No more hard wiring a soft start system for RV air conditioning! ActiveStart soft starter
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- Опубликовано: 29 окт 2022
- #brianwatersoutdoors #softstarter #rv
active-controlsllc.com
50 amp residential install video:
• Walk-through of Active... 
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The surge protection would definitely help protect your appliances at an RV park. Some of the older RV parks have questionable power connections. A few years ago we were at one of the older rv parks here in East Texas and while running our microwave, the campers in the lot next to ours turned on both of their 15000 btu roof top ac units. The sudden drop in power caused our microwave to quit working and it never worked again. I'm just glad it was less than $100
That stinks!
That stinks,but standard surge protection doesn't really do you much good in a voltage sag situation only for spikes above nominal voltage. Unless this gizmo has a low voltage clamp built in, but I have not seen that advertised from looking around at them. I know the joys of bad power, lost a brand new CPAP machine camping, bought an audio/hifi surge protect after that that ,which has low voltage clamp thats adjustable same for higher than 3% over voltage. Happy travels
That’s an awesome product, thanks Brian
Thanks Joey👍🏻
Hi Brian...Thanks for the review!
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The price of these are nuts. I just put a soft start on my 5 ton AC unit for less than $200. Active start was over $300 for a 20 amp.
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I think its a fair up charge for most people who are completely incapable/uninterested of wiring in a DIY soft start. plus you can move this from rv to rv or even to your home.
It might be the answer for my well pump. I need to do some more research. Thanks for the review.
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Did you find anything yet? I'm up to the same issue on my 240v 3/4 h.p. pump.
For people that wire these themselves, Is their anyone doing a diy plug and play wire themselves. I like the plug and play for beii on g able to swap to different ac units. Thanks for the video. Yours was the clearest I could find on the topic!
This is amazing. My 4K watt generator won’t run my AC while hunting. Blows the breaker soon as I try turning it on. Going to give it a try, thanks for the video!
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What do you have for an AC? I used to run my 5K BTU AC with a predator 3500/4375
Just checked my specs. I have a 13,500BTU AC on my 33’ 2019 keystone travel trailer.
@@moneymaker1986 did it work?
@@moneymaker1986 you could always use the 30a to 15a adapter if you're running a 3500w generator. You're probably pulling 11a at startup. Just don't turn anything else on but LED lighting and you should be fine.
I’ve been looking at it for my house. Note it’s going to save but very little electric. But it’s letting you safely start your AC. Also it may prolong your AC. This is not a hard start system. A hard start does just the opposite. Great job, thanks.
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That was an odd scenario. The current never increased beyond the 2.7-8A after it started. So, the startup and running current was the same? I didn't see the surge. Thanks for presenting this!
Love the portability, like being able to get instantaneous info, but if I heard right from you, that YOU HAVE TO turn it on with a phone, im out, want plug and play not worried about having a phone, connection issues etc etc. should build it with a digital display on the box just like the kill a watt. Good video 👍
I was wrong, you do t have to use the app, unless you just want to monitor the current draw.
Man these look awesome. I would prefer not needing the Bluetooth app. The less monkey business for me the better. Thanks for the video 👍
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I just asked that same question I know it's like a year later. No thanks on having to connect to a device/ bluetooth just to use the device I just bought.
A 2000w soft start module/relay, without the pretty enclosure, retails for about $15. It works on any single phase electrical device up to 2000w. ActiveStart, and other soft start companies, are selling expensive pretty cases.
Does that meter actually record the peak (and super fast, millisecond inrush) amps? What meter? That’s very useful.
On a battery/solar setup Could this be plugged into the designated outlet AC is plugged into In a camper then the unit itself plugged directly into it?
Just out of curiosity. What about this inline setup coupled with the hardwire boxes on both AC units?
If I were to purchase a 50 Amp unit could it be dogboned down for use when a 30 Amp pedestal is what’s available?
I'm looking for a solution for a similar problem on a non rv use case. That current meter is too slow to show the inrush or inrush reduction. I'd like to see it with a faster meter or even an analog meter. I have a very similar (looks the same) and the current draw with the compressor on is a fair amount higher. That's weird. Was that start current you showed on the display with an it plugged into mains current or was that recorded with the soft start box.
