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10-08-2009, 12:58
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 1
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Portable Generator - 7000 BTU Air Conditioning
Hi
We just bought a new 25f cruiser and have an A/C unit but no generator. Most of the time we will be using shore power but we would like to be able to run the A/C with a portable generator during some hot summer days while at sea. Our A/C has 7000 BTU - we are thinking about buying one Honda EU2000i generator - does anyone have experience with this? Any recommendations are appreciated!
Thanks!
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10-08-2009, 13:37
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Rockford, TN
Boat: Four Winns 258
Posts: 5
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Check the amperage of your system. It's probably 30 amp which requires at minimum a 3,000 to 3,200 watt generator. If model numbers are any indication your EU2000 is probably 2,000 watts. While is might be enough for the A/C alone it won't run everything at once like A/C plus your charger, Microwave or Fridge on 110v. Hondas make dual kits for running two in parallel but that might be a little much for a boat and one 3,200 watt would be better.
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10-08-2009, 13:44
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2007
Boat: Nimble Nomad Trawler
Posts: 41
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A Honda 2000 should handle the load just fine. Lots of threads here on the subject.
__________________
Tom Nowling
Nimble Nomad Trawler
"Sweet Pea" Hull #1
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10-08-2009, 14:07
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Boat: Newport 28 MKII
Posts: 359
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The Honda 2000 runs my 7,000 BTU Cruise Air carry on hatch A/C unit + battery charger just fine. Pay attention to where you mount it due to the exhaust fumes. BTW, the little Honda will start and run our 26 cu. ft side by side home refrigerator, TV and a box fan, all important with tropical storm or hurricane related power outages at home. You can rent these generators at most retail construction machinery rental stores, if you want to try it out first.
Steve W
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10-08-2009, 14:23
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Rockford, TN
Boat: Four Winns 258
Posts: 5
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Like I said, check your amperage draw of what you wish to run. The 2000 is 2,000 watts and will handle only 20 amps total. You also need to know initial draw of your A/C unit. If your 7k btu unit has the same amperage draw as Steves, you are in business for that item. Here's another thread that discusses it.
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ers-28515.html
I only mentioned 30amps because I don't beleive there are any boats out there that are rated for 20amps. Not that it won't run some of the things but not all, at the same time. No matter what anyone says, checking draw requirements will tell you what sized unit to buy.
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10-08-2009, 14:54
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Rockford, TN
Boat: Four Winns 258
Posts: 5
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As further information from Cruise Air depicts on the 7kBTU Models:
Quote:
Power Requirements
For 115 Volt Units (50/60Hz Operation)
115/60/1 dockside power
Running amps: 6.9 A
Starting amps: 21 A
Not in quote: (above starting amps is the major consideration as 21amps is in excess of a Honda2000 rated at 2k watts or approximately 17 -18 amps with no safety margin)
Minimum Voltage: 104 VAC Minimum Circuit: 15 A
Note:
Inverter/Generator Operation
In order to use the Carry-On safely on inverter or generator
power, you must confirm that the inverter/generator will be
able to meet the power requirements listed in this manual.
Dometic cannot assist in sizing an inverter/generator as the
manufacturer of that item is best suited for that task. Damage
to a unit caused by an inadequate inverter/generator is not
covered under warranty.
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Source:
http://www.cruisair.com/sheets/L-2245.pdf
Check the specs on the Honda 2000....
Quote:
2000 watts (16.7 A) of Honda Inverter 120V AC Power
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Conversion of watts to amps =
1 amp * 110 volts = 110 watts
2000w / 110w = 18.18 amps
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10-08-2009, 15:43
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Fort Pierce, FL. Texas Roots
Boat: 82 Present, 13 ft dinghy
Posts: 495
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Take the number of amps required to run your ac unit, multiply by 1.8 and the product is the number of amps required to start up your unit. The 2000 honda can deliver 16.7 amps on start up of your ac and 13.3 continuous. If your 7000 btu unit falls within the above then you are ok.
Da Mule.
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19-10-2017, 13:59
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 1
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Re: Portable Generator - 7000 BTU Air Conditioning
That 2000 Honda generator is too small your AC draws over 2100 watts at start up then runs at about 1600.
