Can I run central A/C on Backup Generator Power?

[@JackofAllTrades1]

Who's watching this in '24 for Milton? This setup will get a run for it's money. I'm unfortunately directly in the path of this storm, just south of Tampa Bay. Please keep me and my family in your thoughts.

[@michaellowery928]

Me. Thanks.

[@JackofAllTrades1]

@@michaellowery928 great!

[@hoss83]

I live in Plan City. We got hammered.

[@JackofAllTrades1]

@@hoss83 yea same here. Bradenton. Just got power back last night.

[@michaellowery928]

Riverview here. Just riveted my PVC gate back together. Stay strong brothers💪🏾

[@jonwalker4240]

Install a Micro-Air easy start soft start kit on you A/C unit ... it knocks the lock rotor amps on your A/C down by 70%. It will make it much easier on the generator and the A/C unit

[@JackofAllTrades1]

Thanks for the tip!

[@jaymz0074]

Hard start kit *

[@j.stall434]

Micro-Air with Bluetooth is nice... you can see in real time the startup & running amperage, plus the company is really responsive if you have an issue... I also added the emporia energy monitoring system which gives a good estimate of wattage, amperage & energy cost with or without the generator.

[@JackofAllTrades1]

Thanks, I'll have to check those out.

[@neilbrookins8428]

I would suggest that connecting the generator cord should be done prior to starting, not after. The primary reason is that provides a safety ground for the generator. This makes touching the generator frame safer because when grounded it’s less likely to shock you. Also it means you can avoid touching the energized cable. No need to add risk.

[@JackofAllTrades1]

Thanks for bringing that up, I dont explain it in this video but my generator is bonded to a grounding rod that is at the corner of the house, if you look carefully you can see the white wire exiting the front of the generac and out of sight. I can't recall exactly which video, possibly my step by step install video but I do go into greater detail on the importance of having a grounded generator. Thanks for the comment.

[@neilbrookins8428]

@@JackofAllTrades1 So, is that white wire and grounding rod connected to anything else besides the generator? Meaning, is it bonded to other ground wire from the main panel? If there is a dead short from hot to ground and that ground doesn’t have a low resistance path back the the power source then the over current breaker won’t trip. For my own generator I depend on the wire between generator and inlet to provide ground both to the ground rod but also to the main panel bond to neutral.

[@JackofAllTrades1]

@@neilbrookins8428 the only connection the grounding rod has to the panel is when the generator is plugged into the power inlet. There is a ground wire located in the inlet that goes back to the PP and one in the power cable that goes to the generator power inlet and then to the frame and then to the grounding rod. This is actually what the manufacturer recommends is to bond the gen to a grounding rod when connected to a PP that is under a load. Odley enough, you are not required to ground the generator when using just extension cords for smaller appliances.

[@neilbrookins8428]

@@JackofAllTrades1 i have no objections to your setup and grounding configuration. I just think it would be safer to not ever touch the generator cord unnecessarily while it’s energized. There is no disadvantage to plugging in first and then starting it up.

[@rupe53]

@@JackofAllTrades1 ... no bonding required when using extension cords because NEC doesn't apply when not connected to a panel. The 4 wire plug to your home has its own grounding connection, if done properly, which will tie to the home's ground rod via the panel.

[@asysz]

I'm asking because I'm looking at a generator plug in my house, so I'm not trying to come at you... Why did you install your generator hookup plug in your garage, rather than outside or behind your house? You couldn't run it with the garage closed obviously, and in a power down situation I wouldn't like that the generator was sitting in front of the garage door. Is your cord long enough to run it around the side of the house? In Irma, I was paranoid someone was going to try to steal my generator and it was in my backyard behind a fence. If they want it bad enough they can get it, but I'd at least like it out of sight. Thanks!

[@JackofAllTrades1]

Hey Dan, thanks for the question. There are a couple reasons for this. Number 1, I have a padeye sunk into the concrete of my driveway to chain my generator to. Number 2, the grass here in Florida is super soft and plush... dragging my 480lb generator over the grass from my garage to anywhere is a huge undertaking, so leaving it on the concrete is ideal. Number 3, having my receptacle inside cuts down on its exposure to the elements... it rains every day here for 6 months straight. Ultimately I decided to install it indoors for those main Reasons... my extension cord is 25 feet so it will park outside my garage where I can hang a tarp over it and keep it out of the rain and also keep an eye on it. At night, I simply shut it off and drag it inside the garage. I hope this helps explain my logic.... it is tailored to my specific situation and may not be the best for all.

