A/C running watts

[CSanders]

Trying to figure out how many running/ starting amps I need to run my 5 ton central ac unit. Can anyone tell me based off the plate on the unit? I tried google but that wasn’t much help.

[WalkieTalkie]

.

[WalkieTalkie]

.

[keng]

Rla plus fla which are in amps. Times that by the voltage of the electric at the building, either 230 or 208, I think. I'm not an electrical engineer and I didn't sleep at a holiday inn last night.

[Starvin]

volts x amps is your watts, add the fan full load amps plus the compressor run load amps together, then x the voltage is the wattage. You will need the circuit breaker a 40 or max 50 amp as listed

[TeamAmerica]

Why are you asking? Do you have an amp meter? As stated, volts times amps = watts. You can get a fairly inexpensive amp/volt meter if you want to see what amps it is drawing while running. The amp meter clamps over the hot wire.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

[bowhntrmatt]

What are you trying to accomplish? If you need the circuit size, use 50a which is the listed max.

Actual wattage will have to be calculated using a volt/amp meter as the fla and rla listed are maximum values, not actual, and voltage varies from home to home. If this is the case, what are you doing with this information?

[Uncle Saggy]

50A

Where do the watts enter the equation?

[CSanders]

Trying to figure out if I can run a 17,500 generac to power the entire house. If the wattage is low enough I might be able to do so. If that won’t handle the entire house then I’ll just get a smaller one and run essentials and a window unit.

[TeamAmerica]

Then the answer is yes. 17500 / 240 volts is roughly 70 amps. Your condenser is likely drawing 2/3 or so of the max 50 amps per the breaker (just guessing). And your blower fan does not draw many amps.

Before you drop some coin I'd do a more scientific calculation. Get one of these to check the amps. You may need to pull back the flexible conduit to gain access to the hot wires. Check both hots and the higher one should be your amp draw.

But that is a big generator!

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

[double bogey]

That will run the a/c, it depends on what else you run. If you have a 5 ton a/c you have a pretty good size house (2000 to 2500 sq, ft). I wouldn't count on running any pool equipment, but lights, fridge and a/c should be fine, but no electric heat. Maybe freezer also. I would consider a start relay and capacitor for the a/c to keep the starting time shorter.

Not familiar with Goodman models, is that a heat pump?

[CSanders]

Thank for the help guys. I’ll get one of those meters and do some more research.

[WTucker]

I wouldn’t bet on that running your house. Like said above if you have a 5 ton unit, your house isn’t small. It will depend on if your other appliances are gas/electric. Also the generac units are rated lower when running on natural gas vs propane.

For example, I installed a Generac 22kw for my in-laws. It’s only rated for 19.5 on natural gas. They have a 3 ton unit and the inrush while starting their unit almost kills the engine because it bogs it down so bad. We put a hard start kit in the AC and it helped a little.

It’s hard to really know without knowing your whole setup. I would recommend at least talking to a company that installs them and see what size they say you need.

[CSanders]

I wouldn’t bet on that running your house. Like said above if you have a 5 ton unit, your house isn’t small. It will depend on if your other appliances are gas/electric. Also the generac units are rated lower when running on natural gas vs propane.

For example, I installed a Generac 22kw for my in-laws. It’s only rated for 19.5 on natural gas. They have a 3 ton unit and the inrush while starting their unit almost kills the engine because it bogs it down so bad. We put a hard start kit in the AC and it helped a little.

It’s hard to really know without knowing your whole setup. I would recommend at least talking to a company that installs them and see what size they say you need.

I called a generator install company and they said 22kw for my house for about 10 grand turn key. That's why I was looking into this route. We have two fridge/ freezers, gas furnace, gas dryer. So not too much other load than that.

[CSanders]

That will run the a/c, it depends on what else you run. If you have a 5 ton a/c you have a pretty good size house (2000 to 2500 sq, ft). I wouldn't count on running any pool equipment, but lights, fridge and a/c should be fine, but no electric heat. Maybe freezer also. I would consider a start relay and capacitor for the a/c to keep the starting time shorter.

Not familiar with Goodman models, is that a heat pump?

No sir we have a gas furnace.