AC won’t run on engines

[JPGator]

What gives.

While at the dock on shore power the AC runs fine. Turn everything off, disconnect shore power, start the engines and head out and the ac doesn’t run, the GFI’s won’t reset until I turn on the generator then everything runs fine again.

Any thoughts?

 

[BrockA]

If I'm understanding the problem correctly. The generator has to be running for the A/C system to work.

 

[Golfman25]

Yep. Your Air conditioner runs on AC. You need the generator running.

 

[JPGator]

So I’m having the brain fart of a lifetime. The engines running will not power the ac?

 

[Boat Guy]

So I’m having the brain fart of a lifetime. The engines running will not power the ac?

Ummm...no

If you look at your circuit breaker panel on both the AC and DC sides, you will see what is powered by what....Unless someone installed an inverter, your A/C is going to run on your AC...One of the primary reasons you have a genie, as it's likely the largest power draw on your panel.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Your main engines supply 12V DC. Some appliances work on both AC and DC, the air conditioner is AC only. If you have a generator, that would supply AC power.

 

[JPGator]

 

[Boat Guy]

Here.....

 

[JPGator]

Yup. I could have sworn it worked with the engines running and not just the gen.

 

[JPGator]

I thought the AC inverter would allow the ac to be run by the engines, no?

 

[b_arrington]

An inverter would likely not be large enough to power air conditioning.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Read those breaker switches again. It's an AC "Converter". In other words, your battery charger.

I think it would be a good idea to read through your owner's manual. There is a LOT of good information in there. Download it, if needed.

Is there a 'cheat sheet' (laminated flip chart) near the MDP? That's good reading, as well, and was included in most new boats on/inside/around the door of the MDP.

 

[JPGator]

I’ve read the manuals inside and out and it’s isnt specifically covered. Perhaps the assumption is that would be understood.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Nah, it's there Section 6 is all about the electrical stuff.

EDIT: Just looked, myself, and section 6.21 specifically talks about the converter/charger. It really is a pretty good manual - some are not so informative - this one is quite good.