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re: Generator Question

Posted on 4/30/24 at 4:51 pm to
Posted by TheBoo
South to Louisiana
Member since Aug 2012
4552 posts
Posted on 4/30/24 at 4:51 pm to
My 4 ton AC unit runs at 12.3-13.1 amps. The surge is what you need to compensate for. Most 4 ton units are around 115-120 amps inrush. You can get a soft starter to drop the inrush around 60% though.

Icebox and freezer will be around 350-500 watts each with a small surge for both. The window unit power draw will depending heavily on the size, but you still not talking about a huge draw.

Ideally a good running load is about 60% or lower, so around 4,200 watts to maintain longevity of your unit and allow for certain temporary power draws (microwave, dishwasher, etc..) some people will tell you 70-80%, but I'm more comfortable keeping it closer to half.

You really shouldn't have a problem running your whole house minus any big 240 loads. Just be smart with load management.
Posted by LSUDad
Still on the move
Member since May 2004
58909 posts
Posted on 5/1/24 at 7:54 am to
The soft start on an A/C unit allows a portable generator to run most everything on a house. Remember anytime you heat with electricity, that’s your biggest draw. Dryer, heat strips, hair dryer, electric water heater. There is a Facebook page on portable generator usage for entire homes.
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