Can a honda eu2200i power a 15000 BTU AC

I wanted to do a quick video showing that the honda eu2200 can power a 15000 btu rv air conditioner. please note that all of my breaker switches were shut off so that the ac can have all the power coming from the generator. UPDATE 9/5/2019 I have since added an easy start to my AC and the Honda works flawlessly.

[yevgeniytsvetkov]

*Great with keeping my 1st floor **Fastly.Cool** . Had a little struggle getting it to sit properly in my small window but once I got it situated it works perfectly.*

[udavidism]

You must use at least a #12 extension cord and make it as short as possible. A good way to learn about cheap extension cords is to get a #14, 100 foot long cord and a circular saw that pulls close to 15 amps. Try to rip the length of a 2x4 with the saw.
Now get a #12 100 foot long cord and do the same thing with the saw. You will notice a great deal of difference in the power of the saw with the heavier gauge cord.

[paulanderson]

Use a properly sized extension cord if you care about the a/c or the generator. If you try to run high current devices for long with wimpy extension cords they will soon become fuses.

[robertm]

I agree with dbruce9035, but adding in that your light gauge, very long extension cord should NEVER be used to transmit both starting and motor running power. Lighter wiring causes a voltage drop and current (Amps) rise that will cause excess heat damage. That is a good way to damage the Honda's inverter ICU or the A/C compressor motor windings over time -and- it will fail a starting test that would normally pass with the proper extension cord. Always use at most a 25 foot length of 12 AWG size (or heavier 10 AWG for 50') extension cord as they will transmit FULL POWER.

[SkypowerwithKarl]

Get the Honda 2200 companion model. This has the larger twist lock receptacle and one standard outlet. The twist lock has better current rating and less likely to shake loose but please run thicker and as short as needed power cord. The smaller 2000 companion would run my Marine Air heat 16, 000 BTU pump on my boat but it needs to be be started with Eco mode switched off to “get a run at it”. Once running, the Eco can be switched on again and it would reduce the engine speed about 20%. Just set the AC temperature so it doesn’t shut off because it will trip on restarting because the Eco needs to be off and the refrigerant pressure needs to equalize for quite a while before it can start again. Ran many hundred of hours like using this technique. Lucky I could isolate the other systems on the boat to run on the inverter banks.

[rickbraden]

I love my 2 easy starts I put on my 5th wheel. With my 13.5 k btu unit I can start & run it with my old Honda eu2000i in Eoco mode. So when the ac cycles off the engine slows down until it cycles back on. The generator & ac unit will last longer because of much less stress at start up.

[rayperez]

instead of using an extension cord why not use the camper trailer cord with a dog bone?

[treelife]

Thanks so much for trying this out; very helpful! I like that you showed your entire setup, the info on the AC itself and you actually measured the temperature in a scientific way.

[pixelpatter]

Thanks for doing this test. As others have noted, your extension cord is overly long and probably too small a gauge. A lot of power from your generator will be wasted heating that cord. The second point is that the AC unit started with difficulty, and that was a cold start on a day when the interior of your trailer was 76-80 degrees, if I remember what your thermometer showed. On a hot day after the thermostat kicks off and later tries to restart the unit, the head pressure will be much higher and starting is not as easy. The second start is where you will run into trouble. If you just HAVE to do this get a big short cord and don't let the AC cycle, set the thermostat as low as it can go. LOL.

[electropentatonic]

That AC pulls about 15 amps. We generally account for 125% startup loads, this is NEC standard. That puts you about 2250w at startup. Motors and AC's always pull far less than nameplate so there's no reason this wouldn't work if your Geny is in proper working order. Although you are on the high side of the gen limits, adding those soft starts was a good idea.

[supersami]

You need to use a multi meter at an outlet and monitor what the rigs voltage is. If you try and run your AC much below 105-107 volts for very long you will be buying a new AC. The brother in law has been there and done that!

[NoelBarlau]

I have a Honda EU2000i and tried powering the exact same air conditioner, a Brisk Air II. Unfortunately, the large inrush current fried my inverter and it's a $411 fix. Now I have two EasyStart units, one for each air conditioner. They make a huge difference in the starting load on your generator, which is especially important if you have an inverter generator instead of the old fashioned one. You can get away with this stunt an unknown number of times, but eventually it'll bite you, as it causes premature failure of the MOSFETs. I hope others learn from my mistake.

[iamarxalan]

That's a great camper my friend. I just loved the interior.

[nathanhollis]

Great upload.... Putting a jumpstart/ easy start/ hard start capacitor kit on it does more for protecting the motor windings of your AC compressor.

[dbruce]

I just bought a Generac GP3000i and it only recommends up to a 13, 500 btu a/c. That long skinny extension cord would be a concern for me.

[bradydegrasse]

Same question. Total length of time and fuel consumed, say, for 6 to 8 hours (useful time frame for a night here in Florida) would be great! Thanks.

[dougamclean]

Keep in mind that the generator is already at approx 4-5amp load prior to turning on the A/C fan as the generator is already sending power thru the power distribution system in the camper. Then the A/C kicks in and briefly puts it into overload state before it gets the compressor running. It made quite a grunt to start as yours did. Once running it's right on the 'red line' at 14.8amps. That's with no 12volt fridge, lights or any other 12volt usage onboard.
I have the 2200BT model with the phone app. It allows you to see real time amp load on the generator.
By the readings I got doing the same experiment as you, I'd strongly recommend against using your Honda generator for this application.
I myself won't be running my 2200 to power my RV with the A/C..even with easy start!!!

[rickbraden]

If you want to put a lot less stress on your generator during ac startup, do like I did on my 5th wheel. With my easy start I can run my 13.5 btu with my eu2000i in ECO mode!

[rodmoore]

How did you get it to do that?
I have a brand new eu2200i and a brand new 15000 btu on my 2022 grand design trailer.
It would not work for me at all.
Same gen and same size ac

[Yukonjackman]

Just a little info our 15000BTU AC and a 2200i with a easy start did fine I used a dog bone and the regulator trailer power cord running on propane in Arizona heat, I did the fan first then ac