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My generator can't keep up with my air conditioner (marine), power factor cap?

I have a little honda eu2000i generator which overload-protects at 13.3 amps. I have a Polar Bay 7000btu 120v/9amp (reported) air conditioner on my sailboat. The AC works great when plugged into shore power but the generator overload-protects within 10 seconds of the compressor kicking on. I'm pretty sure this is because of the power factor. How do I add a capacitor to the 120v line to help the generator stay online? Is there a better (more modular) way to solve this?

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    These particular type of gennies don't have any headroom when it comes to their power ratings - the 2000 watts is the maximum output, the normal long-term output is closer to 1600 watts.

    The electronics are conservative, but remember too that the output is from an inverter - not direct off the alternator. Turn off the eco-throttle.

    The next size up unit may be required. This Honda model is very good - I have friends that use then in RAP systems in remote areas.

    Power factor corrections are complicated, and require a lot of measured info - calculations based on the math make a lot of assumptions.

  • 1 decade ago

    Make sure that U have no other power usage have short power cable of adequate size. start fan first. It's 9 amps running but around 14amps on start up.The Honda should handle the A/C seems the breaker is weak from being tripped to many times replace it with a new 1.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    look at ac and look for full load amps, generator ratings are peak ratings so multiply max output x .707 then see if you have a large enough generator be sure to count all secondary circuits adding a capacitor will impove power factor but if you havent determined power factor you wont know what size cap to get. and you woud have known that. if you were an electrician. inrush of amps at initial start of ac may be higher than at speed try running fan fist then set temp setting on ac or get a bigger gen

    Source(s): ELI the ICE man
  • 1 decade ago

    If this is one of those hondas with the eco throttle system, try turning the eco throttle off because the rpms may bounce around enough to acutally kill itself. hope this helps!

    Source(s): Using a honda gen on a mooring to power a microwave...
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