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Goldbrick's avatar
Goldbrick
Explorer
Apr 24, 2022

Slow start system for air conditioner

I have a 13 amp air conditioner that works fine but when not connected to a land electrical source but with my 2200 Honda generator (16 amps) it just about starts up. In looking for what’s called a slow start system there are a number of units in the $350.00 area. I’ve also found a hard start capcitor kit that appears to do the same thing for $20.00. Can someone explain the difference

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  • _1Flyboy's avatar
    _1Flyboy
    Explorer II
    Apr 25, 2022
    When I start up my A/C I make sure refrigerator is running on propane; then I turn thermostat to run the fan; after the fan has run for a few seconds I turn the thermostat to run A/C….. A/C starts & runs fine… U might try that sequence if’s you don’t want to shell out the $$$….
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Apr 25, 2022
    That one generator will be working hard and LOUD running it, and you'll have a heck of a time running anything else, including your converter.
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    Apr 25, 2022
    time2roll wrote:
    The $20 kits are generally an additional start capacitor. These work great on the older models that had none. Most of the newer models already have this feature and the kit would have limited effect.

    Without getting into the electrical engineering of AC motors, a larger or an additional starting capacitor could making starting current draw worse !

    EasyStart by Micro-Air is a highly recommended soft starter.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Apr 24, 2022
    The $20 kits are generally an additional start capacitor. These work great on the older models that had none. Most of the newer models already have this feature and the kit would have limited effect.

    Best to open the junction box on the roof and get a picture of what is in there. Post that and the make/model of the air conditioner for best answers.

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