Having problems running AC from inverter.
I'm converting a cargo trailer into a camper. Over the weekend, I tried to install an AC unit. The unit that I bought requires 8.8 amperes at 115 volts. My inverter is an 1800 watt trip lite that I ha...
Forum Discussion
SoundGuy wrote:
a Micro-Air Easy Start soft starter kit would likely solve this issue.
Robert Kesselring wrote:
Those things are not cheap!!
What I'm finding when I google that looks like about $300. For not a lot more, I could upgrade to a larger inverter.
The 1800 watt unit that I have is supposed to support a peak of 3600 watts for starting motors, just like you're talking about. 3600 watts should be about 30 amperes. How much do I need to start a 9 amp motor?
A/C compressor LRA can easily be 4 to 5 times it's running amp rating. The A/C fan motor will also have it's own LRA rating, much lower of course but still contributes to the overall load. You'll never see this on any voltmeter as the spike is WAY to fast & short, you'd need a tracing oscilloscope to actually see an LRA spike. The answer isn't a bigger inverter and especially now that we know how limited your batteries are no wonder you can't start this A/C. :R