[@johnadams2313]

Do you have a soft start on the AC?

[@JackofAllTrades1]

No, I do not... although many people have recommended it.

[@Ken-rr9zr]

I have a 3 ton AC but the outside unit wont come on. My generator is 10k watts with 13k surge/starting watts. Wondering if i just dont have enough power for it.

[@JackofAllTrades1]

That should be enough power. A couple of things.... did you try to only power up just that generator and nothing else? Also, some AC units have a "wait" time after power loss before they attempt to start. Usually 5 min. Your thermostat should say waiting or delay on it during this time.

[@Ken-rr9zr]

@@JackofAllTrades1 thanks for the reply. I had tried it with only the AC on in the house, but maybe I didn't give it enough time to kick in. Will try it again during my monthly test. Appreciate the advice.

[@The_Primary_Axiom]

How many amps 3 or 4 ton AC unit does it need to kick start at first ?

[@JackofAllTrades1]

@The_Primary_Axiom look at the breaker for that ac unit and take away 20%, and that should give you a good idea of what the initial amp draw is.

[@The_Primary_Axiom]

@@JackofAllTrades1 Thank you

[@albertjimenez4099]

Will my A.C still work without a soft start connection?

[@JackofAllTrades1]

As long as it's operating within the amount of amps available from your generator.. yes. If you are close... I would suggest starting your ac first then your other items you want to run.

[@judjohnson4640]

Is that a generac gp17500e? If so I have the same one. With the soft starter, Are you seeing a dip in voltage & hz from the generator when the AC unit starts up? Such as do your lights dim in the house when the AC turns on (while on genie)? I just damaged both my refrigerators while running whole house on my gp17500. however I do not currently have a soft starter on my 5 ton AC unit. I believe the issue to possibly be a dip in voltage/hz when the AC unit starts up, because the lights in the house dim down quite aggressively. Just curious to see if you have experienced something similar while using the same generator with or without a soft starter?

[@JackofAllTrades1]

This is its smaller brother the 15k. I do have slight dimming of the lights but no major issues. Did your ac and both fridges kick on at the same time? Your surge voltage on that generator has to be somewhere around 22k watts... mine is like 20k so you should be fine in that department. Is it maybe an old central ac unit that just draws a lot of amps? My 5 ton unit is only 4 years old and is 2 stage so the startup Amp draw is not all at once.

[@judjohnson4640]

@@JackofAllTrades1 my generator start up is 26,000 W. And my AC units were installed in 2014.

[@JackofAllTrades1]

@@judjohnson4640 I would think you should be ok then. Are your refrigerators real fancy? Like digital screens and all? They might require a pure sine wave of 60 hz.... these generators put out "dirty power" and are not exactly 60hz. Mine actually causes my backup uninterupted power supply (ups) for my computer to throw fits... the ups doesn't like the frequency that it gives off which is slightly less than 60hz. So when I am on backup power, my ups thinks the power is off and just beeps. I'm still not sure what's going on with your situation... I've used this generator for 5 years now without issue.

[@rupe53]

those PG series units are known to have weird voltage and not always set properly from the factory. Have seen them running between 225 up to 265. The voltage is adjustable at the regulator and should be set to about 245 under 75% load.

[@rupe53]

@@JackofAllTrades1 ... if you check freq with a meter you may find it's about 58 Hz without a load, then increases to 60 once you get to about half load. This is normal and the factory has no fix, nor is it adjustable. All you can do is clean and lightly lube the linkage. (WD-40 or similar) This is probably why your UPS goes wonky. (25 years in the gen business)

[@RealDeanWinchester]

Seems like the definition of portable keeps getting bigger and bigger, that thing is huge. The current model weighs 363lbs 💪

[@JackofAllTrades1]

Yea no doubt. This one is made for a construction site... with a full 16 gallon tank of gas I think it's almost 500lbs. It takes some effort to move it around on the pavement.

[@JackofAllTrades1]

Who's watching this in '22 for 🌀 Ian? Where are you located? I'm in Sarasota and it looks like I might have to use this generator.

[@davidtolentino4755]

Watching from North Port! I hope you and your family will remain safe! Thanks for the video

[@JackofAllTrades1]

@@davidtolentino4755 same to you brother... this will reach Cat 5.

[@djblingazworld]

Watching from Tampa, Great video and stay safe.

[@JackofAllTrades1]

@@djblingazworld you guys missed out this time. Everybody sure thought this was hitting Tampa.

