A/C power useage

The standard 13.5k BTU A/C, when running, will draw ~13A. The problem is the starting current when the compressor tries to start.  Success with a single Honda 2000 varies depending on altitude and outside temperature. Altitude reduces the performance of any internal combustion engine and high temperatures increase the starting current of the compressor. Adding a hard start capacitor to the A/C helps in some cases, but user experience with the single 2000W genny is mixed.

+2...

very mixed. Mine will start and run on a buddies Honda 2000i.. his, same brand/model a/c.. won't.

I do have a hard start cap.

Hmm, with the 13.5 btu A/C, I have the hardwired EMSHW30C system with digital read out and I get higher draw ratings that titter between 16/17 amps. Not during start up, but during cooling. I let it run for 30 minutes to stabilize. No other draws...starting amp draw was 0. I am, however, using 50' of RV feed-line. 

Originally posted by Podster Hmm, with the 13.5 btu A/C, I have the hardwired EMSHW30C system with digital read out and I get higher draw ratings that titter between 16/17 amps. Not during start up, but during cooling. I let it run for 30 minutes to stabilize. No other draws...starting amp draw was 0. I am, however, using 50' of RV feed-line.

Our AC using our surge protector was reading between 15 and 16 amps. I took it to camping world and their amp meter was showing the same. It was still under warranty and Dometic replaced it. The new AC is colder and quieter now and surge protector shows between 12 and 13 amps.

Originally posted by Podster Originally posted by David and Danette Originally posted by Podster Hmm, with the 13.5 btu A/C, I have the hardwired EMSHW30C system with digital read out and I get higher draw ratings that titter between 16/17 amps. Not during start up, but during cooling. I let it run for 30 minutes to stabilize. No other draws...starting amp draw was 0. I am, however, using 50' of RV feed-line.  Our AC using our surge protector was reading between 15 and 16 amps. I took it to camping world and their amp meter was showing the same. It was still under warranty and Dometic replaced it. The new AC is colder and quieter now and surge protector shows between 12 and 13 amps. What was the underlying problem. Are you suggesting you took it in b/c of the amp draw and they replaced it for the same?

Yes and I am thankful for the members on this forum who told me something was wrong and that it should be checked out. The technician at camping world said that Dometic allows if I remember about 15 % amperage from normal which I believe is 12.75 amps. Dometic approved replacement under warranty. And their is definitely a noticeable difference in the performance of the AC. The technician also mentioned that sometimes from the factory they can add to much Freon and that will affect the amount of amps. it draws. The exact problem that was causing the high amperage I was never told.