Has anyone tried running a mini-split on an inverter generator?

PNW_Steve · 03-23-2018, 08:15 PM

Hey Everyone,

I know that the inverter type generators such as the Honda EU2000i are quite popular and I have seen several members installing the Pioneer mini-split's.

Has anyone here run their mini-split from one of the inverter style generators?

I was reading something about the Honda having issues with certain types of loads. I don't recall what they were trying to run. It was something odd. A contractor style generator would run it but the Honda freeked out.

It occurred to me that the electronics in the mini-split are a whole lot different than your typical roof a/c and I should probably verify that they will play together before spending the $$

Thanks.

S.

somewhereinusa · 03-23-2018, 08:27 PM

I have a Champion inverter generator and can run a mini split.

david.dgeorge07 · 03-23-2018, 10:21 PM

I have a champion 3100/2800 inverter and it runs my 2x 1 ton mini splits easily.

cadillackid · 03-24-2018, 08:52 AM

I havent had any issues with a honda running electronics... havent run a mini split but i have run the Climax portable unit which is a mini-split inverter style compressor in a portable unit package and it runs just fine, phone chargers, macbook pro chargers and even an APC sine-wave battery back-up (testing running a server rack) all run fine on. the eu2000i,

I havent tried running any high-load compressor items like a regular A/C, frig, or a high-start-current motor like a shop-vac etc on it..
-Christopher

PNW_Steve · 03-24-2018, 10:52 AM

Thanks for the input.

Looks like I have nothing to worry about.

Tango · 03-24-2018, 11:16 AM

I load tested my Honda 3000 (inverter) genny with my 8000 btu window unit. The A/C ran full blast without the Honda ever coming off "Economy Idle".

PNW_Steve · 03-24-2018, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tango

I load tested my Honda 3000 (inverter) genny with my 8000 btu window unit. The A/C ran full blast without the Honda ever coming off "Economy Idle".

I have run roof a/c's from a Honda EU3000i with no issue. The inverter mini-splits are a little different animal and I wanted to check with the community before I start spending $$.

Thanks again.

Tango · 03-24-2018, 11:43 AM

Maybe someone else can chime in, but my understanding of the mini-splits is that they have a much lower start-up load and also draw less juice when running than conventional units. Cadillac can probably tell you more.

PNW_Steve · 03-24-2018, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tango

Maybe someone else can chime in, but my understanding of the mini-splits is that they have a much lower start-up load and also draw less juice when running than conventional units. Cadillac can probably tell you more.

I am of the same understanding. That is on of the reasons I am going mini-split and not roof air.

david.dgeorge07 · 03-24-2018, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tango

Maybe someone else can chime in, but my understanding of the mini-splits is that they have a much lower start-up load and also draw less juice when running than conventional units. Cadillac can probably tell you more.

I have real time monitored my wattage draw with my 12000 btu pioneers. It creeps up from zero over a couple minutes. I’ve never really seen them go past about 2000 W total with both units running. I think they are spec’d to draw up to 1200 per unit but I haven’t seen it. Maybe that’s when you hit the turbo button.

Once the initial heat or cool target is reached it seems like they level out to about 650 W each or 1300 total. Depends on weather etc.

I’ve run 1 off my inverter while driving without trouble.

Tango · 03-24-2018, 01:09 PM

Good info...thanks for sharing.

crashmonster · 03-24-2018, 02:00 PM

The issue you speak of for the Honda, is that the neutral and ground are isolated. Contractor generators and the commercial system, they are not. The fix is to make a jumper out of a plug to connect the neutral and ground at the generator. Make sure not to jump the wrong terminal, it would be detrimental to your system.

I learned this from a book on RV wiring and how to NOT electrocute yourself with metal skinned campers.

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

PNW_Steve · 03-24-2018, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by david.dgeorge07

I have real time monitored my wattage draw with my 12000 btu pioneers. It creeps up from zero over a couple minutes. I’ve never really seen them go past about 2000 W total with both units running. I think they are spec’d to draw up to 1200 per unit but I haven’t seen it. Maybe that’s when you hit the turbo button.

Once the initial heat or cool target is reached it seems like they level out to about 650 W each or 1300 total. Depends on weather etc.

I’ve run 1 off my inverter while driving without trouble.

Awesome information!

Thank you for sharing that.

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