Soft Start?

[crabjoe]

Currently I've got a Generac GP15000 which runs everything, but the thing is loud and eats fuel like gas prices were in the late 80s, early 90s. Because of this, and power outages usually only lasting a few hours and only happening a few times a year.. sometime no outages in a year .. I picked up a B&S Q6500. I bought it because I'm on a well and needed a 240v generator to run it..

Now why am I here with this post/question? It's because I'm wondering if need be, if I can power my AC with this same generator. I've got a Rheem 3.5ton unit. I haven't opened up the panel or put a clamp meter on her to see how much power it actually draws, but I have a feeling if I can get her started, the Q6500 will run her.

What's everyone's thought on this? Do you feel a Hyper Engineering Sure Start unit will work? Or will this generator (6500 peak, 5000 w continuous) not be able to do it?

The heat pump amp numbers are RLA is 17.9 and LRA 112 amps.. That's based on the spec sheet..

BTW, are there any other brands of soft starts for a home ac/heat pump?

 

[Sumboodie]

What is the breaker amperage on the gen set? 20 amps?

Likely will trip often

Aren't those soft starts for RVs, so small A/C units?

 

[jjrbus]

Do not know about house use. Being active in RV forums from what I have read I would spend the extra for the Micro air. The hyper engineering seems to be a first generation item with poor customer service. Try contacting hyper with a question or 2 and see what happens. Try the same thing with micro air.

 

[AP514]

I use Soft starts on my 2-1/2 ton with a 7000/12000 Generator.
I have 2 scroll compressors in it. (1 High stage. 1 Low stage) So, I needed 2 soft starts

But your a 3.5 ton unit and way over the Amps your Generator can handle. (6500w=27Amps inrush)
Even If the soft start cuts your draw in half like mine did. Your still looking at 50+ amps start in rush (LRA)

Here is my thread on Soft Start.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=467347


Here is a Thread on unbalnced generator

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=469879