PrivatePilot wrote:
Although the converter and the 120V circuitry, breakers, etc. commonly share a single spot in the trailer, they are two distinctly different units under the hood.
Typically the only interconnection between the two is where the converter power source wires run to the 120 V side and draw power for the converter.
On my trailer the converter is wired to the same circuit breaker as almost every since receptacle in the trailer, with the exception of the one that the microwave is plugged into in the cabinet, and the one outside GFI plug...so when that breaker is off, so is the converted.
As part of my modifications try to get my air conditioner to run on a smaller generator that I owned at one point, I actually installed a toggle switch next to the converter that allows me to shut it off without having to cut power to all the other receptacles in the trailer. Although I don't think that's necessary in your case, it is an option if you find out that the converter is somehow hardwired in such a way that turning breakers off won't kill the power to it.
My converter shared a circuit breaker with many outlets, too. My panel had room for additional breakers, thus I added 2 more. I cut the wire which was tied to the converter and plugs and gave the converter its own breaker.
I too have problems starting my AC unit. I put a toggle to the blower relay inside the air handler to cut the blower on the low side. With the gensets running with eco off, I can start the compressor. Then I flip the blower on. I tried a hard start capacitor #spp7. That was before I bought the Champion models. The capacitor ultimately failed. I now have a clamp meter capable of testing and reading the capacity of the original capacitors. If time permits today, I'll see if they are good. I checked local supply and nobody had the spp6e. Our safety Trailer at the Firehouse was able to be started with another Chinese knockoff inverter generator. On checking the AC unit, the capacitors looked a little different. This trailer was set up for generator use initially.
My modules have both been changed out. The spec on the shipping paper indicated non-exterior breaker. Since changing the modules, I have been able to reliably start my pancake compressor, electric power washer and skill saw with no issues. It is just the AC unit. Anyhow, time to put my daughter to bed and get the kids outside and take the AC unit apart and check those capacitors.
