j-d wrote:
"The A/C is already running..." is probably misinformation. Specifically, YES it's cooling, but NO it's probably cycling the compressor. Hopefully it's normal compressor startup after every Off Cycle. If it's Short Cycle (thermostat problem, user turns off in error and immediately turns back on) then it's still got High Side Pressure and will take a lot of amps to start. That HF meter will measure Running Amps and God Forbid "Locked Rotor Amps" (meaning compressor didn't turn over due to some malfunction) but it won't capture "start amps" sometimes called "inrush current." All of this discussion relates to how a "smart" Start Kit (with electronics or relay but not simply PTCR) will help.
Interesting! I may have made an incorrect assumption about how the overhead AC works. When I say "it is already running" the fan is blowing cool air. I thought when the desired temperature has been reached, the thermostat signals the AC which tells it to shut down the motor running the compressor and the fan. (the fan is on auto not on) When the temperature has risen enough, the thermostat signals the compressor motor to start and the fan motor. Are you saying that the compressor motor cycles on and off while the fan will continue running? If we turn the AC from on to off, it stops immediately. Should it continue running? My home central AC does.
Since we've had power shut off suddenly, we've had the short cycle issue of course. I generally turn off the AC at the thermostat before flipping the breaker back although I've forgotten that more than once. :(
