonding plug in the generator since the inverter generators have a floating ground.

[Too Tall]

Originally Posted by TitanMike

Because the refrigerant pressure is related to temperature I'd agree. What I've done over the years if my A/C is heat soaked from the sun and hot temps is to turn it on in fan only mode for 15 minutes or so to cool both evap and condenser down. Seems to cut down on the straining sound the compressor makes when starting.

Yea agree, I worked as a helper all thru high school for a old wise HVAC man. He always told me, don't put the AC on right away in your car, wait a few minutes and let the air flow across the condenser for a few minutes.

[Chaplee]

Another good tip...thanks!

[DavidBo]

Originally Posted by TitanMike

Because the refrigerant pressure is related to temperature I'd agree. What I've done over the years if my A/C is heat soaked from the sun and hot temps is to turn it on in fan only mode for 15 minutes or so to cool both evap and condenser down. Seems to cut down on the straining sound the compressor makes when starting.

That makes sense. I'm sure the black plastic covers that are so common on today's A/Cs only make it worse. I can only imagine how hot those get on a sunny summer day.

[Too Tall]

Get an ammeter and watch it on the start and measure what the starting surge is. It's the only way to know for sure what's happening. I can tell you that the Supco hard starts will knock of 5 amps of starting load from my experience. you've got to get your starting amps down below the generator's max surge amps. Delaying the fan, Supco capacitor did the trick for me. I'm pulling 19 amps with a 2400 watt max gen. Initially it was 24 amps.

[misajo]

I installed the Microsoft starter on 13500 airxcel. I stared a/c with a 2200 powermate from rural king.I turned everything off but a/c and it ran just fine.You will not get that thump when compressor kicks in.A/c ran at 12 amps.

[2005gts]

FWIW, there is a cheaper twin to the Powermate:

https://www.cpooutlets.com/quipall-2...SABEgIMN_D_BwE

and, i have installed the Softstarter from network RV, but have not checked the amperage; but, what i presume to be your running amps, 12 amps seems to be pretty good.

Bill