I have a built in air conditioner that came with my 1989 H27. does anyone have an idean idea as to what the amp draw for this unit ma be. I am trying to size a portable generator that will run the AC and battery charger. Thanks Mark
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Ten to twelve?
Startup amps are the problem, probably closer to 20. Then my Mermaid 12K BTU runs at around 10. But every cycle it needs that 20 again.
Startup amps are the problem, probably closer to 20. Then my Mermaid 12K BTU runs at around 10. But every cycle it needs that 20 again.
Just a guess-
You really need to look up the manufacturer and model of the unit. Doesn't the unit itself have a tag or label attached that give the specs? I have a Marine Air 16K unit that draws 12.7A (cool) and 14.2A (heat). Also a 5K unit that draws 6.7A (cool). The associated water pump draws 2.3A. A charger is probably 1/10 of the max current plus 30%. For example, I would expect a 30A charger to be about 4A of 120V power. Don't forget your hot water heater, 1500W is about 12.5A of 120V power.
You really need to look up the manufacturer and model of the unit. Doesn't the unit itself have a tag or label attached that give the specs? I have a Marine Air 16K unit that draws 12.7A (cool) and 14.2A (heat). Also a 5K unit that draws 6.7A (cool). The associated water pump draws 2.3A. A charger is probably 1/10 of the max current plus 30%. For example, I would expect a 30A charger to be about 4A of 120V power. Don't forget your hot water heater, 1500W is about 12.5A of 120V power.
2000 Honda
With the trailerables, this is a question asked more often. Honda is building a very quiet, small and effiecent generator. There is a 1000 and a 2000. Take a look at them. I know one person at my suggestion is getting a 2000 to run his AC on his 356. I will let you know how it runs but the biggest draw will be when starting the AC unit. Crazy Dave Condon
With the trailerables, this is a question asked more often. Honda is building a very quiet, small and effiecent generator. There is a 1000 and a 2000. Take a look at them. I know one person at my suggestion is getting a 2000 to run his AC on his 356. I will let you know how it runs but the biggest draw will be when starting the AC unit. Crazy Dave Condon
CO Detectors
For safety, anyone running a generator, or gas heater, should have at least one CO detector on board. CO is "the silent killer" and there have been a number of deaths directly related to people running generators on their boats. Surprisingly, there has been at least one death recorded of a person OUTSIDE the boat that died of asphyxiation from the "plume" of exhaust gas. This was on a windless day. While houseboats have been making the news, all powerboats or BOATS RUNNING AUXILIARY GENERATORS carry the risk. Related links: Exposure limits and symptoms: http://www.uscg.mil/news/Headquarters/Adv-CoHouseboat.html Coast Guard report on Houseboats: http://www.uscg.mil/news/Headquarters/Adv-CoHouseboat.html ABYC standard A-24 (Carbon Monoxide Detectors) lists detector requirements and makes recommendations for their placement and installation. See: http://www.abycinc.org/Resources/ABYC%20News/carbon_monoxide.htm WARNING: "Unfortunately, consumer testing has shown that detector technology 'DOESN'T WORK WELL ON BOATS'. One test in homes showed a one third failure rate. Some older units have had recalls to replace detector units - check with manufacturers! According to Powerboat Reports magazine (Sep/99), Fireboy/Xintex is one of only two makers of CO detectors made specifically for boats. They report that Figero USA has a new sensor ready for testing. Use a CO detector in your boat, but do NOT depend on it. Until we have better detectors, prevention is imperative." See the above warning at: http://www.ncf.carleton.ca/boating/monoxide.html The bottom line is CO poisoning is not something to be taken lightly and one needs to be on-guard. In the light of all these warnings (gas builds in still air, CO dectors aren't fool proof, etc.), if you're going to run a generator or gas heater it's up to you to determine what will be safe. Don't try to blame someone else for your improper use or action when something goes wrong.
For safety, anyone running a generator, or gas heater, should have at least one CO detector on board. CO is "the silent killer" and there have been a number of deaths directly related to people running generators on their boats. Surprisingly, there has been at least one death recorded of a person OUTSIDE the boat that died of asphyxiation from the "plume" of exhaust gas. This was on a windless day. While houseboats have been making the news, all powerboats or BOATS RUNNING AUXILIARY GENERATORS carry the risk. Related links: Exposure limits and symptoms: http://www.uscg.mil/news/Headquarters/Adv-CoHouseboat.html Coast Guard report on Houseboats: http://www.uscg.mil/news/Headquarters/Adv-CoHouseboat.html ABYC standard A-24 (Carbon Monoxide Detectors) lists detector requirements and makes recommendations for their placement and installation. See: http://www.abycinc.org/Resources/ABYC%20News/carbon_monoxide.htm WARNING: "Unfortunately, consumer testing has shown that detector technology 'DOESN'T WORK WELL ON BOATS'. One test in homes showed a one third failure rate. Some older units have had recalls to replace detector units - check with manufacturers! According to Powerboat Reports magazine (Sep/99), Fireboy/Xintex is one of only two makers of CO detectors made specifically for boats. They report that Figero USA has a new sensor ready for testing. Use a CO detector in your boat, but do NOT depend on it. Until we have better detectors, prevention is imperative." See the above warning at: http://www.ncf.carleton.ca/boating/monoxide.html The bottom line is CO poisoning is not something to be taken lightly and one needs to be on-guard. In the light of all these warnings (gas builds in still air, CO dectors aren't fool proof, etc.), if you're going to run a generator or gas heater it's up to you to determine what will be safe. Don't try to blame someone else for your improper use or action when something goes wrong.
Great information, John!
However, it's worth noting that GASOLINE engines and generators present the most danger...there has yet to be a single reported marine-related CO death from a diesel engine or generator. And just to re-inforce your information, very few gasoline related CO deaths are due to any exhaust leak--to CO leaking anywhere INside the boat, but from CO pulled into the cabin by heat/ac systems. Most happen on still hot nights when there's no breeze to carry the exhaust fumes away...which, of course, is when air conditioning is wanted most. All my boats have been gas powered, with gas generators. I never ran the genset overnight...never ran it during the day without hatches open enough to ventilate the cabin. I installed oscillating 12v fans...and if they couldn't do enough to make it bearable to stay out, I went back to the dock and plugged into shore power. I hope everyone will read ALL the information at the links you posted. It could save a life.
However, it's worth noting that GASOLINE engines and generators present the most danger...there has yet to be a single reported marine-related CO death from a diesel engine or generator. And just to re-inforce your information, very few gasoline related CO deaths are due to any exhaust leak--to CO leaking anywhere INside the boat, but from CO pulled into the cabin by heat/ac systems. Most happen on still hot nights when there's no breeze to carry the exhaust fumes away...which, of course, is when air conditioning is wanted most. All my boats have been gas powered, with gas generators. I never ran the genset overnight...never ran it during the day without hatches open enough to ventilate the cabin. I installed oscillating 12v fans...and if they couldn't do enough to make it bearable to stay out, I went back to the dock and plugged into shore power. I hope everyone will read ALL the information at the links you posted. It could save a life.
A/C amp draw
Good points concerning using gasoline. The A/C unit will pull 2 1/2 times the rated (running) amps (on the tag?) upon start up of the air conditioner. Choose a genset that will put out that amount of amps, not what the running amps are. Also use wiring as short & large as possible, with a very good ground.
Good points concerning using gasoline. The A/C unit will pull 2 1/2 times the rated (running) amps (on the tag?) upon start up of the air conditioner. Choose a genset that will put out that amount of amps, not what the running amps are. Also use wiring as short & large as possible, with a very good ground.
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