Gen with 20-amp plugs

[TankerIP]

I saw a 3000W, 3750W max for sale. But, it does not have a 30amp plug - just 2 - regular 20 amp plugs.

Do you think this would run my trailer plus A/C through just using the 20amp adapter on the end of the umbilical cord?

[65CV]

We checked current draw on our 11,500 btu Penguin.

It drew 22.5 to 23.5 amps at start up.

Depending on your A/C size, it's probably even more.

So -- the answer is probably No.

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by TankerIP

I saw a 3000W, 3750W max for sale. But, it does not have a 30amp plug - just 2 - regular 20 amp plugs.

Do you think this would run my trailer plus A/C through just using the 20amp adapter on the end of the umbilical cord?

Maybe, some of the newer A/C units have a soft start feature on them that keeps the starting amps down.

Find out what the starting amps are for your A/C and add in whatever other load may be running and go from there. Most people look at the high draw stuff and forget to add in the mundane things that run all the time. Things like the Univolt (or modern equivalent).

Aaron

[Jammer]

There are one of two things going on.

1) You are looking at a 120V/240V generator that can only produce 1500W on each of two 120V circuits. If this is the case, you probably have a 4-pole twist lock connector for both voltages. On most of these, there is no way to get 3000W on a single 120V circuit without modifying the internal wiring in the generator.

This would be bad because you can only get 1500W, a little more than 12 A, from any one of the 120V outlets. It won't start your air conditioner.

2) It's a 120V generator and does deliver 3000W (25A) at 120 volts. It might run your air conditioner, or it might not, or it might run it on some days but not others (ambient temperature makes a difference). In general the kind of plug won't tell you much. I've never seen a 120 volt air conditioner that is fed by a breaker larger than 20 amps, and the 20 amp outlet is designed to carry the extra current for starting surges. This is no different than residential wiring. I have a 12,000 BTU air conditioner in my studio that connects using a regular 15 amp cord, and I'm confident it draws around 30 amps for a fraction of a second when starting up.

[65CV]

My numbers were from a 2009 unit.

[Rebee]

Do not second guess. Get a unit that gives you what you want.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Originally Posted by TankerIP

I saw a 3000W, 3750W max for sale. But, it does not have a 30amp plug - just 2 - regular 20 amp plugs.

Do you think this would run my trailer plus A/C through just using the 20amp adapter on the end of the umbilical cord?

Hi, we really need to know more about this generator, brand, specs, Etc. My Yamaha 2400 will run my A/C and refrigerator. If you use the short 30 Amp to 15 Amp adapter or the dog-bone 30 Amp to 15 Amp adapter, you should be OK, but not with an extension cord.

[thecatsandi]

Originally Posted by TankerIP

I saw a 3000W, 3750W max for sale. But, it does not have a 30amp plug - just 2 - regular 20 amp plugs.

Do you think this would run my trailer plus A/C through just using the 20amp adapter on the end of the umbilical cord?

No portable generator I know has a 30 RV style plug. My large honda (for the house) has 120/240 with a 30A 240 twist lock. This works well with the house but I would be stuck with the 20A 120V plugs if I wanted to plug in my Trailer. I could make a 30A 240 twist lock to 120 30A RV but since it would be using only one leg it would still only be 20A.