[@naquarnvalentine6545]

Down here in Cape Coral

[@Kloco78]

Do you have a gas furnace or electric?

[@JackofAllTrades1]

@@Kloco78 I have a heat pump

[@victorgonzalez-ow2ro]

I was told by an electrician that sensitive electronics will be damaged if the generator supplies modified sinewave, he recommended a puresine wave such as the Duromax XP9000IX

[@JackofAllTrades1]

That is certainly possible and one reason all my expensive equipment is on a UPS.

[@javierdiaz1419]

yes, you can run a 5 Ton a/c easily. since the year 2004 I have used this same 15km generator from Generac to run my duplex home. I run a 5-ton Ac, 3-ton AC, 2 portable ac unit of 1 ton each, a 75 gallons water heater, 2 refrigerators of 1500 watts each, 5 TVs of 60 inch, and approximately 30 Led bulbs of 4.5 watt each as needed. During hurricane Wilma in the year 2005 I used the generator for a week, the fuel consumption was 290+ gallons of gasoline at almost full load, in 2017 with hurricane Irma 11 days without power the generator used 430+ gallons of fuels. This generator is a work horse as long as you do good maintenance. (changing the oil and filter every 3 days)

[@JackofAllTrades1]

Javier that is great information thank you. Any idea on fuel consumption rate? I figured it was around 1.5 gallons an hour at 50% load.

[@javierdiaz1419]

@@JackofAllTrades1 seems similar to my estimate of the owners manual, 8hrs at half load. If you want to conserve fuel, connect a 1000watts inverter to the generator battery to power things like tvs or a refrigerator. At night time this gave me the freedom to run the generator on idle and when the air conditioner turn on, the engine will revved up. You will need to upgrade to a battery with more CCA's, preferably to a car or boat battery. The largest generator or tracker battery that can be purchased is 425cc.

[@JackofAllTrades1]

@@javierdiaz1419 that's a great idea... I really appreciate that tip. I had honestly considered selling this and buying the smallest duel fuel gen I could find with a 50 Amp plug. Sounds like you have good feedback on it though, this is my 4th year with it.

[@culbyj3665]

what is the LRA of ur 5 ton unit and what brand Granted Im not sure if brand will Matter??

[@carapungo]

do you have a tutorial as to how you set this up? thanks

[@ACF6180T]

Hey thanks for the video ! I just got the same generator , What I don't get is this is the same 30HP engine & size as the Generac GP17500E does the 15000 have a smaller electric motor that puts out less watts ? The 15000 has all the same features for less $$$$$ & total watts than the 17500 . Thanks for the video ! & I plan on doing the same hook up You have with mine , & it's nice that You have got 5 years on it. Thanks again 😉!

[@JackofAllTrades1]

Hey Venice, thanks for the comment. Really the 15k is the better deal, right? It is already limited by the 50 Amp plug and the 17.5k is limited even more. From my understanding the conductor is the only difference... more copper larger magnets etc... which pushes its max output higher. I can't imagine needing all that, my last two houses have been almost 3k sqft and this generator has ran them both as if we were on normal power. I think this generator will meet 99% of most homeowners needs.

[@ACF6180T]

@@JackofAllTrades1 Thank You for the reply ! I guess I'll be covered seeing our house is 2,4K sqft. & it's all electric , but some Items will have to be turned off because I have a well & water softener system with a septic pump out , & I don't plan on running everything with the generator, Thanks again.

[@JackofAllTrades1]

@@ACF6180T I did load tests on my last house that was mostly electric and I could run two major appliances at once without issue. My well ran speratically but it along with the clothes dryer or microwave or stove seemed fine. The odds that I would be running multiple high Amp (3 or more) items at once would be very rare and avoidable in an emergency power situation.

[@ACF6180T]

@@JackofAllTrades1 Got it ! thanks again.

[@rupe53]

BTW, both of those have the same 50 amp output plug. and both are capable of more than 50 amps. What you gain is a bit of extra headroom for heavy appliance starts.... and the ability to add an extra 120 volt cord to go elsewhere. Be aware that both units are thirsty in the gasoline departments. In theory you could run through 50 gallons a day (24 hours run time) at 50 - 75% load.

[@laurarettig9874]

If you have natural gas to house would be great to convert generator as that unit will use a lot of gas. I'm not surprized that it ran your 5 ton ac as I have a 12000 watt Winco tri fuel that runs my 3 1/2 ton ac. Running a generator off natural gas you lose about 20% wattage but you could probably still run your ac with that unit.

