AC tripping generator
Hey all. I seem to be having some AC issues unfortunately. I ran some diagnostics but I haven't been able to figure out the problem.
I'm using a Westinghouse igen4500df generator. This should be more than enough to start an AC however it's hit or miss. Sometimes it starts up, other times it just hums until the generator trips its overload protection.
I've tested the resistance of my compressor coils and they show no resistance. My capacitors are very close to their ratings (both within 2%). Motor starter is on the low end kf its 43-52 rating at 43.8 but shouldn't be causing the issue if it's within range.
On the generator side I've ran a few test and need to run a bit more because I forgot some data. But what I have so far is here:
A successful startup did a draw of 28-30 amps.
An unsuccessful startup maxes out the generator at 48 amps but the voltage was down to 95v during the heavy draw period. After about 5 seconds it trips the overload
The generators low voltage goes all the way down to 55v on initial heavy draw and comes back to 95v in under a second and back to 120v or so within 2 seconds except when it has the unsuccessful start. It doesn't get passed 95v and 48 amps.
I'm measuring from the start of the generator line using true rms equipment so these voltages are probably lower at the compressor.
The fan motor spins freely. I did not check the refrigerant. It does get nice and cold when on.
I do want to get a soft start but I'm still baffled that a 4500 watt generator can't start a single AC system. I run my 15k BTU AC uni in my shed no problem.
Any suggestions on what else to look at? Is this somehow normal for a unit without a soft start? Are Westinghouse generators just junk?
I'm using a Westinghouse igen4500df generator. This should be more than enough to start an AC however it's hit or miss. Sometimes it starts up, other times it just hums until the generator trips its overload protection.
I've tested the resistance of my compressor coils and they show no resistance. My capacitors are very close to their ratings (both within 2%). Motor starter is on the low end kf its 43-52 rating at 43.8 but shouldn't be causing the issue if it's within range.
On the generator side I've ran a few test and need to run a bit more because I forgot some data. But what I have so far is here:
A successful startup did a draw of 28-30 amps.
An unsuccessful startup maxes out the generator at 48 amps but the voltage was down to 95v during the heavy draw period. After about 5 seconds it trips the overload
The generators low voltage goes all the way down to 55v on initial heavy draw and comes back to 95v in under a second and back to 120v or so within 2 seconds except when it has the unsuccessful start. It doesn't get passed 95v and 48 amps.
I'm measuring from the start of the generator line using true rms equipment so these voltages are probably lower at the compressor.
The fan motor spins freely. I did not check the refrigerant. It does get nice and cold when on.
I do want to get a soft start but I'm still baffled that a 4500 watt generator can't start a single AC system. I run my 15k BTU AC uni in my shed no problem.
Any suggestions on what else to look at? Is this somehow normal for a unit without a soft start? Are Westinghouse generators just junk?
