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Generator - A/C

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Texanreloader

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Jun 20, 2024
Messages
8
if it doesn't work the only thing I could do is buy a bigger generator and there is no money in the coffers for that. :/
 
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shaeff

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 22, 2011
Messages
536
Location
Hudson Valley, NY
Texanreloader said:
From the Bluetooth read out, went from LRA 119 to LRA of 34.0 t0 34.6. Have not used it w/generator yet. Hopefully will never have to, but its there if I need it. 4Ton unit. Super easy install and C.S is right there if you need them.
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That's impressive. I appreciate the update. Price is a bit tough to swallow but I've wanted one of these for a while. I've already explored the wiring on both of my units, they're simple with a just a contactor and combined fan/compressor capacitor and no extra control board.

I'm replacing the cap on one unit today, as when the thermostat calls for heat, the fan will kick on but sometimes the compressor will wait 15 minutes to engage, sometimes 5, sometimes a random amount of time in-between.

mike93lx said:
Test it before you need it...
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This!
 
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T

Texanreloader

Member
Joined
Jun 20, 2024
Messages
8
LOL! Again no money to do anything if it doesn't work and won't try hooking it up till the storm has passed. Roll it out, plug it in the 50 amp box and it either works or it doesn't.
 
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mike93lx

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Dec 9, 2013
Messages
37,420
Location
Richmond, VA
larry4406 said:
Heat pump or AC/gas?

I’ve got a heat pump (I think 3 ton)?
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Heat pump with gas furnace.

I only installed it on one floor (2nd, bedrooms). The furnaces/air handlers for the 1st and 2nd floors are both in the panel with the interlock, so I have heat throughout, but I am fine with no cooling on the first floor
 
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larry4406

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Joined
Jan 27, 2006
Messages
19,073
Location
Northern Virginia
mike93lx said:
Heat pump with gas furnace.

I only installed it on one floor (2nd, bedrooms). The furnaces/air handlers for the 1st and 2nd floors are both in the panel with the interlock, so I have heat throughout, but I am fine with no cooling on the first floor
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I have been thinking about adding one of these to our single zone Goodman heat pump heat/cool unit. My sparky skills are in the dangerous zone....
 
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mike93lx

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Dec 9, 2013
Messages
37,420
Location
Richmond, VA
larry4406 said:
I have been thinking about adding one of these to our single zone Goodman heat pump heat/cool unit. My sparky skills are in the dangerous zone....
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Its super easy. I used a 1/2" strain relief on the a/c, then it was a few crimp connectors. Their instructions are excellent 1000006198.jpg
 
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PCustoms

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Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
22,402
Location
VT
mike93lx said:
I just installed a micro air easy start on one of my 2.5 ton systems and my 5500w Briggs inverter generator will start it whereas before it would trip the generator. Very excited1000006197.jpg
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Clear cover is interesting...

I would not expect that to last long in the sun.
 
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AA/FC

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Joined
Dec 9, 2010
Messages
2,080
mike93lx said:
I just installed a micro air easy start on one of my 2.5 ton systems and my 5500w Briggs inverter generator will start it whereas before it would trip the generator. Very excited
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Congrats!

I love my Micro Air Easy Start.

We have lost power twice this summer.... Both times were during severe storms when it was in the upper 80's - mid 90's, with very high humidity. Our old house is not well insulated and it's also not very "tight".... so when it's hot and humid outside, and we lose power, it only takes about 30-45 minutes for the inside of the house to become just as miserable as it is outside. (without the central A/C running) My 7500/9000 Genmax inverter generator handles my central A/C and almost everything else in my little house with ease. Well worth the investment.... to me anyway.
 
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mike93lx

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Richmond, VA
larry4406 said:
Mike - details please on the SPD also.
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Here's my full array...

