Running AC from Generator 150 feet away
I have a TT with a 13,500 BTU Dometic AC and am struggling with finding a good way to power it. My off grid property has an Onan 5.5 KW propane generator for use when the solar system needs charged or...
Forum Discussion
You are basically pushing the limits for voltage drop with 10g wires if you limit it to 5% (fairly typical limit).
If the 150' doesn't include the 30' built in cord or there are additional internal runs from the generator to the plug, a poor quality connection that eats up some voltage or maybe the generator isn't putting out what it should (no load voltage often can appear fine but drops under load.
Suggestions:
- Check all connections to make sure they are clean shiny with no corrosion.
- If possible, move the trailer closer and see if the voltage stays up with just the 30' built in cord. (if not possible, is there something in the house with similar draw you can check to confirm the generator voltage stays up when under a significant load).
If all those check out, it's probably just voltage drop due to the distance.
- If there is excess cord coiled up, can you cut it down? If it's 5-10' probably not worth the trouble but if you can cut 30-50' out, it might make the difference.
- Switch to a heavier gauge cord.
- Consider a voltage booster (aka: autoformer). At 99v, it may still be marginal. Our's gives a 10% boost which still leaves you below 110v.
If the 150' doesn't include the 30' built in cord or there are additional internal runs from the generator to the plug, a poor quality connection that eats up some voltage or maybe the generator isn't putting out what it should (no load voltage often can appear fine but drops under load.
Suggestions:
- Check all connections to make sure they are clean shiny with no corrosion.
- If possible, move the trailer closer and see if the voltage stays up with just the 30' built in cord. (if not possible, is there something in the house with similar draw you can check to confirm the generator voltage stays up when under a significant load).
If all those check out, it's probably just voltage drop due to the distance.
- If there is excess cord coiled up, can you cut it down? If it's 5-10' probably not worth the trouble but if you can cut 30-50' out, it might make the difference.
- Switch to a heavier gauge cord.
- Consider a voltage booster (aka: autoformer). At 99v, it may still be marginal. Our's gives a 10% boost which still leaves you below 110v.
