Your air-conditioner is essentially an electrical motor powering a compressor and a fan. Motors are inductive loads, so their power factor is generally around 0.8 or in the lower part of the range. To determine the required output of the generator, we multiply the power output rating in volt-amps by the power factor of 0.8.
So the actual wattage capacity of our Honda EU22i generator running inductive loads is as follows:
Maximum AC Output = 1760W( 2200VA x 0.8); and
Rated( or Continuous) AC Output = 1440 watts( 1800VA x 0.8).
The difference between the two ratings is important. The maximum output( sometimes called the peak output) is the maximum output the generator can sustain for a short period of time. The rated or continuous output is what the generator can sustain for an extended period of time. This is the figure we are most interested in.
In summary, the Honda will happily run the Truma Aventa Comfort, but it will struggle to power the Dometic Ibis and will likely not run it at all. If it does run, it will be working at its absolute maximum, potentially resulting in reduced life of the generator or even damaging the unit long-term.
Sometimes it’ s just easier to check into a caravan park and run your air-conditioner for as long as you like …
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