Just to confuse matters more..., alternating current electricity is actually measured in Volt Amps (VA's), not Watts,. As a result, measuring wattage will render confusing results.
For example, my 700w microwave is rated at 1080w input... but that's not possible, as it runs off 120v alternating current, so uses VA's, not watts. So, if I use a watt meter to monitor it's draw, it will give the impression that the 120v line voltage has dropped to below 106v, based on the amp draw:
1080w / 10.2a = 105.88v
So, many folks underestimate how much power is really needed to run a heavy draw appliance such as a MW or A/C unit.
One of these will render both watts and VA's:
kill-a-watt meterThen you have the peak vs. continuous running issue. Peak simply means the generator, or inverter, or whatever, can handle a heavier load for a limited length of time, and then shut down it's power output, in order to protect itself. Your Honda is doing exactly what it's designed to do... protect itself from a peak load being run for too long. You need to size the generator to A/C to allow for continuous running at (or preferably below) the gen's contiuous rating.
An example, my eu2000i puts out 13.3a continuous, so I COULD run a charger that draws 13.3a, but I choose to stay below that rating by going with a charger that draws about 12a... after all, it will be running for extended periods of time.
So you need to take some readings, clean up the gennie and A/C, take new readings, and go from there. If you find you're still pushing the gen's limits, then make a decision to upgrade either the gen or a/c.
