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mattd
Member
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# Posted: 14 May 2022 11:20pm
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My 2200w inverter gen runs my 8k btu window unit.
The ac is a new LG. It’s obviously at the edge of what the gen is capable of powering.
Is there any benefit to installing a hard start capacitor anyway? Like it would be easier on all components.
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Steve_S
Member
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# Posted: 15 May 2022 08:21am
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Terminology, Hard Sart will not get you anywhere. You are looking for a Soft-Start Module which prevents the initial start surge.
There are many brands and several varieties and of course at all sorts of price points. Hint, don't go cheap! Not a penny pincher item.
Here is one Generic but good quality retrofit capable modules. https://www.microair.net/collections/easystart-soft-starters
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travellerw
Member
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# Posted: 15 May 2022 07:19pm
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What Steve posted is the right solution, but its pretty pricey.
Anyway.. Let me see if I can explain the whole "hard start" capacitor thing. Electric motors have a large "in-rush" current when they are started. This is due to multiple things, but largely changing everything at rest to "in-motion". Once that has happened the current to actually run the motor is much much less. Compressor pumps are even worse as there is pressure in the system that also resists the motion start (higher in rush current).
A hard start capacitor is installed to help with that initial in rush. Since its basically a high discharge power storage device, it helps provide power to bridge that initial high in rush current. However, it can really only help so much. There is a point of diminishing returns for size and rating of capacitor.
The "Soft-Start" module that Steve posted is a completely different beast. It uses an intelligent algorithm to slowly ramp the motor/pump up to massively reduce that in rush current. There are so effective that many smaller generator that couldn't run bigger AC units, work fine once these items are installed. (e.g. the Honda 2200 can run a 15K BTU RV AC with this device installed).
Ok.. So the point.. Either a Soft-Start or a Hard Start Cap are only used during the initial start up. After that, the literally do nothing for the running system.
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mattd
Member
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# Posted: 16 May 2022 05:44pm
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Right, so should I bother with the 15 minutes to install the hard start cap, and the $12 cost?
If it will help take some stress off everything at that initial start up it’s a no brainer.
If it won’t do any good because my gen already starts my ac comp then I won’t waste the time.
Good info on the soft start and a 15k btu ac. That higher price might be worth it to run the camper off grid.
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travellerw
Member
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# Posted: 16 May 2022 08:05pm
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Quoting: mattd If it will help take some stress off everything at that initial start up it’s a no brainer. If it won’t do any good because my gen already starts my ac comp then I won’t waste the time.
You will probably see some help in starting with a cap installed.. How much help, depends. The AC probably has a small one already installed at the factory.
Is it worth the time.. Well if you are bored and looking for something to do, then $12 is a cheap investment.
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gcrank1
Member
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# Posted: 16 May 2022 09:34pm
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$12 and under an hour sounds worth it to me; Ive wasted more money and time on worse ideas......
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okanvicsel
Member
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# Posted: 17 May 2022 07:32am
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thanks the informations.
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