Honda EU3200 - 15k BTU AC Unit?

3 tons wrote:
I would plan on sizing a generator that’s able to run the air conditioner while in the ‘eco’ mode.

3 tons

All my continuous current recommendations assumed a Micro Air Easy Start was installed. LRA typically drops to 15-25a with one installed. With an LRA this low, starting in ECO mode is pretty much a given for the vast majority of 2000+ watt inverter generators. This assumes the generator is in good operating condition and it can support the a/c's continuous current reqt.

But, more to your point, sizing a generator that's able to run an a/c in ECO mode (without a Micro Air) can only be accomplished by trial and error. Not sure that's feasible unless you purchase a generator from a retailer with a liberal return policy like Costco. Although a/c manufacturers nearly always specify LRA (inrush current) ratings for their compressors, generator manufacturers rarely, if ever, advertise inrush current ratings. Even if two generators have the same continuous current ratings, their inrush current capability can be radically different.

jodeb720 wrote:
@Otrfun, correct it only helps with current inrush unlike the Microair . . .

They *both* lower inrush current (LRA). However, the Micro Air is 10-20 times more effective at lowering the LRA than a Supco Soft Start Cap electrolytic capacitor.

I agree on the Micro-air, in my view a ‘must have’ and even with the micro-air, I upgraded from a Honda 2000 to a 2200 ($$), and due to elevation and/or higher ambient temps, and additional headroom - my point being, avoid scrimping on a generator because repurchasing is expensive!!

Also, in my case the pass-thru inverter would reject generator operation (and take over the load) as it saw ‘eco mode’ as a defective shore power condition…Adding another ATS as a work-around cured this nagging malady…BTW, to avoid any possible confusion, my air cond amperage spec’s refer to inrush as ‘LRA’ (Locked Rotor Amps) - just saying…

3 tons

otrfun wrote:
Is this *Supco* Soft Start you're referring to an aluminum-cased electrolyitc capacitor? If it is, they're only capable of reducing inrush current a few amps---very ineffective. A Micro Air Easy Start, a plastic box with circuitry inside, can reduce inrush current (LRA) as much as 25-40 amps. This is a massive, huge difference in capability.

I have to reinforce what otrfun said. Micro Air Easy Start IS the industry standard for a good reason ! It works !!

My issue with the EU3200 is size/weight !

Personally, I would buy a second EU2000 and parallel them.

3 tons wrote:
I agree on the Micro-air, in my view a ‘must have’ and even with the micro-air, I upgraded from a Honda 2000 to a 2200 ($$), and due to elevation and/or higher ambient temps, and additional headroom - my point being, avoid scrimping on a generator because repurchasing is expensive!!

Also, in my case the pass-thru inverter would reject generator operation (and take over the load) as it saw ‘eco mode’ as a defective shore power condition…Adding another ATS as a work-around cured this nagging malady…BTW, to avoid any possible confusion, my air cond amperage spec’s refer to inrush as ‘LRA’ (Locked Rotor Amps) - just saying…

3 tons

We also use a Honda 2200. Great unit, but yes, $$$.

Yup, your load-sharing was simply doing its job. It sensed the voltage drop, but had no idea whether it was going to recover or not, so it took over the entire load. It only had 10-20ms to make a decision--lol!

A similar problem occurs with the PI EMS's---even if the protection features are turned off. If the voltage drops below 95-100, the entire PI EMS shuts-down (voltage too low to operate the circuitry), opening the relay, preventing the generator from starting the a/c.

BTW, if you read any of my posts over the last few years (including the above three posts), I always make a point of referencing inrush current and LRA together (at least once) when discussing a/c compressors. I always do this to try and avoid any possible confusion. I assume you either missed it or you found it confusing?

@old wizard - I was in a motorcycle shop here in Denver getting parts for my bike.
Side by side there was a 2200 and 3200.

On a park I picked up the 3200 and was impressed with the weight. I then picked up tge 2200. I had to lift both of tgem a couple of times to really feel the difference. It was within 5lbs

Recently I purchased a winch to left my hitch from the back of the truck to the ground and back.

I’m just figuring I can use it to lift the generator into the back of the truck.

https://www.amazon.com/VEVOR-Gambrel-Adjustable-Height-Mounted/dp/B0BTD5TVSW/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?keywords=Deer+winch+hitch&qid=1681510575&sr=8-6

The micro air is on my ‘upgrade’ list for this year. Unfortunately, I’m outta time for this trip. I also found that here in Denver, when a roof is hail damaged snd there are solar panels attached, the insurance company covers tge replacement of the panes as well as the roof material at the same time. They are selling the used panels for a song. I’ve seen 300 watt used panels less than 5 years old for 75 a panel. If you can use a volt meter snd don’t mind picking thru tge psnels there are deals to be had.

Otrfun said; “BTW, if you read any of my posts over the last few years (including the above three posts), I always make a point of referencing inrush current and LRA together (at least once) when discussing a/c compressors. I always do this to try and avoid any possible confusion. I assume you either missed it or you found it confusing?”

I wasn’t confused, nor was I pointing out your ‘well put’ post, just trying to add a finer point of clarity for what’s often the uninitiated in the audience…

3 tons

3 tons wrote:

otrfun wrote:
BTW, if you read any of my posts over the last few years (including the above three posts), I always make a point of referencing inrush current and LRA together (at least once) when discussing a/c compressors. I always do this to try and avoid any possible confusion. I assume you either missed it or you found it confusing?

I wasn’t confused, nor was I pointing out your ‘well put’ post, just trying to add a finer point of clarity for what’s often the uninitiated in the audience…

3 tons

Thanks for the clarification.