GENERATOR QUESTIONS FOR YOU EXPERT ELECTRICIANS

[Industrial Toys]

I HAVE seen pumps not want to work on 208. And a transformer had to be used. For a resistive load, no big deal, just not a much heat. So they just go with a bigger heater to compensate, but you can't do that with a motor.

 

[Industrial Toys]

FERMONT MEP-84A 15KW Military Diesel Generator - Operating and Maintaining - YouTube

This is one hellova generator. The thing looks brand new! Why are these always available?

Video somewhat long winded and some editing errors.

Guy says 15 KW set will actually do 20 KW continuous single phase.

 

[HickoryFarms]

I'm still going to try and understand this. But wording is important. Because a generator CAN be switched from 3ph to single, does not necessarily mean it will work to full capacity. It might, but it also might not.

I am just thinking out loud, but maybe the extra windings are to supply different voltage. Because you usually only get 208 when running single phase, which they say is generally not a problem, but I would disagree. I want 120/240. That extra series winding on each phase would make perfect sense if that were the case, but would not address the derating factor.

Our Baldor generators at work can run single phase (120/240), 3 phase power and light (120/240/208 high leg), 3 phase power (120/208), and 3 phase power (277/480). Its changed via a switch and hooking up the leads at the transformer properly for the voltage required.

 

[aczlan]

FERMONT MEP-84A 15KW Military Diesel Generator - Operating and Maintaining - YouTube

This is one hellova generator. The thing looks brand new! Why are these always available?

Video somewhat long winded and some editing errors.

Guy says 15 KW set will actually do 20 KW continuous single phase.

They are available because they go through them and replace them so that they always work when they need them. Also, in the government budgeting system, if you don't spend all of your budget this year, you will be reduced by that much for next year.

It's probably rated for 15 KW at 5000 feet and 95 degrees ambient temperature. As such at a lower level and lower ambient temperatures, it can handle 20kw continuous.

Aaron Z

 

[Industrial Toys]

It frustrates me to work on projects and have to figure out every little detail and it's all done for you for cheap on these Mepps sets. What I don't get is, if these things are a no expense spared generator,why not pre lube or slow start and go to 1800 rpm when warmed up.

 

[aczlan]

It frustrates me to work on projects and have to figure out every little detail and it's all done for you for cheap on these Mepps sets. What I don't get is, if these things are a no expense spared generator,why not pre lube or slow start and go to 1800 rpm when warmed up.

No pre-lube and slow start are probably because it is supposed to be a simple "idiot proof" portable genset that will ALWAYS work as soon at it starts (hence the "battle mode" switch that bypasses all the auto shutdowns for if you MUST have power even if it means killing the motor in the generator)

Aaron Z

 

[nyone]

They are very idiot proof. Even down to the fueling. Hook up a remote fuel source and put the switch in aux mode. It will keep the onboard tank betwen 1/4-3/4 by its self.

At the price of these things MEP generstors now i would be buying a new one from a major diesel engine manufacturer, kubota or cummins. I bought mine and a few others directly from the military base. I had one mep803 with 2hrs that you could eat off of. I fully expect this generstor to last a few more decades with my minimal 25hrs a year use.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Not many people could look at the panel and understand it. Hardly Idiot Proof, if you ask me.

 

[RoyKing]

The 804a is a 3 phase only generator so you can only get 10k out of it for home use and you will only 208v check your AC. Plus running them un balanced at full 10k is not recommended, yes you can get 15k out because they will run overloaded.. So not what those in the know buy, that's why they are cheaper and plentiful. If you want 10k buy an 803a. Read up on Generators

 

[aczlan]

The 804a is a 3 phase only generator so you can only get 10k out of it for home use and you will only 208v check your AC. Plus running them un balanced at full 10k is not recommended, yes you can get 15k out because they will run overloaded.. So not what those in the know buy, that's why they are cheaper and plentiful. If you want 10k buy an 803a. Read up on Generators

The 804 is a 12 lead genset with 10 leads brought out, to convert it you would need to dig into the Gen head and break the connection for those two and bring them out.
It is possible to rewire the older MEP-004 generators for full output on single phase, see Sewerzuk's thread with the why's and the wherefores: re-wiring my MEP-004a for different voltages, including single phase

Aaron Z