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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Danny on June 10, 2018, 10:38:21 AM

Title: Generator electrical question
Post by: Danny on June 10, 2018, 10:38:21 AM
I've got my Onan 7KW gas generator installed.  It works fine for one AC - but when I turn on the second AC it shuts down.  Any ideas?  As always, thanks for the help !!
Title: Re: Generator electrical question
Post by: richard5933 on June 10, 2018, 10:57:36 AM
Do the a/c units work ok on shore power?

Are they both being powered by one leg of the generator?
Title: Re: Generator electrical question
Post by: Melbo on June 10, 2018, 10:58:36 AM
Do you have a clamp on ammeter?  Check the draw with one then the other ( watch for the peak as it fires up ) and you might answer your own question.

Just a thought.

HTH

Melbo
Title: Re: Generator electrical question
Post by: Dave5Cs on June 10, 2018, 11:04:36 AM
Start one and let it run for a few minutes then turn on the second one and see if it is works.
Title: Re: Generator electrical question
Post by: buswarrior on June 10, 2018, 11:30:38 AM
I am not a fan of splitting smaller generators into 120/240, if yours is.

Otherwise, you only have a 3500 watt generator, twice, which starts limiting the reality of what will start/run.

And, I have seen them wired wrong, and 3500 is all you have, period.

Under the cover, most have the schematic for which way to hook up the 4 wires to achieve either configuration.

Balanced loading is your goal, if wired for 120/240, very hard to achieve a close percentage, at these low loads.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
Title: Re: Generator electrical question
Post by: Danny on June 11, 2018, 05:52:27 AM
Thanks for all your help...
Title: Re: Generator electrical question
Post by: neoneddy on June 11, 2018, 06:51:51 AM
Make sure to add soft start capacitors, most RV shops have them for $25-$30 and they are easy to install.


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Title: Re: Generator electrical question
Post by: Danny on June 11, 2018, 08:03:53 AM
Thanks