"Gunner Asch" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 7 Aug 2012 16:57:09 -0400, "Jim Wilkins"
wrote:

"Gunner Asch" wrote
On Tue, 7 Aug 2012 13:08:58 -0400, "Jim Wilkins"

wrote:

My 3KW genny won't start my air compressors unless the tank is empty
or I loosen the pipe at the head.
jsw

Keep in mind..that 3kw is about 13 amps at most.
Gunner

Not at 120V. The motor start current pegs the genny at about 25A
(analog Amprobe) at reduced voltage. I haven't left it on long enough
to take an accurate reading with a digital meter, or to pop the
breaker. The motor is regulated by its internal governor and I set it
for 135V no-load.

jsw

Indeed. So the start current is 12+ amps higher than the 3kw that the
genny supplies.

Gunner

A 3KV generator supplies [3000/120] amps at 120 volts = 25 amps