Honda 2000 gen starts my AC....

[lawrosa]

I borrowed my work generator on a new job I started. It starts my 13.5K btu A/C. This is a 2000 watt Honda.. Say 13.3 amps on the 120v outlet

My other buddy bought the harbor freight 2200 watt inverter gen.. it dont start it at all.. Mine or his... goes into overload too quick..

Anyone else running their a/c on a honda 2000?

Mind you I started 3 out of 4 times before going to overload.. Batterys fully charges and no other loads. I run a/c on fan on high for few moments that switch to high cool..

This is a duo therm unit..

I then brought it to my buddy s and it starts his Coleman a/c on his living light..

Anyone have any advice on this??/

[otrfun]

For those who would like to get past the many anecdotal, doomsday comments about running a 13.5k BTU a/c with one EU2000i, these two steps may help you gain a more objective perspective on the actual risk and chance of success:

1. Check the LRA (locked rotor amp) rating for your current or prospective 13.5k BTU a/c unit. If it's 50a or lower, odds are very high you can reliably start it with one EU2000i with the Eco mode on. Almost a sure thing with the Eco mode off. Once you're reasonably confident you can start it, now you can focus on step 2, running it.

2. Check the continuous current rating of your current or prospective 13.5k BTU a/c unit. Typically, the continuous current rating for the vast majority of 13.5k BTU a/c's range from 10-14a. Honda says the EU2000i can reliably provide 13.3a of current indefinitely, and 16.6a for up to 30 minutes. Assuming the LRA (from step 1) is low enough to allow reliable starts, and you trust Honda, then it's reasonable to assume one EU2000i has sufficient continuous power to reliably run the vast majority of 13.5k BTU a/c's.

Ok, so you don't trust Honda? Have a low tolerance for risk? Well, you do have the option of making life kinder and more gentler for your EU2000i. Simply purchase/use a 13.5k BTU a/c that has a continuous current rating much closer to 10a (along with a sufficiently low LRA).

If you're uncomfortable pushing your EU2000i to 10a, well, you may want to reconsider that drive to work this morning . . . I've heard it can be potentially fatal.

[pianotuna]

For more reliable starting add a hybrid inverter that will do load support.

[bikendan]

I've run my 13.5 a/c with my Honda 2000.
Was even able to run it in Yellowstone but I only ran it for a short time to see if it would.

[SteveAE]

You might want to try running it....for a hour or more when it is hot outside....before you get too excited. Even if you are successful doing so, answer this question. Do you really want to rely (in really hot weather and/or at a remote boondocking site) on a system that is working at (or even above) it's rated specifications?

I can easily start my 13,500 BTU AC with a single Honda EU2000i as well. However, starting is not the problem. Running it for any length of time (esp. at altitude) and/or when it is hot (like above about 70 degrees) is. I have attacked this problem from many different directions and the only reasonably conclusion (for me) is to use two generators. Your experience may be different....but I really doubt it.

[TomG2]

The Honda is smarter than....... Let's just say that it has built in safeguards that keep it from destroying itself. Running air conditioners is a hit or miss thing at best. I am three for five of my last few units at various temperatures and elevations. I only do it for a temporary cool down while traveling, not for day after day.

[road-runner]

If you comb through the archives you will find posts from numerous RVers routinely running a 13,500 BTU air conditioner with the eu2000i, more often than not a Dometic Brisk Air. Success with other brands is low. You'll also read that either the air conditioner will burn up from low voltage, even though it's 115 or higher, or the generator will burn up, even though the running power draw is comfortably under the generator's maximum continuous rating (with the Brisk Air). For success you definitely have to manage the AC loads, and don't rely on it at higher altitudes. Best to monitor the running voltage. If it's at or near 120, you're IMO not abusing the air conditioner or the generator. Just have to see what works for you.

[MrWizard]

Calicajun wrote:
Takes about 3,200 watts to tun an A/C unit.

where in the word did you get that number ?

12.5 amps times 120v, roughly 1800w to run an A/C unit

3200w would be about 26 amps at 120v

[SoundGuy]

lawrosa wrote:
Anyone have any advice on this??

Try it at much higher elevation when outside ambient temps are beyond the mid 80s and you'll be sorely disappointed. 😞

[2oldman]

As mentioned here many times, doing this long term won't be good for your gen. For that you should have 2.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

What is your objective?

[Calicajun]

Takes about 3,200 watts to tun an A/C unit.