question about parallel generators

[scottsnider]

I have a 2300 generator that has a run speed of 1800 which is not enough to run my AC (30A). So my question is what is the smallest size generator I could use in parallel to bring it up to run the AC? I will be honest and say I don't know the AC need but it will run off my 120a house current at home without struggling. Common 3 prong plug at home. I have a Coleman hybrid trailer that is end to end 21 ft, says 18 for the box.

[scottsnider]

I am sorry yes my Generator is a inverter type.

[BFL13]

"Running speed" is assumed to mean "continuous watts". So the 2300w gen does 1800w.

In ads for paralleling, they say it will double the output, but this is false. Two of those will not do 2 x 1800 = 3600. However, two of those might still be enough to run your air conditioner. Needs more info on the A/C's draw.

EG, a B&S "P2200" gen is rated at 1700w continuous. Paralleling those gets you maximum output of:

two P2200s = 3000 watts (not twice 1700 notice!)
one P2200 and one P3000= 3000w (which is more than the 3000's cont.)
two P3000s = 4800 watts

So you see how that works. It has much to do with the actual ratings of the receptacles on the "parallel kit". Each generator brand has its own versions of those and they vary.

In the table above, you see that the 2200 and 3000 combo is limited to 3000 same as for two 2200s. This is because you have to use the parallel kit that has the connections that fit the smaller gen parallel plug-ins. Same with odd size combos of other brands like Champion.

[time2roll]

Some 2300 watt generators CAN run some air conditioners in some conditions.
Hitting the very minimum size will be impossible except to say 4000 watts should run your air in virtually all conditions.
Also consider you may just need a start capacitor or an improved electronic start capacitor such as Micro-Air.
Another solution might be to add an inverter that combines power with the generator to handle the start surge.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Unless that 1800 is an inverter generator don't even dream about paralleling it to any other generator. I repaired generators to one megawatt (1,000,000 watts) and even they need to meet certain criteria for synchronous operation. If it's an 1800 watt inverter generator that's another path especially if it has a paralleling connector port.

The big boys is where I learned to love Woodward governors and Delco H9000 voltage regulators. Minimize alpha-beta tendencies.

[troubledwaters]

Is it an inverter generator? If yes, the size of the two doesn't matter, what ever size gets you to approx 3600 running watts (depending the size of the AC). If it's not an inverter generator, you can't parallel it.

[romore]

Without kknowing how many amps your a/c draws we can't answer your question. However, 30A at 120V equals 3600 watts so you are short 1300. I have never seen a small 1800 rpm generator, it must be a heavy little beast.

[Lwiddis]

Have you considered a soft start unit for the AC?