Your last generator Maintenance Run

[grsthegreat]

Can you manually put loads back on line if you so choose?

no, there are 2 options:
1. Tmed lockout - when freq gets below set point, the load is locked out for 5 minutes or more depending on dip switch setting. Then the load is restarted, and as long as there is enough generator power available, the load will operate. If the generator gets overloaded, it switches off again.

2. forced off - this method locks out the load for the entire time that the generator is operating.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Using frequency seems like a really odd way to measure load. That would seem to imply that the genset is already maxed out if it's going to slow down. It should never get to that point with your typical continuous/surge ratings of most sets, especially consumer oriented. I wouldn't like to run my sets at max value, even if they are rated for it. Then of course, I also need to allow for water pump start up.

 

[LittleBill21]

Using frequency seems like a really odd way to measure load. That would seem to imply that the genset is already maxed out if it's going to slow down. It should never get to that point with your typical continuous/surge ratings of most sets, especially consumer oriented. I wouldn't like to run my sets at max value, even if they are rated for it. Then of course, I also need to allow for water pump start up.

its a prefect way to measure, they are design to deal with large loads, or overloads, maybe the generator can handle 1 large load at a time, not 2, this prevents that, not everyone wants to manage loads manually. nor do some people care to run at 100% load, not everything is going to be liked by everyone. these are designed to be automatic, not something used to manually watch loads.

then you mention the water pump, which is exactly the point, you set priority's and make the water pump first, then regardless of the loads, the water pump will run even if a 200a load tries to start.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I stand by what I said and the more I think about it, even more so. It seems like a governor that cuts back fuel based on the Engine overheating.

 

[LittleBill21]

I stand by what I said and the more I think about it, even more so. It seems like a governor that cuts back fuel based on the Engine overheating.

it cuts the electrical load off the generator, has no attachment to the generator at all, nor does it have any ability to sense engine overheating, not sure where you got any of that to be honest..

 

[Industrial Toys]

Sorry, I was making a tongue and cheek remark concerning the overheating.

I design systems of various types all the time. YES, I can see now, the frequency is a clever way to monitor the generator. But more for convenience as a plug and play system. It is a good, final fail safe system and I can see it's merits. But not the way, I would want to control and manage my loads.

 

[LouNY]

Sorry, I was making a tongue and cheek remark concerning the overheating.

I design systems of various types all the time. YES, I can see now, the frequency is a clever way to monitor the generator. But more for convenience as a plug and play system. It is a good, final fail safe system and I can see it's merits. But not the way, I would want to control and manage my loads.

Well then a little plc with analog inputs/outputs and current, voltage, hz, water temp, oil level, oil pressure, rpm sensor transmitters maybe even throttle positioners and then with a bit of programing you can make it dance to your tunes.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I have fail safe motor style overloads that will trip out the contactor on a given generator if a preset limit is exceeded. But beyond that, Certain loads are shed when the power fails and will not be put back automatically until power restores, OR, I can manage them manually. If I screw up, the overload is always there.

Communication between devices is done via UHF band, wireless security transmitters/receivers.

 

[downsizingnow48]

Had to leave the Mendocino county place. I had gas for 3 days but PG&E extended the outage to Thursday or beyond. Driving back on Hwy 20, there was no power in any of the small towns. Also no wind. Duh. Some gas stations evidently had generators, and they had lines of customers 50 - 100 cars long.

Anyway now back in Sacramento.

I am thinking about replacing the venerable Craftsman 3500w generator with an EM5000 Honda. I am very fond of the old machine, which is 100% reliable and easy to start, hot or cold. But under 50 - 75% load it uses gas like there was a hole in the tank. I think I need a more modern machine.

 

[3930dave]

Good to hear you made it through a troubled area successfully '48. After our big '98 ice-storm, I drove about 6 hours to my sister's place to deliver a generator (I was fine at home) - esp. at night, it is pretty eerie to be driving for hours through areas with no power.....

Stay safe, and I hope normal comes back your way soon.... (and.... when you go shopping, let us know what you choose !).

Rgds, D.