Generator Load unbalance ?

[AP514]

Well, guys hooked up the Portable Generator today and Fired it up to see if it would run the 2.5Ton Central AC.

My Setup
The 7000/12000 PowerBoss Generator
EASYSTART -soft start kit on AC unit - (32Amp Inrush / Original 64Amp)
Reliance Control (RA308A) 8-Circuit Manual Transfer Switch
1-30 Amp DP and 1-20Amp Breaker/ 3 switches - On Gen.

So, I fire up the Generator and the AC kicks on slowly (soft start)
I noticed the Meters on the Panel peg out for a split second. (3750 watt/leg)
The Generator seened to handle it ok a slite dip on that initail surge.

once the AC was running Generator had 116.3 volts on each leg (with a 10.19 Amp draw)
Forgot to look at the Hrz..I will next test..(Dam - Rain delay again this weekend)

Long post Short the AC unit is up and running and the meters say the Draw is
1150 watts
1500 watts
I figure the extra Draw is for the Condensor Fan Running
(2.8Amps)
So, the Question is
"What is the Max unbalnced load I could have on this Generator" before it becomes a problem ?

 

[510ebl]

I don’t know the max difference, but as soon as the circulating (evaporator) fan kicks on it would even out, would it not? Assuming you have that fan on the other leg?

ETA: I just re read... you really are not looking at any more than a fridge would draw. I think you are ok.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Post a pic of the AC nameplate

Do you have a clamp meter? What does your AC draw while its running?

 

[AP514]

Well, I did post that the AC was Drawing 10.19 Amps but was not real clear on that.
(Amp Clamped the legs at the C/B)
The AC Draws the same on each Leg (240v)
The Blower up in the Attic is where I think I am getting the extra 2.9 Amp Draw. It is on the 2nd circuit. This is unavoidable.

So, I guess this Unbalance is just how it has to be ?
No big Deal ?
Or do I run a Light circuit to balance things out ? (Only if running with a 2-3 amp unbalance is not a good thing)

 

[u2slow]

Machines behave differently. Seems odd the manufacturer doesn't have a guideline?

You should be able to manage it within 15A reasonably, and the machine had better withstand that (i.e. one 15A/120V thing plugged in).

 

[dcg9381]

"What is the Max unbalnced load I could have on this Generator" before it becomes a problem ?

The generac I just got has that in the manual.. I believe it's 50%.
The reality is on smaller (portable) generators, I've had the 240v breaker flip due to unbalanced load on a single leg....

 

[AP514]

Well, that is at least a good starting point for me to go by..(50%)
You are correct I would think a smaller Generator the % would be lower.
As I posted I just want to know what would be a Ballpark % is and when I should start to worry.
Thanks for the info and reply