Does AC soft start work on any AC
Hi I have a 2kw victron energy multiplus inverter. When I tried to start a 800w AC in my van the inverted stopped because it took too much current. A friend recommended me now a soft starter to reduce...
Forum Discussion
First mistake: Trying to run an AC off batteries/inverter.
Using a soft start may get your AC started, but, your issue is (will eventually be) the overall current draw of the running AC unit. Before you go any further, calculate the amp-hrs (ultimately the KWH) available in your fully charged battery bank and compare that with what your AC unit running demand is in KWH. You may be surprised about how little electricity is actually stored/available in your battery bank. I don't know what type of AC unit you have, but, my guess is that you will deplete your battery bank in under an hour. Remember, your battery bank voltage drops substantially as you drain the batteries and your inverter will only tolerate a given voltage drop (usually less than 2 volts) before it can no longer maintain the rated output current/voltage to run the AC.
Chum lee
Using a soft start may get your AC started, but, your issue is (will eventually be) the overall current draw of the running AC unit. Before you go any further, calculate the amp-hrs (ultimately the KWH) available in your fully charged battery bank and compare that with what your AC unit running demand is in KWH. You may be surprised about how little electricity is actually stored/available in your battery bank. I don't know what type of AC unit you have, but, my guess is that you will deplete your battery bank in under an hour. Remember, your battery bank voltage drops substantially as you drain the batteries and your inverter will only tolerate a given voltage drop (usually less than 2 volts) before it can no longer maintain the rated output current/voltage to run the AC.
Chum lee