[@JackofAllTrades1]

I've looked at those conversion kits... about another 300 dollars to upgrade it. I have natural gas too. I think I need to get a better sense of how much the power will be out here on a yearly basis to determine if it's worth it...... it would make it more reliable though. Thanks for the comment.

[@laurarettig9874]

@@JackofAllTrades1 That's a tough call. One extended power outage and you'll be cursing yourself running for gasoline constantly. That big boy will burn 1 gallon per hour.

[@JackofAllTrades1]

@@laurarettig9874 true... right now the emergency plan is to have all the cars full of gas before the hurricane and just siphone from them. I figure with a plan to run a couple hours on and a couple off I can make it a week. This has a 16 gallon fuel tank on it and I can store about 77 gallons total.

[@laurarettig9874]

@@JackofAllTrades1 During hurricane Sandy I was without power 12 days and getting gasoline was an issue. I was told it was near impossible to siphon gas from new vehicles. One KZbin video showed it being done with a pump.

[@JackofAllTrades1]

@@laurarettig9874 12 days is a long time, I'd be in trouble for sure. I have a hand pump made for siphoning gas out of a car... has a weighted tip on it.

[@davidpierre8465]

Hi Brother, you should have ran 100 amps 4 conductor SJ cord.

[@JackofAllTrades1]

What would be the reason for that? The safety inspector took no issue with the way it is now.

[@jackier7737]

Maybe have it further outside the garage due to carbon monoxide?

[@JackofAllTrades1]

Nah it's fine. We close the garage door once it's running. I need it closer to the house so I can have a tarp strung up to keep the rain off it.

[@jackier7737]

@@JackofAllTrades1 My biggest issue right now is getting a straight answer about the running and starting on my heat pump. The actual manuracturer actually told me to contact my local dealer! I'm just going to try it out.

[@JackofAllTrades1]

@@jackier7737 if you have concerns about starting it with your generator... maybe you are close to the limit? Just make sure it's the first thing that starts. Starting Amp draw is way higher than the amps needed to sustain it after the initial start. Also, generators have a peak Amp draw load they can maintain for a short time to help offset that. Like for example, my 15,000 watt generator will briefly run at 22,000 watts to assist with startup. If you do it this way then it doesn't have to compete with other things, like a fridge, that would want to start up immediately when power is applied.

[@user-pf2kw1dm5c]

Your thermostat was already set to the desired temp shouldve bumped it down to 74 to get it to turn on

[@NilsKall]

That’s a big generator!

[@JackofAllTrades1]

It's a big boy... over 400lbs with full tank!

[@ginginthing]

My neighbors would call the cops on me with all this racket in less than 15 minutes. That thing needs a way better muffler.

[@JackofAllTrades1]

Haha... yea it's loud. Luckily if this is being used then everybody is without power and that typically means the neighbor is at my door with an extension cord to his fridge. :)

[@kc7154]

Dont ever…ever start generator and then connect to house. That chord is 240 volts and should you touch it, you will die. Second point, turning on gen breaker with all breakers on, will damage generator…turn each load on, one at a time…

[@JackofAllTrades1]

I'm gonna call BS on that... there is no harm in handling that cord, plugged in or not. The cord is properly maintained and there is no concern that the insulation has deterorated and posed a risk at all. If the power panel had more than a 50 Amp demand at it when switched over, then yes... that would not be good for the generator but I knew ahead of time that I wouldn't even be close to that amount.

[@sporttiger1766]

It's a female plug. How you going to touch it?

[@rupe53]

@@sporttiger1766 ... in theory you can't touch a hot wire. If the cord is shorted then the breaker on the gen set will trip because the outside is ground.

[@kellyfoster7054]

I agree on turning appliances on one at a time ,why would you not

[@mr.boniato6402]

You gotta be careful using a genetic generator and sensitive electronics, like digital clocks, computers, routers, etc...anything over 5% THD (total harmonic distortion) can kill those electronics. I lost the control board on my water softener unit after I used it with my generator.

[@JackofAllTrades1]

Hopefully I'm ok, my real sensitive stuff is all run off a UPS... which doesn't really care for the generator but tolerates it at higher loads. My understanding is the "dirty" power at lower rpms is cleaned up at higher rpms.

[@mr.boniato6402]

@@JackofAllTrades1 it's safer to use an inverter generator. They are more expensive, but you don't have to worry about THD.

[@JackofAllTrades1]

@@mr.boniato6402 yea... maybe in the cards in the future. I've wanted to downsize this one as it is a gas hog.