Your last generator Maintenance Run

[ultrarunner]

You could also use a Generlink inter-connect...

No modification required or alterations.

Generlink.com

 

[Popgadget]

Here’s a link to a “hard start kit”. They significantly reduce the starting current of an AC compressor, making it much easier for a generator to get it started.

5-2-1 Compressor Saver (Hard Start Kit) for A/C Technicians

 

[number two]

Here’s a link to a “hard start kit”. They significantly reduce the starting current of an AC compressor, making it much easier for a generator to get it started.

5-2-1 Compressor Saver (Hard Start Kit) for A/C Technicians

Looks cool!
Any idea of the cost?

 

[grsthegreat]

Post the tonnage of your AC.... somebody may be able to ballpark that surge level.

I can't remember the trade-name at the moment, but I'm thinking we've had modules posted on here that will help buffer that startup current.

Rgds, D.

there called Sure Start, by Hyper Engineering. Not the easiest install, but one of them dropped the inrush amperage of my 4 ton A/C unit from 97 amps to aprox 22 amps. Now my generator doesnt even burp when ac starts up.

 

[grsthegreat]

Here’s a link to a “hard start kit”. They significantly reduce the starting current of an AC compressor, making it much easier for a generator to get it started.

5-2-1 Compressor Saver (Hard Start Kit) for A/C Technicians

Those are for compressors nearing their end of life. One of those actually destroyed my old heat pump. The Hyper Engineering Sure Start is an electronic SOFT STARTER. They have served me well over the years. On my own unit it took a 97 amp start up inrush and dropped it to 22 amps.

 

[daugen]

There really very easy to install. They come with templets and good instructions. There all UL Approved. You need to run 6/3 romex with ground between new breaker in panel (generator feed) and input outlet and your good for 50 amps. The generator feed breaker would be a 50 amp. But first thing to know is brand and model of panel with main breaker.

But since it is a rental, landlord will probably want it installed by a licensed electrician due to the insurance. I used to have rental property and i always insisted on licensed work. The law suits that could result from shoddy, unlicensed work was too much to contemplate... thats why i got out of it.

The interlocks are great and eliminate the possibility of backfeeding power into the grid.
Similar interlock system on my last boat, mechanical prevention of having both lines hot. I've seen other alternatives with little metal bars, but
the one I highlighted in solid metal just looked sturdier to me. Whereas on my rv, must be fully automatic because no interlock at all.
Backfeeding juice into main lines in an outage is a good way to kill a utility worker...talk about a lawsuit.

I spent most of my career in the insurance business and paid a lot of claims brought on by unlicensed "this can't be hard" guys and the two men in a truck outfits.
And actually the install doesn't sound hard, but anything that can kill me or start a fire is way off my plate. I'm also a past active fireman and put out too many home fires caused by
inadequate wiring, extension cords, etc. Am a real believer in doing things to code. Yes, part of original discussion with landlord will be approval on this and my guarantee that all work
will be licensed and to code. After that, it's just an improvement/new feature to their rental and adds value. Needless to say, I'd take the gen with me if/when I moved.
I have been so spoiled by my last two houses Generac automatic systems, but the total cost of those installed seems to be at least double the cost of what I'm contemplating.
Am budgeting 1000 dollars for this, does that sound reasonable? (not including gen...another grand) thanks

 

[Popgadget]

Those are for compressors nearing their end of life. One of those actually destroyed my old heat pump. The Hyper Engineering Sure Start is an electronic SOFT STARTER. They have served me well over the years. On my own unit it took a 97 amp start up inrush and dropped it to 22 amps.

Not really. They are an additional capacitor that provides a phase change to make the start use less current. The capacitor is dropped out of the circuit by a potential relay as soon as the initial inrush is over. We use them all the time for generator installations. Many OEM manufacturers offer them as an option or include them on their higher end offerings. This is changing now with the advance of inverter and VFD controlled compressors.
Your unit was likely at the end of its life, and the hard start was added as a band aid, it’s very unlikely that it caused its demise.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Good topic d. I'm sure plenty of other people are interested in seeing these responses.

Rgds, D.

Second that remark.

 

[grsthegreat]

Not really. They are an additional capacitor that provides a phase change to make the start use less current. The capacitor is dropped out of the circuit by a potential relay as soon as the initial inrush is over. We use them all the time for generator installations. Many OEM manufacturers offer them as an option or include them on their higher end offerings. This is changing now with the advance of inverter and VFD controlled compressors.
Your unit was likely at the end of its life, and the hard start was added as a band aid, it’s very unlikely that it caused its demise.

well according to several heating contractors i work with, they absolutely do not want a hard srart kit added, only a soft start. So who knows.

 

[shaeff]

Post the tonnage of your AC.... somebody may be able to ballpark that surge level.

I can't remember the trade-name at the moment, but I'm thinking we've had modules posted on here that will help buffer that startup current.

Rgds, D.

I'm 99% sure it's a 2 Ton unit. I do remember reading something about a "hard start kit" or something along those lines. I'll head off to the black hole of the interwebs and poke around a bit. That's usually a good plan to lighten my wallet...

I had forgotten about them until you just mentioned it.

Edit: so it seems that just putting a "hard start kit" which is just a bigger start capacitor on the condenser unit is all that's needed. It just piggybacks onto the existing capacitor. Found one on Amazon for $13 shipped and has great reviews...

Edit2: I didn’t realize so many posts happened between mine- after reading further, grs posted about an Emerson unit that truly soft-starts the compressor so that’s the route that seems best, albeit more expensive.