Discover The Generator Power You Need
For Your RV With This Automatic Calculator...
USE THIS SIMPLE CALCULATOR TO SEE YOUR POWER NEEDS Compressor Output – Watts to Amps Conversion
Directions: Enter your generators starting and running watts in the spaces. This should help you understand your power needs
| AC Single Phase | |
|---|---|
|
Starting watt output |
|
|
Voltage |
|
|
Starting amp output |
|
| AC Single Phase | |
|---|---|
|
Running watt output |
|
|
Voltage |
|
|
Running amp output |
|
Starting Amps for an RV AC can range from 30-Amps to 70-Amps to start your system. SoftStartRV cuts those starting Amps approx in half.
Typical Running Amp Draw for AC ( Heat Pump amp draw is the same since AC is only running in reverse)
EXAMPLE DOMETIC Compressor - Single Blower/Fan Motor
| Running amp draw | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Compressor |
13,500 btu |
12 |
|
Fan Motor |
|
3 |
|
|
Total amps |
15 |
| Running amp draw | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Compressor |
15,000 btu |
13 |
|
Fan Motor |
|
3 |
|
|
Total amps |
16 |
EXAMPLE COLEMAN Compressor - Dual Fan Design (Evap and Condenser)
| Running amp draw | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Compressor |
13.5 btu |
12 |
|
Evap Fan (Inside) |
|
1.8 |
|
Condenser Fan (Outside) |
|
1.3 |
|
|
Total amps |
15.1 |
| Running amp draw | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Compressor |
15,000 btu |
13 |
|
Evap Fan (Inside) |
|
1.8 |
|
Condenser Fan (Outside) |
|
1.3 |
|
|
Total amps |
16.1 |
With a SoftstartRV installed, the AC Amp draw should normally be between 10 to 13 Amps (running) and 24 Amps Starting
It’s understandable that generators can be big and heavy. Smaller generators typically have limitations and conditions.
Not all generators put out the stated power either…
Some things to keep in mind about efficiency:
1) Altitude. You lose 3.5% efficiency for every 1,000 feet above sea level.
2) High Ambient Temperature: Makes it more difficult to cool the gases in the condenser coil which causes the compressor Amps to go up.
3) Maintenance: You MUST maintain your generator, as a dirty carburetor reduces the efficiency of the generator and therefore does not produce adequate power.
4) Try not to undersize your power needs. It is always better to have more power and not use it, than to need it and not have it.
5) Two SoftstartRVs allow you to run 2 x 15,000 BTU AC’s off a 30-Amp hookup.
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