2 Electrical Questions

[Ian Smith]

I am considering a portable generator for the RW. Should I be considering an inverter type generator. I understand the power calculations so will be looking at about 3000 watts.

Second question,I am on 30 amp service and coming into cooler weather. I like to use my heat pumps and electric fireplace as much as possible. I have access to a 15 amp plug to supplement my 30 amp service. The question is how do I best utilizes the 15amps and connect it to the RW.

Our 38GK has a residential fridge and induction cooktop.

Thanks....Ian

[RCAircraft]

I am not sure about the "3,000 watts". That seems very low for your RW.

Inverters are fine however the type of connected loads is a consideration. I had Onan install a 6.5 KW (6,500 watts) generator to handle our two heat pumps, washer and dryer, dishwasher and fireplace. Generators should only carry 80% of their maximum load for best service. Induction loads, such as motors require a higher starting current than when running. A limited number of today's RV's have energy management computers coordinating the various power demands which could allow one to slightly down size the power source. For the rest of us a power source capable of handling random starting loads determines the sizing of the gen or power source.

[atom ant]

Inverters are great for efficiency, but they do not like that startup spike of the AC. A 3,000 should be OK on 1 AC, but not sure about both.