Measured wattage of 'pod appliances
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Topic: Measured wattage of 'pod appliances
Posted By: techntrek
Subject: Measured wattage of 'pod appliances
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2010 at 10:04pm
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I took wattage measurements of various appliances in the 'pod. What I was using to measure is only accurate to the nearest 100 watts (a heavy-duty inverter I have installed at home with a digital readout), but it can handle the startup surge of the A/C and converter which a Kill-A-Watt couldn't. I don't have a clamp-on ammeter or shunt which would be much more accurate, but this is "good enough". First number is Wh, the second is VA. Converter only, battery fully charged: no measurement (so something less than 100 watts) A/C, fan and compressor running: 1000/1100 Water heater, electric element: 1300/1300 Fridge, in AC mode: 200/200 Microwave: 1700/1800 Every light on: 200/400 Exhaust fan, low: no measurement Exhaust fan, medium: 100/100 Exhaust fan, high: 100/100 Water pump: 100/200 I forgot to measure the microwave's convection mode, and while I measured the A/C with the fan only I forgot to write it down. I didn't try to measure the television since it is probably less than 30 watts. Obviously the lack of accuracy prevented good numbers on the exhaust fan - someone found the factory-claimed amps for the 3 settings a while ago. Some things are running through the converter (lights, fan, pump) so there are conversion losses as part of the numbers. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Replies:
Posted By: rpodcamper.com
Date Posted: 30 Jun 2010 at 1:01am
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Very cool |
Posted By: popgoesweasel
Date Posted: 30 Jun 2010 at 10:30am
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Anyone have any idea what the initial surge is when the Air Conditioning compressor kicks on? My Yamaha EF2000iSHC generator drops off line when this happens. ------------- R171 2010 Frontier 2009 Site 40 Eastern Rally 2010 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 30 Jun 2010 at 1:31pm
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My 6kw (12kw surge) inverter dropped out a few times when I plugged in the 'pod, so the converter has a big surge. It didn't always happen when I tried several times in a row so I'm guessing it has some big capacitors that get discharged fairly quickly but not immediately.
I did look for the surge on the A/C, I had my kid turn it on while I stared at the readout but it didn't respond quickly enough to give me a measurement. Typically you can expect 2 to 4 times the running wattage. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: vandallc
Date Posted: 08 Sep 2010 at 12:17pm
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I was told not to never try to start up the AC without at least 30 amp service so I have not but asking around I get various advice conflicts. What is the scoop on 20 amp service running the AC? It just seems strange to me that Forest River would put an AC in these units that you cannot use connected to typical home circuits. ------------- vandallc 2011 177 2003 Lincoln Navigator |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 08 Sep 2010 at 2:46pm
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I've run less-efficent A/Cs from a 15 amp outlet (many others have too) w/o a problem. The unit on the 'pod seems to be very efficient @ only 1000 watts while running, which is well below the rating for a 15 amp outlet (1800 watts). You could even turn on every light and run the pump. Just don't use the microwave or electric element on the water heater at the same time as the A/C. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 08 Sep 2010 at 4:29pm
http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2734398730105331225TNvcTU">  http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2420117060105331225ZkJUrl"> I measured the A/C's power usage a while ago using my blueplanet energy meter. It peaked at 10.5 amps / 1210 watts. But, like you, I tried unsuccessfully to run the A/C with a 2000 watt generator; in my case, a brand new http://www.championpowerequipment.com/73552i.php - Champion 73552i . The genny simply couldn't handle the ramp-up of power. I was able to get it to work by also plugging in a 500 watt shop light (to keep the genny's idle high), but that's not much of a long-term solution. I was unhappy with the Champion for other reasons as well (much louder than I thought reasonable under load, quite smelly in operation) and returned it to Costco two days after I purchased it. Instead, I bought a http://www.hyundaipower.ca/hy2000.php - Hyundai 2000si generator (2200 watts peak, 2000 watts continuous), and am quite happy with it: it runs the A/C without problem, its quiet in operation, and there's very little exhaust smell. This is the second Hyundai generator I've owned. I had a http://www.hyundaipower.ca/hy1000.php - 1000si which I used with our last trailer, a pop-up, for several trouble-free years. ------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 08 Sep 2010 at 9:42pm
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I've heard of the same problem with other mechanical-governor gensets - with an initial load being the only solution like you found. Interesting that the inverter-based Hyundai could handle the surge. Assuming it has a low-idle (eco) mode, did you have that turned off?
