A/C Hard Start Capacitor

by wildcatgps on 5/18/2011, 5:46 am

I have trouble starting my A/C with my two Yamaha 2400 generators, sometimes the generators will go into overload when the A/C starts. I camp in Colorado at high altitudes, one generator has been jetted for high altitudes, the other has not. I was wondering if anyone has installed a hard start capacitor on their A/C, I have read that it helps when starting the A/C and was wondering if it would help me in my case. I have attached a pretty good link explaining the capacitor and installation process (seems pretty easy).

http://www.modmyrv.com/2009/05/27/rv-air-conditioner-hard-start-capacitor

by Mopar_Earl on 5/18/2011, 11:17 am

I hear they help but don't know if it'll solve your issue. Are your gensets rated @ 2.4KW or is that continuous watts?

Do you have all the other breakers off so that only the A/C unit is the only item on the gensets? The converter draw can be enough to push the gensets into fault as it can pull 10 or so amps depending on battery charge level and how much DC loads are on it at the time.

I'd go ahead and re-jet the other genset so they run more equally and share the load better.

If your gensets are rated @ 2.4KW, the continuous rating will be lower and than you add the HP robbing high altitudes, your actual outputs will be lower than you think.

Also, don't run the gensets in economy and or auto idle as this will also make firing the A/C more difficult for the gensets. Economy and or auto idle are only meant for light loads.

Earl

by wildcatgps on 5/18/2011, 12:25 pm

Earl,

I appreciate the response. I think the 2.4KW is the rating, probably more than continuous. I never thought about turning the other breakers off, that is a great idea! Unfortunately I don't think the Yamahas have an economy mode - they automatically rev up when they detect a load (from what I can determine).

Thanks,
Randy

by Frank on 5/18/2011, 12:43 pm

I had my AC capacitor go bad last year. I installed one of those Hard Start capacitor. I have not had any other problems. I have not tried it with my 3500 generator yet.

by scottz on 5/24/2011, 5:08 pm

I installed one, but not sure if it changed anything. I can run my AC with twin Honda 2k's; even at altitude. Changing the cap was easy and not real expensive, so I did it.

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