Hi Brian. Would you happen to know if this will work for a refrigerator that has a surge above 1500 watts? Love the video. Thanks
20 amps at 110 volts is about 2,400 watts. The 20 amp version should be fine
Would have been interesting to see the start up amps with a/c on low settings.
Very interesting! Do I need the phone and the app to use this unit? I hope they make simple unit without the Bluettoth and all the bells that I do not need, I just need to be able to start my AC.
Yes, you can still use this without the Bluetooth monitoring function.
My question is, would this go before, or after a surge protector for those of us using a generator, that has a surge protector plugged into it. So would you plug in surge protector first, then this unit, then shore power? Or plug this unit in first to the generator, then the surge protector to that, then shore power to the surge protector? 🤔
He says in the video it has a built in surge protector.
What is that model number you used in this video? The soft start, I have the same sportsman 800 generator
Thanks for this video. Does the 30 amp version work if connected to a 15 amp 110v hookup with an adapter? For when at a spot without 30 amp hookup, or if using with a generator without 30 amp port.
Yes, it would work
Thanks nice job god bless
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Off topic, but where did you get the various storage containers used on the shelves behind you? Very organized!
They are called Festool Systainers. Most of them came with the tools I bought from them, but I bought a “few” extra also to use for other storage
Doe it work on modified on sine wave?
Little expensive on that for something you’re gonna put on a camper if you’re towing a camper already just get a bigger generator. You shouldn’t have too much problems with the extra weight for the house, though it may be worth it if you hardwire it to your AC.
You say "To get this thing turned on you have to go into your ActiveStart app". Did you mean that you can't just plug it in and use it, you have to turn it on with the app? And if so, do you have to do that each time you use it? Also, does it eliminate the motor surge on the generator? I have a Honda 2200i and I like to run it in Eco mode but whenever I have the A/C on (also 5000 BTU) each time the A/C compressor starts the 2200i has to speed up to meet the demand so I have to run it full throttle all the time. This is what I am trying to eliminate because Eco mode runs almost twice as long on a tank of gas. Thanks, I really appreciate any information you can provide!
You do not have to use Bluetooth with this…you can just plug it in and use it without. And it does eliminate the surge because it reduces the amperage draw so the generator does not have to rev up the RPMs
@@BrianWatersOutdoors Thanks so much for the information. This is something I've been waiting for some time now.
So, will it soft start a well pump? After all, it's another motor load. I'm wondering because I might want to put one on my whole house generator. Sometimes when my well starts, my lights in the house will dim slightly.
They have a 50a version, I'd run it inline right off the generator before or after the generator line that way it should soft start everything downstream
Nice video very well explained..! Recently I installed a new roof AC unit from Rec pro 9,500 BTU it works fine with the Honda 2200 I would like to buy it so the initial surge doesn't stop my TV power...any time the AC compressor comes on...the TV stops..one question..the 20 amp unit is just enough for this issue..? It has the Bluetooth app like the 30 Amp has... 🙏 Thanks
I would go with the 30 amp to be safe
@@BrianWatersOutdoors 🙏 Thanks
can you use the 30amp plug and play to start 2 AC on a 5th wheel if the campground only offers 30amp and my camper is 50amp
You could dogbone your 5th wheel down to 30 amps and use this. If your entire 5th wheel + 2 ac units use less than 30 amps you could run it fine.
I’ve got a soft start installed on my RV unit. Do you think I could use the 20 amp active start when plugged into someone’s house and that would help even more?
Yes, you could use this in that case
So what’s your opinion if I plug this directly in Tamara electric refrigerator in my RV do you think it would stop the surge that it pulls on my inverter?
Yes, that’s the point of this device is to reduce the amperage of surges for a/c units, fridges…anything that has a high surge this will help the generator “ease” into it
The 20 Amp is WAY more than you said, it's like $360! I was headed over to get one. That's pricey. I guess if you couldn't make one on your own it would be better than nothing. Thanks
I’m assuming the price has since gone up since this video was published.
Hey Brian - used to have a camper and plan on getting another one. What is the reason for having the 30a one on the pedestal? Just to control surges and give you a monitoring point?
Just because RVs typically have a 30amp receptacle, or 50 amp for the big ones. You’d just use your standard 30 amp extension cord with the 30 amp version.
Hi Clay...Another benefit for using on a pedestal has more to do with how good the power is at the park especially if it has lower voltage which cause the startup spike to be higher. This product also has monitoring for low and high voltage which could damage your electronics. The output is turned off in those conditions and will restart again after a 3-5 minute delay.
