Soft Start
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Miscellaneous / Off-topic
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15685
Printed Date: 03 May 2025 at 5:22am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Soft Start
Posted By: mjlrpod
Subject: Soft Start
Date Posted: 30 Apr 2023 at 2:02pm
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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? ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Replies:
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 30 Apr 2023 at 8:32pm
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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: "EasyStart™ - The most advanced & effective soft starter for all A/C applications EasyStart™ 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. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: hank*pod
Date Posted: 30 Apr 2023 at 9:37pm
As an electrical engineer I'm cringing slightly.  I think this page explains why many motors need starting capacitors. http://www.tutorialspoint.com/capacitor-start-induction-motor-characteristics-and-applications - https://www.tutorialspoint.com/capacitor-start-induction-motor-characteristics-and-applications |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 30 Apr 2023 at 9:58pm
Edit: This video is linked from the MicroAir page. It pretty much demonstrates what I was trying to say. https://youtu.be/rCjFBhDy9QI - https://youtu.be/rCjFBhDy9QI ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 03 May 2023 at 4:17pm
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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. ------------- Gpokluda 2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023) 2022 Escape 5.0TA 2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB Kawasaki KLR650 |