Path: ...!weretis.net!feeder9.news.weretis.net!panix!.POSTED.2602:f977:0:1::2!not-for-mail
From: Ted Heise <theise@panix.com>
Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.rv-travel
Subject: Re: More Qs on generator
Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2024 21:30:38 -0000 (UTC)
Organization: My own, such as it is
Message-ID: <slrnvbnk3u.9pe.theise@panix2.panix.com>
References: <slrnvbhc86.mp.theise@panix2.panix.com>
 <2024081107385864663-email@domain.com>
 <slrnvbk0gl.huh.theise@panix2.panix.com>
Injection-Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2024 21:30:38 -0000 (UTC)
Injection-Info: reader1.panix.com; posting-host="2602:f977:0:1::2";
	logging-data="7119"; mail-complaints-to="abuse@panix.com"
User-Agent: slrn/1.0.3 (NetBSD)
Bytes: 3481
Lines: 59

On Mon, 12 Aug 2024 12:37:41 -0000 (UTC),
  Ted Heise <theise@panix.com> wrote:
>  On Sun, 11 Aug 2024 07:38:58 -0700,
>    Ralph E Lindberg <email@domain.com> wrote:
> >  On 2024-08-11 12:39:34 +0000, Ted Heise said:

> > > At any rate, I'm now wondering if the AC would run on the 
> > > 1600 W generator.  The spec for the compressor (12.9 A) 
> > > gives 1420 W (amps times volts, right?), so that suggests 
> > > maybe?
> > > 
> > > On the other hand, the plate also shows 19.0 max circuit 
> > > amperage (i.e., 2090 W), so that suggests even a 2000 W 
> > > generator might not supply enough to run it.
> > > 
> > > What advice do more experienced and knowledgeable folks here 
> > > have for me?
> > 
> >  No it will not.
> 
> >  First the generators "rating" is peak power, so a 2KW (even 
> >  Honda) only produces 1800 watts continuous Second the peak 
> >  starting power of every A/C is the higher 19 amp (unless 
> >  you've added a "soft start" to the A/C) Third, there are 
> >  other draws, like the converter and fridge.
> > 
> >  Generally -with- a soft start the min generator is 2200 
> >  watts, without 3KW (I prefer two ~2KW as I can carry them)
> 
>  Thanks, Ralph (and to George and sticks for similar advice).
> 
>  Regarding generator ratings, I've been checking both peak and 
>  static specs; for example, the Westinghouse unit I linked 
>  earlier is stated as 1800/2500, so I'd think that might do it.

>  In any case, I'm thinking I may just try that Westinghouse iGen 
>  2550DFc, and if it doesn't work then add a soft start.

So here's an update.  I went by Menard's yesterday just to look at 
what they had, and it just so happened that they had in stock the 
Westinghouse unit (and no others of similar capacity).  Taking 
that as a sign it was meant to be, I went ahead and bought it.

Now a bit of dumbassery.  After adding oil and fuel, I could *not* 
get it to start--despite *many* yanks on the cord.  I pulled the 
spark plug to see if I'd flooded it, but it seemed fine.  Finally 
it occurred to me that the red light on the control panel might 
mean something.  It was the oil light, and when I added more oil 
the unit started right up.  In fairness, the dipstick goes in 
almost horizontally, so it's hard to read.  Plus the manual had 
many warnings not to overfill.

I took it to the trailer this afternoon, and it does indeed put 
out enough power to charge the battery.  On the other hand, when I 
tried running the AC (with pretty much everything else off) the 
overload protection cut in.  So I guess if I want to run the AC 
I'll need to try a soft start thingy.

-- 
Ted Heise      <theise@panix.com>       West Lafayette, IN, USA