I would be curious how today's electronics will like it, there was a product similar to it years ago and it was pulled due to damaging sensitive electronics due to low voltage, the hardwired versions only control the compressor and not the electronics so no damage occurs with that style, I would be curious to read the patent details to see how he was able to avoid the low voltage death
Good question🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️👍🏻
We do not keep the voltage low for very long as in msec time frame. The key is we do not kill the power completely and ramp up the load without interfering with other appliances that might be running.
@@BrianWatersOutdoors I would be interested in trying one and running it through some tests
I had a house fire and need one of these, I'm suffering in this heat and I'm so close to having air condition, does anyone have a extra?
Hey Brian do you think you can revisit this and try to start your Jayco’s AC with a 2000 watt generator now that you have the RV?
I probably can👍🏻 just need to get the RV at my house here soon can test it out. I’ll prob just post that video on my @geargadgetreviews channel.
Is there a built-in security device from your neighbors stealing at a campsite?
Would this also help for solar generators I have a 2200 watt inverter and my portable ac sometimes just can't start
Yes. You can use the inverter on a power station also with this
What's the point of the 30 or 50 amp one? Your rv a/c will run if plugged into either. I can see needing the 20 amp to run the rv a/c.
50amp mainly for RVs that have 50 amps and you don’t have to scale down to 30 amps using a dog bone.
how do you use for the house with a bigger generator?
you get the bigger amperage version with the appropriate plug...
4:52 - I was sold until you said I have to use an app! No! No! Tell that maker that we aren’t interested in an app! It needs to work all the time without the app!
When we are in a limited power situation we don’t want to be wasting battery power to jack with an app
That was my mistake. You don’t have to use the app unless you want to monitor it remotely.
I have a 30 amp pedestal campground supply and my camper requires 50 amp for 2 ac. Can I use a 50 amp soft start?
You won’t be able to run all your equipment if your camper needs 50amp ( 2 a/c units?) you would be able to partially run your camper if you use a dogbone adapter to go from 30amp to 50 amp
Can the active start work on a 12000btu mini split or heat pump
If it is 30amp a or less, then yes👍🏻
Will this work for a battery solar generator like a Jackery?
Yes, it will
Hey,
For the 30 amp version, can I connect my 2 ton - 30amp mini-split A/C unit ??
Yes👍🏻
Hi is there one I can purchase to work with the UK voltage of 230/240Volt 50Hz?
I do not believe so
Can you get one of them for a 25,000 BTU window unit
Wait what? I have a watchdog surge protector when I plug into shore power. Why would I need this? My under carriage Onan runs the RV AC. ( yea hard start)How would it “just plug into my generator”?
What works to run AC off batteries?
This device is used to decrease the start up / surge amps of your ac. If you have a big enough generator, you might not have any issues. However, this also could help prolong the life of an ac unit because it minimizes the large surge and strain on the components.
Hi Jean...If you use batteries than you have an inverter as well and this product will reduce the surge the inverter will have to handle and not trip its overload when the AC starts.
Use Heavy Duty extention cord 12 gauge or thicker👍🏾
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Why
what is the difference in these and the much less expensive products designed for soft start of units such as saws
I’m not familiar with those types of units, sorry
is that the fusion of an inline a/c capacitor and a kill-a-watt ?
It’s more of an in line capacitor. It does provide you some power consumption info as well though.
Pretty cool, so basically it’s a giant variable resistor?
of the sorts, yeah
If you would, please let me know when the 50 amp soft start RV plug-in unit comes to the market I would appreciate it. Thank you.
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will this let the anker power system run your camper ac??
The Anker will run a small 5000 btu ac. I could not get it to run my 13.5 BRU though without a soft start
I have a 7000 w generator. It won’t start my central ac. WILL THIS WORK IN MY HOUSE ???
Will this run your central ac? Not sure what you’re asking
Can the Active Start work or be configured to work for a solar power/inverter setup?
Sure. Just plug it into the ac side of the power station and use as normal👍🏻
On a battery/solar setup Could this be plugged into the designated AC outlet In a camper then the unit plugged directly into it?
