Hard start AC

[frecku]

I have a 15,000 BTU AC on my class C, recently it started popping my breaker at start up, maybe it is because it is i the 100's or because I use a 50' 30Amp cord. All equipment is well maintained and serviced.

To the point, I saw these "hard-start capacitors" sounds great, does anyone have them and do they really work ?

[frecku]

Thanks for all the posts.

When I start the AC I make sure nothing else is on, even the fridge is on propane. I have a Coleman unit forgot the model but I called the company and the rep told me that there is a significance difference in Amp draw depending on outside temperature.

So if you are running at 80F makes a big difference than jumping to 100F

Second point is that at start up it might need 3000W to get going then a minute later my unit only needs 1600W. I can attest to that.

I run 2 Honda EU2000i generators which barely get it going, then if I am not charging or running anything I switch one off to save on gas. The AC runs smoothly and at the outlets it measures 115V.

If I had other items running my voltage drops down to 105V, should it fall to 100V my inline surge protector shuts it down to protect the compressor.

[rkentzel]

double

[rkentzel]

If your using the proper size generatior you should not need on at all. That being said they are used on compressors that are hard to start regardless if used on a generator or pluged in. The hard starts were not developed just for generator service. They are used in home ac units as well. If you need a hard start to run your compressor at some point in the future you could be looking at replacing a compressor.

[snowdance]

Breakers do fail. Perhaps replacing it first might be a good idea. You can use the old one at another time if thats not the problem..

[sail2liv]

BTW you did not say what all you had on when trying to start the a/c
hot water heater, coffee pot, converter, etc.....with converter and a/c on in our unit, that can be as much as 21 amps....make sure hot water heater electric 110 is off.....as that could be what is setting off the break.....do you use a surge protector to check the volts and amps?

[DwnSth]

Just installed one on my 13.5 BTU so I can run with generator. The Supco SPP6 should be all you need (Same capacitor regardless of unit size). Less than $10.00 and relatively easy to install if you don't mind getting on your roof and opening up the AC. I found that many AC units don't come with any start capacitor much less a hard start version. Before, even on shore power, we would notice the compressor would drag and even on occasion trip the shore breaker. With the capacitor in place, the compressor start is almost instant.

[sail2liv]

I do not know, but from what I have read on these boards they are a must for generator operation -- they say it allows the compressor to start before the fan comes on....not sure if this is right, but they are probably a good idea....as we have a 15000 and the champion runs it but when put the surge protector inline it get an intermittent red light....so I refrain from trying it with generator until I get a hard start cap......good luck keep us posted.....