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 09 Sep 2010 at 1:16am
Yes, it was turned off. In ECO mode, the generator would cut out when the A/C kicked in. I also happened to have my sound meter handy  All measures of the Hyundai 2000si were taken from the same spot, 15 feet from the front of the generator (exhaust pointed the other way), 15 feet from the r-pod's A/C (i.e. I was between the generator and r-pod), with no obstructions in front of, behind or around the generator or r-pod, 20 second average: - 50 db - at idle, no load (r-pod not plugged in), ECO mode on - 54 db - under load, A/C not on, pod plugged in (battery full not charging, microwave & DVD plugged in but not turned on, fridge and water heater on propane), ECO mode off - 59 db - under load, A/C running, pod plugged in (battery full not charging, microwave & DVD plugged in but not turned on, fridge and water heater on propane), ECO mode off - 58 db - under load, A/C running, pod plugged in (battery full not charging, microwave & DVD plugged in but not turned on, fridge and water heater on propane), ECO mode on (turned on after A/C had started) The last one was just a curiosity as it won't work in a practical application (well... it may work if I were to install a start capacitor on the A/C). Note: the running A/C will have artificially inflated the sound level; unfortunately, I was at a dry site and couldn't run comparisons on mains electricity. For comparison, the Champion 73552i measured (again, from 15 feet) - 54 db - at idle, no load (r-pod not plugged in), ECO mode on - 56 db - at idle, no load (r-pod not plugged in), ECO mode off - 59 db - 500 watt shop light plugged in, ECO mode off - 67 db - 500 watt shop light plugged in, A/C running, pod plugged in (battery full not charging, microwave & DVD plugged in but not turned on, fridge and water heater off), ECO mode off
------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: Pawpod
Date Posted: 14 Mar 2011 at 2:12am
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Any one have luck running the AC with other generators other than the Hyundai HY2000i, with out going to a 3000 Benny? ------------- Ready to pod around! |
Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 14 Mar 2011 at 7:26am
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The Yamaha http://www.yamaha-motor.ca/products/products.php?model=3547&class=33&group=G|&LANG=en - EF2400iSHC is marketed specifically for "HIGH CURRENT SURGE OUTPUT - Using the latest inverter technology the EF2400iSHC provides quicker reaction time to load and reduced current drop at start-up. This enables efficient starting of most 13,500 btu RV air conditioners." Apart from that, you'll likely have to go to a 3000 watt unit to be confident that a generator will start your A/C.
------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: wingnut2312
Date Posted: 09 Oct 2013 at 12:04pm
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Ok, quick question. If we are using more than the 30 amp hookup will cover, does it damage the rpod or just not let you use something? I am completely ignorant toanything electric so please be gentle in your laughter!! ------------- 2014 rpod 182G Ford Expedition |
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 09 Oct 2013 at 1:42pm
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The main breaker will trip. Just disconnect (or unplug) whatever is causing the excess current draw. When we lived in the Midwest, we sometimes wanted to use 2 1500 watt electric heaters. Our 30 amp service was not adequate for both plus the incidentals that we wanted to use. My solution was to install a separate 20 amp plug on the exterior of the trailers and install a dedicated outlet just for that input. A separate 12 gauge extension cord was then plugged into the campgrounds electrical box, and in effect, we ended up with 50 amp service. That outlet was reserved for the second portable electric heater, and used only when we needed the added heat. Just a thought. The pods are so small, the need for this additional capacity is probably not needed. Bob ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: wingnut2312
Date Posted: 09 Oct 2013 at 8:34pm
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Thanks Bob. I really wish I had found electronics and autoshop more interesting when I was younger!! ------------- 2014 rpod 182G Ford Expedition |
Posted By: rokndrumr
Date Posted: 29 Sep 2014 at 4:26pm
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I was just looking at that very same http://www.yamaha-motor.ca/products/products.php?model=3547&class=33&group=G|&LANG=en - EF2400iSHC Yamaha generator. The The Honda folks suggest I purchase the eu2000i, and the eu2000i companion and run them parallel. I would prefer using, and buying just one. ------------- Sean & Jerri |
Posted By: WillThrill
Date Posted: 29 Sep 2014 at 9:01pm
