Generator questions

bigtime_077 wrote:
. . . I found out I can run my AC on an 82 degree day off of the 15 amp plug that I have on the side of my house. I have only tried this once just to see if it had the soft start capacitor or not. I assume that it must if it started and ran without tripping breaker. During this test I also realized that the refrigerator in the RV was also running on electric at the same time. Anyway that is why I assume that the Yamaha 2400 would run the AC if it doesn't trip out a 15 amp breaker on the house . . .

bigtime_077 wrote:
Sorry my fault for not clarifying before. Space heater would only be run in enclosed trailer along with charging the deep cycle battery and my CPAP machine at night. That's why I don't think a 2000w, 1600w continuous can handle that. Think I would need at least the Yamaha 2400. The more I think about it I may be better to just step up to a 3000w, 2800w continuous and let the engine run at lower speeds. Engine life would likely be longer that way.

Concur a 2000w generator won't suffice.

Typical Honda/Yamaha 2000w generator can produce about 13a (13 amps) continuously. A space heater (on high) requires approx. 12.5a. Most 45-55a converters require approx. 7-9a when charging depleted batteries. That's approx. a 20-22a load before even considering the CPAP machine. FWIW, this load also exceeds the current capability of a Yamaha 2400 (16.7a/2000w "continuous" rating).

From personal experience, even a Honda EU3000iS (2800w/23a continuous rating) will be running at or near its limit supporting a typical OEM 13.5k a/c (13-14a) and a fully-loaded converter (7-9a). It'll work, but chances are very high the Honda EU3000iS will not be able to start the a/c compressor when it recycles under these conditions.

As for comparing the performance of a 15a residential circuit to a Yamaha 2400 (16.7a), Honda EU3000iS (23a), and/or pair of Honda EU2000iS (26a), IMO it's not a fair comparison. From my experience, a "healthy" 15a residential circuit (using a short 10 gauge extension cord) will easily outperform all three of these generators when powering an inductive load like a 13.5k - 15k BTU a/c unit. A properly working 15a residential circuit can easily produce more inrush or starting current than all of these generators. However, when it comes to powering non-inductive loads like a space heater then, yes, these generators will very likely outperform a typical 15 amp residential circuit.