The "rule of thumb" to convert from Tons of AC to KW is tons X 3.516 = 12.3
Kw (in this case). None of the generators you mentioned are going to carry
the running current of the AC, to say nothing of the inrush to start the
compressor, that would probably require closer to a 30 Kw, maybe 50 Kw
generator!
Generators are a very finite current source so if the load requires a lot of
current to start i.e.; AC or refrigerator compressor motor, it is likely to
trip off on overload, even starting the well pump may need to have more
"head room" in order to get the pump motor started. the inrush of a motor is
the "Locked Rotor Amps" (LRA) and that is typically 5 to 9 times the motors
running current.
Good luck,
Jim
-----Original Message-----
From: shop-talk-owner@autox.team.net
[mailto:shop-talk-owner@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of Scott Hall
Sent: Thursday, September 02, 2004 5:30 PM
To: shop-talk@autox.team.net
Subject: quick generator help?
y'all
I'm in florida, right in frances' projected path. I have access to a
10,000 watt (that'd be 10kW by my reckoning) twin-cylinder honda generator,
a 3 cylinder diesel 8 kW generator, or a 4 cylinder diesel (I think it
might be ~8kW as well) generator.
the honda is $2000, the 3-cyl diesel is $3,000, and the 4-cylinder is $2500.
my question is more about the rated kW of each. are they rated like air
compressors, where 10 kW isn't, in fact, 10 kW? I tend to believe the
4-cyl diesel would deliver the most power, followed by the 3-cyl, then the
honda. as well, the 4-cyl is mounted on a skid and huge, the 3 on a
trailer, and the honda is a little bitty lookin' thing. how can it
possible out-supply the bigger ones?
and then question 2: will any of these run a central a/c system? if I'm
spending, I'd like to be able to run everything, even if not all at
once. I looked on the a/c system for ratings/info, and couldn't find
any. I figure any of those will run everything else (fridge, well pump,
water heater), but I'm not sure about the a/c. if anyone could even hazard
a guess, I'd appreciate it.
for what it's worth, it's a 3.5 ton 19 seer carrier weathermaker. rule of
thumb? wild guess?
thanks in advance.
scott
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