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Small Cabin Forum / Off-Grid Living / running a/c off generator
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bukhntr
Member
# Posted: 28 Jan 2013 08:23pm
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I have a 12x28 and want to run a window a/c off generator. Summers typically reach 100's. What size btu do you use and Generator to power it. I thought a small 5000 Btu would do but brochure says only will do 150 sqft. So I am looking at a 10000 btu according to the brochure. It pulls 9.8 amps, 115v. The formula I found is amp x volt = watts which is 1127 watts, does this mean I need a 2000 watt generator, the ac is the only thing being powered. It would be great to hear what setups you have brands too if you know.

Moving Pictures
Member
# Posted: 29 Jan 2013 06:53am
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Your math is correct. However, the green/hippie part of me wants to urge you to insulate your cabin, put some thermal mass in there, shade your windows, and take other actions to achieve cooling without sucking back dinosaur juice.

cman47c
Member
# Posted: 29 Jan 2013 08:12am
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The 9.8 Amps @ 115 VAC sounds low for the 10000 BTU. Thats a pretty big AC. However the startup load for the AC compressor is large, probably by a factor of 3. For 1127 watts, I think you would need at least 3000 watt generator but probably larger.

Dillio187
Member
# Posted: 29 Jan 2013 08:27am
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I run a 5000 btu from my Honda EU1000i, but just barely...

toyota_mdt_tech
Member
# Posted: 29 Jan 2013 06:21pm
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Rule of thumb for a 110VAC AC units, the BTU's, ie in this case, 10,000, you need minimum 10 amps. A 13,500 need 13.5 amps, and a 15,500 needs 15.5 amps. I run a 9000 watt Coleman Polar Cub in my enclosed utility trailer with my Honda EU2000i. But if I shut it iff, it wont start till head pressure in the system drops a bit.

I did mass research on this before installing an RV roof mounted AC in my cargo trailer. And I made the conection between BTU's and amps.

If I was you, I'd get a Honda EU3000i, it wil run your AC with ease (10,000 BTU) plus a little extra for other items.

Anonymous
# Posted: 30 Jan 2013 07:55am
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I have a 14x20 insulated cabin and power it with a 5500W/ 6500 W generator. I use a 6000BTU AC unit and it works great. I run lights, refrig, tv, and dvd player with no problem. I would think you need 4-5k W generator to run the 5000BTU AC effectively.

bukhntr
Member
# Posted: 31 Jan 2013 05:21pm
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what size cabin, summer temps do you have

mjmmessina
Member
# Posted: 1 Feb 2013 09:40am - Edited by: mjmmessina
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The cabin is 14x20 with cathedral ceiling and a small loft. It is in Central WV so the summer High temps avg mid 80's to low 90's with humid air. The 6000BTU AC works fine. When I arrive, it takes about an hour to cool it off but then it cycles on and off after that.

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