My Yamaha 2400iSHC can handle it, but you need to be running the fan first before you turn it to 'cool' and allow the compressor to start. When the compressor cycles off and then back on, there is a brief 'pause' in the fan. I'm guessing that if I installed a hard-start capacitor (next spring!) that will completely take care of it. I too considered going with the dual 2kw Hondas or Yamahas, but you're easily looking at $2,100 with the parallel cables. I got my 2400 from Amazon for $1,389, and it does the job. ------------- "Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien 2014 Hood River 177 2005 GMC Envoy XL |
Posted By: Budward
Date Posted: 29 Sep 2014 at 9:12pm
It won't. I have the 2400iSHC and a Supco hard start cap. What I do plan to install when I get time, already bought the parts, is a solid state timer relay that cuts off the fan when the A/C is commanded to start, then 10 seconds or so later brings the circulation fan back online. That will shed 200 or so watts from the generator to ease compressor starting. I also unplug the microwave when running on generator for A/C- otherwise it beeps every time the A/C starts as it sags voltage enough to make it "think" it has completely lost power then beeps when the compressor has lost its start up load and voltage is back to normal.. ------------- 2014 179 Towed by a 2015 Ford Transit Diesel Supervised by a German/Aussie mix and a Labradoodle! |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 30 Sep 2014 at 8:00am
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I never had a problem with mine, and no hard-start capacitor. I would get a slight dip in the fan's rpm when the compressor started, that was it. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Budward
Date Posted: 30 Sep 2014 at 1:11pm
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Honestly I could tell no difference in the hard start cap vs without. Wish I had a current reading chart recorder to see what the difference really is.... ------------- 2014 179 Towed by a 2015 Ford Transit Diesel Supervised by a German/Aussie mix and a Labradoodle! |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2014 at 1:54pm
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And then there are pods like ours.. Mine has a hard start and will start on a Honda 2000 if we have the fan already running on low.
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Posted By: KMcCMedia
Date Posted: 25 Oct 2020 at 12:32pm
| This post is old, but I'm grateful the poster took the time to provide useful info! Thanks! |
Posted By: pedwards2932
Date Posted: 25 Oct 2020 at 12:58pm
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I saw this at Home Depot: Has 2500 peak and 1850 running weighs in at 39 lbs. Not sure if the extra peak is enough but it does have 20 amp plugins. https://www.homedepot.com/p/CHAMPION-POWER-EQUIPMENT-2500-Watt-Gasoline-Powered-Recoil-Start-Inverter-Generator-with-Champion-79-cc-Engine-100889/313554748 - https://www.homedepot.com/p/CHAMPION-POWER-EQUIPMENT-2500-Watt-Gasoline-Powered-Recoil-Start-Inverter-Generator-with-Champion-79-cc-Engine-100889/313554748 |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 25 Oct 2020 at 5:42pm
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Probably won't start the a/c but you could try and then add an easystart if it didn't. Should run it OK once started, as long as everything else is off. If you get it let us know what happens. At this point it will be next year before you can do a definitive test, the startup current gets higher as the ambient temp increases. Also consider getting a propane generator, since you already have a propane tank it will save you some weight and stinky smells in the SUV. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: BoardinGordon
Date Posted: 11 Feb 2021 at 11:16am
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This is incredibly helpful - thank you. Does running the overhead AC unit in fan mode instead of AC mode require as much pull? I am wondering if my 2000 w generator can run the fan without AC.
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Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 11 Feb 2021 at 1:29pm
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The fan alone should not be a big draw. Probably a fraction of running the compressor. It will still require AC (AKA shore power), as the fan is an AC powered fan (as opposed to battery power). ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 11 Feb 2021 at 2:33pm
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IIRC the a/c fan uses about 3 amps so around 350 watts. No problem running it from s 2kw generator. But all it will do is recirculate warm air in the trailer. The fantastic fan will draw in outside air and uses much less power, and runs on 12v so you don’t need to run the generator all the time. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |