EZ alternative to adding soft-start to AC

[RickBullotta]

Originally Posted by DaveG

Did some more digging for info and found one issue so far. Using a surge softening device located at the pedestal will place inverter (if you have one) in the middle between power source and load. Apparently an inline inverter is not happy with this and will shutdown at the leading edge of a ramping up A/C load.

You don't run an inverter though when you're on shore power...

[Merlintiaga]

Originally Posted by DaveG

Did some more digging for info and found one issue so far. Using a surge softening device located at the pedestal will place inverter (if you have one) in the middle between power source and load. Apparently an inline inverter is not happy with this and will shutdown at the leading edge of a ramping up A/C load.

I can appreciate the concern with potential impacts on other devices but why would one have the inverter turned on if you also have a generator running?

[Pete B55]

Originally Posted by RickBullotta

You don't run an inverter though when you're on shore power...

The Victron Multiplus 3000, a popular inverter, has a useful assist mode. If shore power is less than the the trailer full electrical demand, it will draw from the batteries to source additional 115V current. So for example when on 30A shore service, when two ACs or an AC and microwave turn on, the Multiplus can provide a short-term 50A equivalent service.

[Boxite]

It seems to me that some illogical thinking has crept into the conversation regarding this “soft start” device and an inverter shutting down due to that soft-start in-rush current:

First of all…an Inverter does not take IN alternating current. It’s source current is DC….which it “inverts” into Alternating Current…. AC.

Therefore, I doubt an on-board inverter will be affected by this soft-start device.

[DaveG]

Originally Posted by daleyocum

These devices aren’t, however, capacitors. They are microprocessor controlled waveform modifiers.

Okay, above my pay grade. I'll stay old school until all the players (microwave etc) agree to the same ideas for power. Often ideas get on shelves quickly and consumers become the testers. Don't know if this is the case with this device. Concept seems like a good one.

[DaveG]

Originally Posted by Pete B55

The Victron Multiplus 3000, a popular inverter, has a useful assist mode. If shore power is less than the the trailer full electrical demand, it will draw from the batteries to source additional 115V current. So for example when on 30A shore service, when two ACs or an AC and microwave turn on, the Multiplus can provide a short-term 50A equivalent service.

This looks like what I read. The statement stated something like "tries to pick up the load".

[Pete B55]

Originally Posted by Boxite

It seems to me that some illogical thinking has crept into the conversation regarding this “soft start” device and an inverter shutting down due to that soft-start in-rush current:



First of all…an Inverter does not take IN alternating current. It’s source current is DC….which it “inverts” into Alternating Current…. AC.



Therefore, I doubt an on-board inverter will be affected by this soft-start device.

I think this is a valid point. An inverter is not a real issue. However, Anytime you have a situation of limited power and reactive loads, active power factor correction devices become useful whether they are whole trailer devices like what the OP wrote about or Micro-Air type devices that are located at the appliance. The difference that I see is that local devices provide greater capability- these devices go through a learning mode to adjust themselves specifically for the attached appliance startup draw and reactive power factor - and ultimately provide for longer life of the appliance. The “whole trailer” device doesn’t have the same opportunity to learn and optimize because it is handling multiple power loads that vary depending on what and when you turn something on in the trailer.

Again, with limited power source this is better than nothing, but not as optimal as a local device.

[Underdoggie]

Yes, There is an app you download and it tells you the current draw

[richard5933]

My impression is that the more 'universal' a product tries to be the less it actually helps in the specific products.

Having a surge protector built into this plug-in device is good, but that's a far cry from what a device like a true EMS will do such as low-voltage protection, etc.

My money is on getting devices specific to the problem at hand.

[drairstream]

Thinking it would be a magnet for thieves.