Using a <span class="highlight">generator</span> to run aircon

Submitted: Monday, Apr 08, 2013 at 21:44
ThreadID: 101582 Views:2877 Replies:5 FollowUps:3
This Thread has been Archived
I know there are unlimited posts about generators and aircon but I haven't found one with the procedure to connect.

How do you connect just the aircon to the generator so that all the other appliances run on the motorhome/caravan batteries and gas for the fridge. If you run the 240v output from the generator ( a Honda Eu20) to the input socket all appliances will try to run from the generator. Is there a modification to be made?
I have a Winnebago Esperance and can't figure out how it can be done. If anybody has done it please tell me how you achieved it.

Mick
Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: Dennis Ellery - Monday, Apr 08, 2013 at 22:55

Monday, Apr 08, 2013 at 22:55
I don’t have a Winabago or a Honda Eu20.
If you haven’t done so try the following
Open the external panel of the hot water unit and turn off the element.
Don’t use toasters, kettles, or microwave without first turning off the airconditioner.
If you have a 3 way fridge – ensure it’s running on gas.
If you can’t run the airconditioner without charging the battery running minimal lighting – I would say your genset is a bit small.
AnswerID: 508512

Reply By: Motherhen - Monday, Apr 08, 2013 at 23:03

Monday, Apr 08, 2013 at 23:03
Hi Mick

Am I missing something here? Connect the generator to the inlet as you would a mains power connection. If the other appliances are running off the battery there will be no conflict. If they are 240 v surely there is a method of turning appliances off - you wouldn't have everything switched on all the time? Eg turn of HWS if it has electric boost - as you would do when not needing hot water. If there is a battery charger - turn it off as you would when not needing to charge the batteries. What other appliances would you have regularly plugged into 240 v outlets? We have none unless we want to use something on mains power and plug it in and on. Am I reading you right Mick?

Of course we all have differences in our electric systems, so I don't know how yours is set up.

Motherhen


Motherhen

Red desert dreaming

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

AnswerID: 508514

Reply By: pop2jocem - Tuesday, Apr 09, 2013 at 09:31

Tuesday, Apr 09, 2013 at 09:31
Mick,

Sorry, I don't have a Winnebago but if I was in your situation I would try contacting the manufacturer and put your inquiry to them or at least ask for a wiring diagram.
Having said that I would have thought, as others have said, while your air con will need 240v all the lighting would be 12v from your house battery and your fridge on gas. You most certainly would not try to run any heating element type appliances at the same time as the air con, micro wave, electric kettle or whatever. Depending on the current draw that your particular air con requires you may find that size Honda will struggle in high ambient temperatures with nothing else running. Don't forget that you also have a battery charger trying to replenish the power your lights are using.

Cheers
Pop
AnswerID: 508533

Follow Up By: Member - Laurie K (WA) - Wednesday, Apr 10, 2013 at 00:37

Wednesday, Apr 10, 2013 at 00:37
I have a Honda 2.0 and an Ibis Air Con, and the Genny handles it no problem. Make sure the battery charger is turned off, and turn the a/c off if using electric kettle or microwave.

0
FollowupID: 786157

Follow Up By: Member - PJR (NSW) - Wednesday, Apr 10, 2013 at 07:15

Wednesday, Apr 10, 2013 at 07:15
Laurie?? Is that the VK2 that I know?

Phil
0
FollowupID: 786166

Follow Up By: Member - Laurie K (WA) - Wednesday, Apr 10, 2013 at 20:23

Wednesday, Apr 10, 2013 at 20:23
Hi Phi

Probably not, unless you have purchased DVDs from me. I don't have a VHF radio - I have enough trouble with UHF LOL

I operate from Albany in WA

cheers
Laurie
1
FollowupID: 786234

Reply By: Member - silvwayne - Tuesday, Apr 09, 2013 at 20:36

Tuesday, Apr 09, 2013 at 20:36
Hi Mirn !

Don't know about the Winnebago but all appliances in our van are connected to power points which we turn off when running gennie. Check in cupboard near appliance.

Regards Wayne
AnswerID: 508603

Reply By: Tjukayirla Roadhouse - Wednesday, Apr 10, 2013 at 10:32

Wednesday, Apr 10, 2013 at 10:32
Probably just getting repetative now, but we also have a Honda Eu20 and Ibis Air Con, It will easily run both the air con, as well as the battery charger, as well as a couple of phone chargers etc..
We don't turn on any other 240 appliances at all, and the fridge and HWS are on gas.

Cheers
Al
AnswerID: 508637

Sponsored Links