One at each a/c unit (3)
https://www.supplyhouse.com/MARS-83905-HVAC-Surge-Protection-Device-120-240v

2 in each main panel (2 panels)
www.se.com

Homeline HOM2175SB Surgebreaker (SPDs) | Schneider Electric USA

Schneider Electric USA. Browse our products and documents for Homeline HOM2175SB Surgebreaker (SPDs) - A compact and affordable surge suppressor designed for installation into any QO/Homeline residential load center.
www.se.com www.se.com

One in my pool subpanel
Siemens QSA2020SPD Whole House Surge Protection with Two 20-Amp Circuit Breakers for Use Only on Siemens Panels https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0052MG5K0?tag=atomicindus08-20

I got a handle tie for the Siemens, so while it isn't common trip, I use it to feed a MWBC for my pool shed
 
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Hobby_Man22

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Joined
Nov 16, 2020
Messages
3,581
Location
tx
PoorUB said:
I sold and serviced generators for some time. I seriously doubt it will start a 4 ton AC. Plus, don't forget the 3/4HP blower motor in the air handler. You are starting close to 5 HP.

Also consider what else is on for a load too. IMO, you need twice that! A soft start might help.

If you were my customer I would have recommended a 15K just for the AC, then add what ever loads you may have running, Microwave, refrigerator, freezer. 20K easily.
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And everyone thought I was nuts for wanting a 30k generator
 
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stickshift

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Nov 16, 2011
Messages
1,215
Location
northeastern US
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theoldwizard1

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Feb 22, 2011
Messages
43,106
Location
SE MI
Rick1953 said:
Really My brother in Law who is heating and Cooling and certified electrician . Says Soft starts are a pain and often lead to issues
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PoorUB said:
I sold and serviced generators for some time. I seriously doubt it will start a 4 ton AC. Plus, don't forget the 3/4HP blower motor in the air handler. You are starting close to 5 HP.

Also consider what else is on for a load too. IMO, you need twice that! A soft start might help.
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If you are servicing generators, you customer base is likely NOT VERY WELL EDUCATE on large electrical appliances ! You want them to be happy (and make the bosses happy by selling larger generators) !

AA/FC said:
There are other brands of soft starters on the market but the MicroAir is the industry leader and they were the first to make a device that helps A/C units start when operating on generator power.
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Also, do not get "easy start" or "soft start" confused with a "hard start" kit. They are not the same. A hard start kit is simply an additional capacitor to give your compressor a harder kick on start-up.... which CAN reduce the life of your compressor. The easy start will slowly ramp up the current and it CAN actually extend the life of your compressor.
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Excellent summary !

Without going too much into the details, a TRUE soft starter (MicroAir) LIMITS the amount of current going to the starting capacitor of an (AC) electric motor. The capacitor takes a little bit longer (microseconds?) to charge up and start the motor. This works on ANY electrical device that has a large capacitor.
 
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theoldwizard1

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Joined
Feb 22, 2011
Messages
43,106
Location
SE MI
theoldwizard1 said:
If you are servicing generators, you customer base is likely NOT VERY WELL EDUCATE on large electrical appliances !
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Segue - If you live in an area that gets hurricanes, you can set up a "safe room" with a TV with OTA antenna, light and electronics charger, window air conditioner, small refrigerator, and a coffee pot and a microwave and RUN THEM ALL ON A 2000W GENERATOR !

The key is to only use the last 4 items one at a time !
 
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mm08822

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Joined
Jan 13, 2012
Messages
5,872
Location
NJ
mike93lx said:
I am confident something else is at play. The soft start just cannot reduce running amps, plus it would be a huge marketing angle for them. They even explicitly call out that it won't do anything beside cutting peak demand
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The Micro-Air website states that the "Live amps" measured and displayed is only the current to the compressor. It does not include the fan, so that can account for .75 - 1.5 amps.
 
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mike93lx

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Location
Richmond, VA
mm08822 said:
The Micro-Air website states that the "Live amps" measured and displayed is only the current to the compressor. It does not include the fan, so that can account for .75 - 1.5 amps.
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I know, he was claiming 17 down to 11 though, testing the same way
 
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