7
©2020 Micro-Air Corp.
Rev 1.5
Testing your generator
A generator is a limited resource for power and an Air Conditioner draws most of the power a
small generator can produce. The following test will help verify your generator has not exceeded its
continuous duty ratings.
To measure current from your generator
you will need an Amp Clamp meter. Clamps similar
to the one pictured are available online and from
home centers nearly everywhere.
We constructed a simple test plug that we
could plug between our generator and the line
cord. A short length of #12 power cord is connected
to the plugs at both ends. The outer jacket is
removed from center of the cable to expose the
insulated wires inside. The clamp is connected
around the black wire only to read current.
You may have a different method or location to make this measurement. Just be sure the
measurements are made at a location that includes all loads on the generator.
Run the AC on a reliable source that will run the AC for long enough to get a steady reading.
That reading should be below the continuous duty rating of your generator.
Does not run at all on a generator
If it does not run at all on a generator but runs fine on shore power here are some possible
causes.
1.
Wiring is not correct. Usually the original start components were left connected although
other wiring mistakes are also possible. Follow the steps in “Tr
oubleshooting new
installations” before proceeding to #2.
2.
The generator is not supplying the power needed to run the compressor. This is unusual if
you have taken the time to properly size your generator. In that case, you may have a
problem with fuel, air or spark delivery that is preventing the generator from delivering the
rated output.
3.
Start capacitor in EasyStart is the wrong size. Call Micro-Air for other systems after making
the above checks. Please have your compressor voltage, model, BTU rating and original start
capacitor size available when you call.
If this is a 120 volt RV rooftop air conditioning
system this is not a possibility with the standard 364 115 V only RV AC (-X20-IP).
