can a central AC run off a portable generator?
logastellus
10 years ago
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wirenut1110
10 years agowirenut1110
10 years agoRelated Discussions
central ac unit fans run in reverse?
Comments (21)I have replaced two evaporator fans for family members who could not afford a repairman. One of the units was designed to suck air in the other to blow it out. You can save big bucks by using the knock off motors. I bought one for kid u not $35. The last one was $75 :-( but the original TRANE motor retailed for ever two hundred. I had to cut the shaft to make it fit and figure out that the original dual capacitor could still be utilized to start the compressor even though the knock off motor required its own run capacitor but everything is clearly labeled so it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out. The knock off motors have reversing wires such that when you switch them the direction of the fan motor reverses. Sometimes I switch them just for the heck of it. It's kind of fun. No difference in cooling or efficiency as far as I can tell. Sometimes I trick my wife and ask her if that fan is sucking or blowing. After she answers I go out and switch the wires to prove her wrong. :-). This sounds hard but it's really easy. Unless you want to leave this earth literally and figuratively make sure the 220 breaker is OFF. Some electricians put the 220 in the main breaker box but only label the low voltage control circuits. They figure this way there will be fewer guys messing with their own AC compressors because those guys will be dead. If you haven't switched off a dual circuit breaker with at least 40 amps you've still got 220 volts in the circuit! Regardless of the fakey 20 amp breaker labeled AIRCONDITIONING SYSTEM. when all else fails check the voltage going into the contactor switch with a volt meter. If you don't know how to do that call a repairman and while you write that check for $500 smile while telling yourself IM STILL ALIVE :-)...See Morerun MIG off 5000 watt portable generator?
Comments (1)Should be OK, but you may have voltage sag at arc starting. It is unlikely to damage anything if the 5000 watts is a continuous rating and not a BS 'peak' rating. Welders tend to draw some extra current when the arc is struck, and this is not included in the input current of the device since it only lasts a brief time. If the welder has a 25 A input rating @ 120 V you can only draw ~3000 watts continuous, so a 5000 watt continuous generator should be adequate....See MoreCan we run generator in garage?
Comments (13)Hi, No!!! Is the short answer. The !!! are because I think this is dangerous because of Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Many people die becuase they ran a petrol portable generator in a garage during a storm and did not realise the dangers. Having said this, there are generators designed and installed to run indoors in basements etc. However you will need exhaust ducts, air intake vents and fuel lines installed specially. This adds to cost. A good site about home generator installation is here: http://members.rennlist.com/warren/generator.html He explains how a portable generator can be used. Depending on your budget and needs, my guestimation is: 1) Portable petrol unit + transfer switch. $US 800 - $US 2300 for the generator plus $US 500 to $US 1000 for instalation. Power 5kw-7kw. Downside is you need to wheel this portable thing about. Good cheap solution if you are able bodies and can do this. 2) Propane / town gas based permanent instalation. Air cooled. 3,600 rpm. Guardian (home Depot). Generator costs $US 2300 - $US 2500. Lawn mower engine based. Instalation cost $US 2000 - $US 5000. Power up to 15kw. 3) Propane / town gas based permanet instalation. Water cooled, 1,800 rpm. Generator costs $US 9000 and up. Installation costs $US 5000 and up. Note you will need a concrete pad and a hydralic lift due to the generator weight. Power 20kw+. Typically more quiet and more durable due to lower rpm speed. Car / truck engine based. Best, Mike....See MoreField Flashing a Portable Generator
Comments (5)Not a disgruntled repair man. Been in the electrical trade for many years building and repairing gensets. Unless the power block has been taken apart, banged, or moved with a great jaring force the gen will NEVER loose it's static magnetisum. That unit is self exciting. You may want to find out why it quit. There is something wrong. The Generac is ok for what it does when it works. They are good for keeping your lights on but i don't recommend them for anything else. Just an input from someone that works on gensets....See Morelogastellus
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