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debandi's avatar
debandi
Explorer
Nov 22, 2013

Onan 7500 Watt Generator

We have an Onan 7500 watt generator that we run while driving to keep the AC's running and keep the coach cool. Lately, every time we run the AC's using the Generator the 35A circuit breaker on the generator trips. We had this circuit breaker replaced thinking it was getting weak but, that didn't solve the problem. Both AC's work fine while hooked up to 50A shore power.

Any suggestions as to what the problem may be?

7 Replies

  • My Onan was triping one of the brakers, ran the self tset
    and it was running high cycles when it would load and unlode..
    the generator....HIGH RPM = HIGH CYCLE....63/65 Cycles...Tenn
  • Thanks for all the helpful answers. The A/C's are original equipment so we'll get the current draw checked and check out that hard start capacitor kit. Again thanks for the input.
    Happy Thanksgiving to all
  • I think that I would check the current on each air conditioner unit. It may be that one is running a little higher than normal. You say that it runs fine on 50A shore power, but that is an extra 15A and not enough to trip the breaker. The air conditioning unit may just be dirty causing the compressor to run a little harder. Hope these ideas help.
  • The inverter could draw a lot of amps depending upon what is on. Turn it off and consider turning off other CBs except perhaps the refer.

    Also depending upon the AC size they draw a lot of amps up to 15.5A. So I'd guess:

    1. Startup surge current is the cause.
    2. ACs can start to use more startup current if they have a hard start capacitor and it's going south. This sounds like your case.
    3. Or if not equipped with the hard start kit consider adding them.
    4. It could be related to the age on the ACs.
    5. It could also be loose or coroded wire connections.
  • The inverter is on, the water heater is off.
    We had a 1999 HR Imperial that when we ran the AC's on the 7500W Generator worked fine.

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