Ic3000 install and everything works great except A/C when running on generator

[HappyCamper45]

Installed an IC3000 inverter/charger and lifepo4 batteries. Everything seems to work fine but when using the generator and turn on the A/C when the compressor kicks in the power share goes crazy pulling from the batteries and get an over power protection code and it shuts down. We never had a problem previously with running the a/c with the generator. It doesn’t do it hooked to shore power, only generator. I have the shore power settings set to 50amp so it shouldn’t even be trying to pull from the batteries (tried it set on 30a with same result). The ic3000 has the internal transfer switch. Could this be the problem?? the inverter is used. Got it from a friend that had an onboard generator so he had a separate transfer switch but it states you only use that with an onboard generator. Everything worked great for my friend, he was Upgrading his solar system and changed his inverter/charger

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Need to figure out how the a/c power source differs for the genset vs shore, such that it somehow is triggering the power share. Is it possible the a/c is on a dedicated branch circuit from the generator? Some 30A RVs are wired like that. Is the RV system 30A/120v or 50A/240v? What generator size & model? And what "shore power setting" is set to 50A?

The compressor start-up surge can exceed 30A+ for a second or two, so the total electrical load can momentarily skyrocket.

 

[Domo]

Most generators have a built start and warmup period. I'm guessing since the A/C has worked in the past that you know it takes a few minutes for the genny to warm up and be ready to take the load.

The A/C should not be hooked into your inverter at all.

Sounds like the output from the inverter is going to the wrong breaker in your panel... just a WAG.

What year, make and model RV do you have?

 

[DonTom]

We never had a problem previously with running the a/c with the generator. It doesn’t do it hooked to shore power, only generator.

How many watts is your genny?

Could the difference be overload of the genny because of the charge rate of the converter when the house batteries need a big high current charge?

Can you tell when your house batteries are fully charged and then try again when they are?

Perhaps not enough power for both the A/C and converter when the batteries are a little discharged.

-Don- Reno, NV

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Most generators have a built start and warmup period. I'm guessing since the A/C has worked in the past that you know it takes a few minutes for the genny to warm up and be ready to take the load.

Generators need 20-30 seconds to stabilize the speed (rpms) but shouldn't have to actually "warm up". Many newer models won't even produce power output until the governor sees a steady & sufficient rpm.

 

[Domo]

Generators need 20-30 seconds to stabilize the speed (rpms) but shouldn't have to actually "warm up". Many newer models won't even produce power output until the governor sees a steady & sufficient rpm.

Yes, that is what the goal is - stabile operation. Tried to stick to Onan's RV Generator Handbook vernacular... where they recommend letting the genny "warm up a few minutes before turning on appliances."