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Soft Start

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mjlrpod View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote mjlrpod Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Soft Start
    Posted: 30 Apr 2023 at 2:02pm
On this episode of "ask the experts", we will discuss what is the difference between a soft start and a start capacitor.  My A/C (Furrion 15K)  comes with a start capacitor wired in. I actually had an easy strat put in before I knew this. What is the difference between the start capacitor, and easy start? And does it matter that I added the easy start?

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StephenH View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote StephenH Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Apr 2023 at 8:32pm
A start capacitor is just that--a capacitor. The compressor on the AC can't start itself up. It needs a high current "kick" to get it moving. That is the locked rotor amperage. The start capacitor supplies that "kick." It does nothing to reduce the amperage required to get the compressor going. There is also a "hard start capacitor." It helps if the motor needs more than a standard start capacitor to get running. I tried one, and it was worse for the generator than the standard capacitor.

A soft start, like the EasyStart, is much more. It is a microprocessor controlled device that can not only reduce the inrush current. It can control the starting of the compressor, spinning it up more gently than the jerk-start of the standard compressor start-up.

This is what MicroAir states about it:

"EasyStartâ„¢ - The most advanced & effective soft starter for all A/C applications
EasyStartâ„¢ is a one-of-a-kind, custom-developed soft starter for single-phase motors. It employs a 4-part start ramp sequence that is self-optimizing, resulting in the lowest possible start-up current. EasyStart can deliver 65-75% start current reduction as compared to a compressor's LRA (locked-rotor amperage). EasyStart is the perfect solution that allows an air conditioner or refrigeration compressor to operate on a generator, inverter, or limited utility power when it would otherwise not have functioned. It can also be applied to air compressor and fluid pump motors."

Edit:  Does it matter that you installed the EasyStart? Depends. If you have a large enough generator to run without it or you always have a shore power connection of sufficient amperage, then it might not be needed except to make the start of the compressor much quieter. If you have a generator that is marginal for running the AC or if you want to run off of an inverter (more for large RVs with huge battery banks and solar panel arrays), then yes, it was likely well worth it.

I did not get ours uninstalled from the RPod when we traded it. I will likely be installing one in our Grey Wolf unless I find that the new units have the equivalent installed by the manufacturer.


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hank*pod View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote hank*pod Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Apr 2023 at 9:37pm
Originally posted by StephenH

A start capacitor is just that--a capacitor. The compressor on the AC can't start itself up. It needs a high current "kick" to get it moving. That is the locked rotor amperage. The start capacitor supplies that "kick." It does nothing to reduce the amperage required to get the compressor going.

As an electrical engineer I'm cringing slightly. Wink

I think this page explains why many motors need starting capacitors.
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/capacitor-start-induction-motor-characteristics-and-applications
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote StephenH Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Apr 2023 at 9:58pm
Originally posted by hank*pod

Originally posted by StephenH

A start capacitor is just that--a capacitor. The compressor on the AC can't start itself up. It needs a high current "kick" to get it moving. That is the locked rotor amperage. The start capacitor supplies that "kick." It does nothing to reduce the amperage required to get the compressor going.

As an electrical engineer I'm cringing slightly. Wink

I think this page explains why many motors need starting capacitors.
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/capacitor-start-induction-motor-characteristics-and-applications
I'm glad you are only cringing slightly. I took it to the most basic explanation. I'm not an electrical engineer or any other sort of engineer so I was using layman's terms. Thanks for supplying the link with the more thorough explanation for those who will understand it.

Edit: This video is linked from the MicroAir page. It pretty much demonstrates what I was trying to say.

StephenH
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gpokluda View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote gpokluda Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 May 2023 at 4:17pm
Several folks on the Escape forum are using ActiveStart RV soft starters. They plug inline with your power cord and do not have to be hardwired. Pricey but they are convenient and have a Bluetooth app that shows power consumption.  The 30amp has surge protection as well.
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