I'm having a hard time seeing all the units firing off at once. But the A/C guy may have a valid point.When I am doing new construction I will energize to the unit but leave it up to the A/C tech to do the final throw at his unit. It is our job to supply power to the equipment provided by others but not to start it.
1. Never energize a new circuit under load.
2. Check voltage and rotation before energizing any equipment.
3. Why were the disconects at the units turned on when you energized the service?
This is what is called "Hard Start". Its totally common, not good and the gear should be designed to handle it. I do service for a major grocery chain and when PG&E goes down they immediatley call so I can go out and bring them up soft. This eliminates the problem. But not all business's do this and they don't seem to be hurt by a hard start. But it does cause harm to certain equipment.
JMHO
Rob
