There are a number of soft start options. Look into them, they do work. I’ve considered one for my AC unit just to be nice to the generator, but I’ve got to square it away with my AC guys, since it’s a more or less brand new system. I don’t want to goof the warranty up.
-D > On Feb 17, 2021, at 5:48 PM, Scott Ritchey via Mercedes > <mercedes@okiebenz.com> wrote: > > Thanks for this. I considered moving the 3 ton downstairs heat pump and air > handler (but not the 5KW aux heat strips) to the transfer switch but I > didn't think the 15KW Generac would handle the start-up current. The > generator runs the water heater just fine so I know it can handle the steady > run current. A soft start may be just the solution. > > -----Original Message----- > From: Mercedes On Behalf Of OK Don via Mercedes > Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2021 12:29 AM > To: Mercedes Discussion List <mercedes@okiebenz.com> > Cc: OK Don <okd...@gmail.com> > Subject: Re: [MBZ] Backup Generators etc > > WHen I spoke to our geothermal guy about running from a generator he said > we'd need a "soft start" kit for the heat pump to limit the massive startup > current draw. > Probably something similar to this: > https://www.microair.net/products/easystart-364-3-ton-single-phase-soft-starter-for-air-conditioners?variant=30176048267 > > On Tue, Feb 16, 2021 at 11:08 PM Scott Ritchey via Mercedes < > mercedes@okiebenz.com> wrote: > >> The brushless generator in my Generac produces noisy power, which I >> think is typical of brushless designs. But nothing in my house seems >> to care. >> >> My heat pumps are not on the transfer switch and I don't know if the >> 15KW generator could handle the inrush current. I haven't tried >> moving a heat pump to generator backup. I suspect an inverter >> mini-split would be OK on generator backup (Dan?). >> >> Most of my cheap UPS get very unhappy if the AC frequency is even a >> little above 63HZ but APC Smart UPS seem to work fine on generator >> power. I just ordered another Smart UPS for my entertainment system. >> The old UPS was going on and off constantly when the power went out Saturday. >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Mercedes On Behalf Of Jim Cathey via Mercedes >> Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2021 9:52 PM >> To: Mercedes Discussion List <mercedes@okiebenz.com> >> Cc: Jim Cathey <jim.cathey...@gmail.com> >> Subject: Re: [MBZ] Backup Generators etc >> >> That whole 'clean' power thing is a racket, if you ask me. Line power >> is notoriously _not_ clean, at least occasionally. Especially in >> developing areas. Most stuff that runs on electronics ends up making >> a DC supply out of it anyway, from which it either runs directly, or >> powers a down-converter. >> Motors and lights, and heaters, can run on the worst rat-squeezings. >> Under- >> voltage and under-frequence (or worse: both) will kill induction >> motors, but the death is thermal so it takes awhile. You can usually >> tell something is wrong, if you're listening. >> >> The fussiest loads we have are the UPS's, who only object to the input >> frequency and decide to stop charging and start draining their batteries. >> >> -- Jim >> >> >> _______________________________________ >> http://www.okiebenz.com >> >> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ >> >> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: >> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com >> >> >> >> _______________________________________ >> http://www.okiebenz.com >> >> To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ >> >> To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: >> http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com >> >> > > -- > OK Don > > "Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause > and reflect." Mark Twain > > “Basic research is what I’m doing when I don’t know what I am doing.” > Wernher Von Braun > 2013 F150, 18 mpg > 2017 Subaru Legacy, 30 mpg > 1957 C182A, 12 mpg - but at 150 mph! > _______________________________________ > http://www.okiebenz.com > > To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ > > To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: > http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com > > > > _______________________________________ > http://www.okiebenz.com > > To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ > > To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: > http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com > _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
