GENERATOR to run your A/C
I posted this here because I'd imagine the pop-up campers would have the smallest A/Cs. What size generator is required to run your small A/C ?
Forum Discussion
Depends on the size of the A/C. 9000 BTU or less might run on a 2KW genset with good surge capabilities, 15,000 BTU might need as much as 4KW. In between is in between, and that's where it gets quite iffy, starting loads of the A/C vs surge capacity of the genset. Most RV air conditioners up to 15,000 BTU are rated to run on a 20-amp circuit (e.g. 2400 watt generator nominally) but draw huge extra power to start the compressors. Many generators handle this load with a brief drop in speed, as un-used rotational energy gets converted to electrical energy for less than a second or two. Not all generator designs are capable of doing this, so look at "surge" ratings on the generator.
Every A/C manufacturer recommends a generator size for each of their models in the owner's manual or installation manual, and sometimes in the sales brochure. Typically it is a lot more generator than the buyer would like to pay for. Coleman wants 4KW to run my A/C, and the generator feel the load every time the compressor starts.
Every A/C manufacturer recommends a generator size for each of their models in the owner's manual or installation manual, and sometimes in the sales brochure. Typically it is a lot more generator than the buyer would like to pay for. Coleman wants 4KW to run my A/C, and the generator feel the load every time the compressor starts.
