Well fellas, I've broken down and ordered a soft start (below) for my 5 ton home AC system. All of the recent bad weather and outages have pushed me in this direction. I've done as much research as I possibly can, and now the only thing left to do is just find out if it works. I have a 12kw portable generator.

My questions for TFF is: Are there any of you out there running your home AC compressors on a portable generator? If so, what are you using to keep your LRA low enough to keep your generator from throwing the breaker?

https://www.microair.net/products/e...nd-230v-ac-motors?variant=22060231884884

My (older) 5 ton won't start with my 17.5KW portable. I've considered putting a start kit on it but to be truthful I'm a procrastinator. I have 3 - 5000BTU window units that I can slip in the bedroom windows if it looks like we'll be out for a while. I really do need to upgrade my emergency power system though.

I’m listening to my neighbors generator running while I’m sitting here in the dark.

I just recently purchased a 14.5KW generator and have that same Microair soft start. The generator arrived Sunday so I haven't had a chance to hook it up. The Micro Air app is showing my starting current at 60 amps and I have verified it with my Fluke clamp on meter. The original starting amps were 132. I'm hoping the generator starts the 5 ton unit but it will be close. My 3 ton unit shouldn't be an issue.

Those are cheap and handy to have a couple in the event of an ac issue also.

We have a 5ton on our home which has the microair ez start on it. Our 12kw generator has been able to start the 5ton unit. There was a time where the 5ton unit caused the 50 amp breaker on the generator to trip.

So, you all think a 6500w with 7500w startup gen can start and run a 2 /2 ton ac with a soft start?

If you have a 50amp outlet tied to a 50amp breaker, without a doubt! Need to know what the LRA for your compressor is. You may be able to get away with a 30 amp breaker/circuit after you install the soft start.

Thank you.

What's the fuel burn on that thing and what's your plan to keep it fed. That's always been my issue with a portable generator. In the event of a long term outtage it's not practical unless you've got them plumbed into your natural gas line or you have a large fuel storage container on your property.

I always have 36 gallons of non ethanol fuel in my boat, plus I keep three 5.5 gallons cans of non ethanol fuel in storage. That'll last me a week. My long term plan is to upgrade my current rig to natural gas and plumb it directly into my meter with quick disconnects.

Unless you're in hurricane territory, most severe weather that creates power outages isn't in the dead heat of summer. The normal concern in this area is wintertime outages and running a heater. We ended up with a wood stove and I have an interlock switch and a Predator 5000 inverter that can run most of the house outside of the AC. Less than $1000 total for generator and switch