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19-10-2017, 14:44
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#9
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Jacksonville/ out cruising
Boat: Island Packet 38
Posts: 31,351
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Re: Portable Generator - 7000 BTU Air Conditioning
Quote:
Originally Posted by prettyok
Hi
We just bought a new 25f cruiser and have an A/C unit but no generator. Most of the time we will be using shore power but we would like to be able to run the A/C with a portable generator during some hot summer days while at sea. Our A/C has 7000 BTU - we are thinking about buying one Honda EU2000i generator - does anyone have experience with this? Any recommendations are appreciated!
Thanks!
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A Honda 2000 easily runs my Webasto 6000 and even does it in eco mode.
However I think the idea of renting one to try before you buy a good idea, but the little Honda is nice to have for other uses like battery charging too.
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19-10-2017, 16:22
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#10
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Marine Service Provider
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: La Paz, Mexico
Boat: 1978 Hudson Force 50 Ketch
Posts: 3,920
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Re: Portable Generator - 7000 BTU Air Conditioning
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnKnox-TN
As further information from Cruise Air depicts on the 7kBTU Models:
Source:
http://www.cruisair.com/sheets/L-2245.pdf
Check the specs on the Honda 2000....
Conversion of watts to amps =
1 amp * 110 volts = 110 watts
2000w / 110w = 18.18 amps
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18.18A for the Honda 2000 is a little high.
The Honda's Peak 30minute load is 16.7A after that the steady state continuous (until you run out of Gas) load is 13.3A.
__________________
Rich Boren
Cruise RO & Schenker Water Makers
Technautics CoolBlue Refrigeration
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19-10-2017, 17:11
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#11
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Cape Haze,FL
Boat: Carver,Cobia,Nacra, Columbia
Posts: 815
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Re: Portable Generator - 7000 BTU Air Conditioning
A 20amp circuit will run your 7000 btu AC provided you follow the following rules:
a) Heavy duty extension cord no more than 20 feet long
b) Run nothing other than AC
c) Start AC fan for one minute, then kick the unit into cool mode. Dont start both the blower motor and compressor motor at the same time
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19-10-2017, 17:46
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#12
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Lakewood Ranch, FLORIDA
Boat: Alden 50, Sarasota, Florida
Posts: 3,467
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Re: Portable Generator - 7000 BTU Air Conditioning
Quote:
Originally Posted by joelife
That 2000 Honda generator is too small your AC draws over 2100 watts at start up then runs at about 1600.
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I'll have to let my Honda 2000 know. It apparently didn't get "the memo"
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19-10-2017, 17:50
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#13
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Miami Florida
Boat: Ellis Flybridge 28
Posts: 4,057
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Re: Portable Generator - 7000 BTU Air Conditioning
I bought a Honda 2000i to do exactly what you want to do. Unfortunately it would not start my old 5000 BTU air conditioner. It took more than 3000 watts to start it but only 600 watts to run it. I added a hard start capacitor to the compressor and was able to make it work.
If your AC has a modern rotary compressor, I don't think you'll have a problem.
__________________
Retired from Hopkins-Carter Marine Supplies
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19-10-2017, 18:03
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#14
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: W Florida
Boat: Still have the 33yo Jon boat. But now a CATAMARAN. Nice little 18' Bay Cat.
Posts: 7,086
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Re: Portable Generator - 7000 BTU Air Conditioning
Quote:
Originally Posted by HopCar
I bought a Honda 2000i to do exactly what you want to do. Unfortunately it would not start my old 5000 BTU air conditioner. It took more than 3000 watts to start it but only 600 watts to run it. I added a hard start capacitor to the compressor and was able to make it work.
If your AC has a modern rotary compressor, I don't think you'll have a problem.
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Yep.
Ahh.... the technology...........
__________________
Who knows what is next.
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19-10-2017, 18:04
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#15
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Marine Service Provider
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Annapolis, Maryland
Boat: Oday 28
Posts: 477
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Re: Portable Generator - 7000 BTU Air Conditioning
I place my Eu2000i up close to the Cruisair 7K A/C unit, (Fwd hatch area) like over the anchor locker, use a heavy gauge shorty power cord to reduce voltage drop, connect directly to the A/C unit and it runs fine, but the Genset noise and the A/C running kinda defeats the whole idea to me of peaceful anchorage...
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