Inverter type A/C not to be used with genset?

**boybi** · February 28th, 2011 11:19 PM

We're opening a new business soon and today, we're testing the power load on the genset. One of the 2.5hp inverter type A/C won't turn ON. The aircon technician then told us we cannot operate the inverter A/C on genset power.
Is this true?

**oj88** · March 1st, 2011 12:53 AM

I can't imagine why it shouldn't work. The genset may not be providing clean power, like if the AC frequency (normally at 60Hz) and/or voltage is out of range for the airconditioner's switching power supply.

The genset should be running at near or precisely the correct speed of 3,600 RPM (for 60Hz). All are designed to provide roughly 220V at this RPM.

**boybi** · March 1st, 2011 07:11 PM

It's really weird. Yesterday, the aircon technicians can't make the aircon to turn ON. Today, we were able to turn it ON just by pressing the power on the remote, and still on genset power.

**userfriendly** · March 1st, 2011 07:28 PM

Weird. Your A/C should run. Wont matter if its grid power or generator power, as long as you get 220v 60hz you should be good to go.

Things I would look at:

1. make sure your generator is pumping out 220v constantly. If your generators rpm is fluctuating, your voltage and frequency will be erratic. Easy enough to do, just use a tester on an outlet.

2. Could it be that your load is too much for your generator?

What brand is your a/c and genset? How many kw or kva is your genset?

**boybi** · March 1st, 2011 07:38 PM

The A/C is a Panasonic split type 2.5hp. The genset is 8kVA china branded. Only 1 2.5hp aircon, lights, water heater, signage lighting, and a few outlets are connected to the genset. During the time that the aircon won't turn ON, only a few lights were ON.