Soft start options for Air Conditioning

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by Pitchondesign

Check out the Supco SPP4E. It's about $30.00. It's a capacitor with a time delay relay. It a simplifed unit compared to the micro air, but seems to work.They make several units, but this is the best alternative for 110v systems.

It's NOTHING like a soft start!!! I already have a SPP6 start capacitor.

[Pitchondesign]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

It's NOTHING like a soft start!!! I already have a SPP6 start capacitor.

The "E" versions are different than the std version. I agree the SPP6 doesn't do much.

[Chotu]

After deciding to stick it out here in Florida and build out the boat, I just ordered an easy start as my 5kw generator isn't handling my 15,000 BTU sit conditioner.

Hoping the install isn't too difficult.

[sailorboy1]

There are specific wiring instructions and drawings on their website. It’s pretty simple other than you need to work slow because the wire colors don’t match.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by Chotu

After deciding to stick it out here in Florida and build out the boat, I just ordered an easy start as my 5kw generator isn't handling my 15,000 BTU sit conditioner.

Hoping the install isn't too difficult.

Something is wrong, because a 5,000W generator should start a 15kBTU AC easily.
The 16K Webasto has a crazy high locked rotor amperage, and my 3,500W generator starts it easily.

[transmitterdan]

Originally Posted by Chotu

After deciding to stick it out here in Florida and build out the boat, I just ordered an easy start as my 5kw generator isn't handling my 15,000 BTU sit conditioner.

Hoping the install isn't too difficult.

What brand 5kW generator cannot start your air con? Our 5kW Westerbeke can easily start our 16K BTU air conditioner.

[Chotu]

Uh oh!!

It's an old portable generator just for the construction project. Honda.

My guess is it doesn't have the heavy flywheel needed to power through. Just a Honda small engine. Quick calculation shows an LRA/starting current, converted to watts of about 7200kw. Probably just out of reach for this 5kw portable.

It does sound really close when it's trying.

Different story with a nice heavy flywheel diesel, I'm sure.

The engine bogs, then the air conditioner gives up on the voltage drop I'm thinking. Generator doesn't stall. Air conditioner gives up on the compressor start and goes back to fan only mode a few minutes before trying again.

[Chotu]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

There are specific wiring instructions and drawings on their website. It’s pretty simple other than you need to work slow because the wire colors don’t match.

Got it all hooked up. And it’s basically causing a short circuit in the air conditioner. Kind of a bummer. However, their Support is excellent. Some of the best support I have had. Hoping to get this worked out by tomorrow sometime.

Although, I’m not sure where I can go from here because it is hooked up correctly.

[sailorboy1]

Well i ran mine just an hour ago. I was easier on my Honda than turning on the hot water heater.

[Chotu]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

Well i ran mine just an hour ago. I was easier on my Honda than turning on the hot water heater.

I'm jealous!! Ha ha.

Wish mine went as well. Something is wrong somewhere. I guess I'll find out when Nick gets in tomorrow.

Your posts are why I got the thing. Sounds great! Hope to find a solution to the problem.

[Chotu]

Here's how it's wired on mine.

[sailorboy1]

I have no idea if thats right. Hope you sent it to them.

I know i wired mine wrong at first, but caught it on review before trying to start it. If its shorting out i bet theres something wrong or i think the honda would just trip out.

[Coolerking]

the soft start deletes the start capacitor

[Chotu]

Wouldn't you know it?? The circuit breaker went bad DURING MY INSTALL!!

What are the odds of that even happening???

After isolating everything else, I found the breaker became faulty and was constantly tripping after the installation, but not before it. Eliminated the bad breaker and all is well.

My 5kw Honda is starting and running the 17,000btu AC for the first time ever!

The support at Easy start is phenomenal! They actually helped me with ideas for testing and isolation of problems on the AC itself. Above and beyond. They definitely didn't need to do that but got genuinely involved in solving the problem.

The easystart itself was working just fine.

[Chotu]

PS:. I calculated my LRA at 8KW which explains why my 5KW generator (without a huge flywheel) couldn't handle it.

The AC is 1680 watts running, 8400 watts starting.