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path1's avatar
path1
Explorer
Sep 25, 2015

13,500 A/C and "hard start" capacitors and genny's

While a volt meter and test light has a spot my tool box, my electrical knowledge is limited to simple trouble shooting. I am out of my knowledge level when it comes to improving or changing things. My elec knowledge is usually finding problem and changing what's broke, not modifying.

I have a Coleman mach 3

If I install "Hard start" capacitors in the A/C, will a (single) 2000 generator Honda or Yamaha generator be big enough to use A/C?
(Bold face font is what concerns me).

The Coleman-Mach 3 info quoted my manufacture:

It has a solid 13,500 nominal BTU cooling capacity, and delivers 320 CFM (cubic feet per minute) airflow.

At 1/3 HP, the fan motor in the Mach 3 PLUS™ is the largest in the industry. They also say..."Engineered for easier starting under high temperature and humidity conditions".

Can I get by with one 2000 generator or will I need to buy 2 if I want to use A/C?

Thanks
  • 2edgesword's avatar
    2edgesword
    Explorer
    Sep 25, 2015
    My Yamaha 2400ISHC will start/run my older model 13.5K BTU A/C unit. It started it with some strain (running was never a problem) but every now and then it would activate the generator's overload circuit.

    After I installed the Supco start capacitor it starts it every time within 1 or 2 seconds so the capacitor will help. If you've already purchased the Honda 2000 you have nothing to lose by trying the generator/capacitor combination (don't over do it if it doesn't work after a few tries).

    If you haven't already purchased a generator I'd recommend the Yamaha 2400ISHC over the Honda 2000. The Honda 2000 has a 1600 watt continuous output with 2000 watt surge. The Yamaha is 2000 watts continuous and 2400 watt surge.
  • DwnSth's avatar
    DwnSth
    Explorer
    Sep 25, 2015
    I went with the Yamaha 2400. With the Supco SPP6 no problem at all. The weight is more but It's a great all around gen.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Sep 25, 2015
    Roughly 1700W just running pulling 15A.......tough for one 2000W generator.

    One will probably start it as long as you have everything else 120V OFF....converter included.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Sep 25, 2015
    path1 wrote:
    If I install "Hard start" capacitors in the A/C, will a (single) 2000 generator Honda or Yamaha generator be big enough to use A/C?


    With a hard start cap such as a Supco SPP6 installed, synth oil in the genset, moderate ambient temps, and relatively low elevation your chances of successfully starting and running a Coleman Mach 3+ with just one EU2000i are pretty good, with an EF2000iS not so much. The Yammy has a smaller motor and is lucky to achieve it's surge rating for 20", the Honda can easily generate 2000 watts for up to 1/2 hr - or more as demonstrated in You Tube videos. Here where we live not much above sea level my own EU2000i had no difficulty repeatedly starting my own Mach 3+ up to about 85F but anything much hotter than that it just couldn't as compressor head pressure was just too great, the irony being that's when we'd most likely want to be using A/C. :S

    Videos and pics are here for anyone interested.

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