We have the standard A/C in our 2021 Coachmen Leprechaun 260DS. We have a 30 amp service, which works both units off shore power with no problems. We added and extra A/C in the bedroom. If we use the 50 amp unit, will it run both? If you can, please reply soon. We want to buy this, but we're not sure which to get or if it will work.
You technically will never get more than 30amp going into your rv. So, it’s tricky to say the 50 amp version would work. Sure, it probably would handle all the a/c units and get them started, but will your RV wiring handle the steady current after startup with the a/c’s running? I’m not sure if your power draw on the a/c units.
@@BrianWatersOutdoors brian, after I sent the email, I realised I was referring to the 50 amp unit instead of the 30 amp unit. Our RV is based on 30 amp, and that power runs both units nicely. We had the second A/C installed by the dealer who sold us the RV and they are certified by Coachmen, so we trust their work. You did say they have a 30amp unit didn't you? By the way, I think you did a great job on your video.
Very ingenious product but it is pricey. It’s almost the same cost as the generator. I wonder if it works with some of the portable power stations and higher draw devices
It will work with the larger power stations, just the same as using a gas generator. 👍🏻👍🏻
Does this work on 12v DC air conditioners?
Highly unlikely. Can’t remember off the top of my head, but the dc output on this little generator is not much at all
Hi Brian, so a newbie question - If my goal is to run a 14,000 btu portable ac unit from a 2200i Honda gen. which model should I get? Thanks!
I have a 15k btu and my 30amp starts it just fine
At around $350, it seems expensive.
Hi i like to have this soft starter cen sambady tells me howr cen i bay one the shop please let me know please
Can you use it without cell servise
Yes
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Can you plug that into your extension cord at a campground outside and give you about 10 minutes and it’ll be gone stolen
Active start wouldn't run my RV AC using a 2500 watt generator inverter.. I kept getting the NAN on the display. After researching It looks like if you have an off grid solar system, the inverter will shut off the active start.
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Would this work for a well pump?
Just depends how much juice your pump,uses?
Can i buy these in Australia
The 50 amp unit starts at $700....no thanks. If you can't get up on your RV and connect a few wires to save $700 more power to you.
Ok👍🏻
Alot of 50A RV's have 2 AC's, which makes that price gap between 2 hard-wired and 1 plug-and-play alot closer.
$700 bucks for a cheap azz Chinese widget with $10 in parts in it? NO WAY! NO WONDER ALL THESE SCUMBAG RUclipsRS ARE HAWKING IT ON THEIR CHANNELS!
Will it work on Refrigerators?
Depends on how much your fridge uses for power, but most newer ones it will run
I just ordered a soft start for $300 from MicroAir. I didnt know these existed.
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When will 50 amp version be available
Should be now. If not, shoot them an email. The owner is very responsive and helpful.
Have you seen any 240v versions?
I have not
That version will be coming out in December and will be capable of running your house combined with the correct sized generator.
Or you can make your own 12 amp unit with an SCK-0512 Inrush Current Limitin, ICL 5 OHM 15% 12A 22MM guy here on you tube shows you.... very simple.... for a fraction of the price. you can make higher amp units too upto a point.
I think I might just upgrade to inverter based ac units.
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So you cannot use this unless it's connected to bluetooth??
You can, just can’t see all the details power usage, but it does still function.
@@BrianWatersOutdoors thank you. It's getting to the point where everything wants you connected to the internet or Bluetooth and it's getting ridiculous people are trying to get away from that stuff, some of us anyhow.
$275 for a box with electrolytic capacitors and a bluetooth transmitter is awful pricey. That's a lot of money spent to run a basic standard bedroom AC unit even when camping.
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far too expensive, extreme price gouging
360 bucks why not just buy a bigger generator?
The sales site has no physical address. Buyer Beware!
It doesn’t work you should test it, if not, watch RUclipsr love your RV, he actually tested it
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$400??? I could sell my little genset and buy a bigger one!
So the magic box won't do anything without a phone app? Yeah, no thanks.
It will, you just can’t monitor the usage
@@BrianWatersOutdoors Ah, that's good news. I have a few apps that actually work, but most seem to be complete crap.
the power surge happens every time the compressor cycles on, doesn't matter if you first turn it on or it's been running all day
True
Will this address the power surges after initial start as well?
I have a 30 amp pedestal campground supply and my camper requires 50 amp for 2 ac. Can I use a 50 amp soft start?