New Coleman Soft Start Option vs Microair

chuckbear wrote:
As you said, "to help boost marginal voltage/amps with a special capacitor or appliance to help get the compressor going." While a soft start system reduces the start-up demand allowing less stress on the compressor and lets the AC units start up easier using a generator or in situations where the RV is already using a heavier load. So these are polar opposites, so if we are using the same name for both, we need to stop doing that so as not to confuse people and have them go out and buy the wrong system. This is from Mike Sokol...

"Sadly, no matter how much we all wish it were true, a hard start capacitor won’t help start an air conditioner compressor using a small generator.

I know that these aftermarket soft start controllers cost a lot of money, especially compared to a $10 Supco hard-start capacitor. But they aren’t the same thing at all. Hard start capacitors are really only useful on a capacitor start induction motor connected to low-voltage utility power."

Chuck

Well, after 42 years I have seen and installed Hard Start capacitors that do indeed work for marginal smaller Gensets and lower than correct 30 amp service line voltage. Over the years I have installed them on older RV AC units instead of replacing the compressor or the complete upper units and have saved my customers lots of dollars. I have even installed them on my 3 and 4 ton home residential units to start a marginal old compressor, that would not start occasionally and still working after 10 years. Saved me from either replacing the outdoor unit or the Compressor. Doug

PS, I still maintain this discussion is about starting on marginal Gensets or Line voltage which both appliances will do the job:)