Your last generator Maintenance Run

[3930dave]

90 - I suspect what you are pondering is what looks to be Hour ratings, under different test Classes.

Bigger stuff ^ than the caps I used to work with (down into the detail-weeds @ times), so I don't know those Classes.

No promises, as it is the Holidaze @ moment, but I'll ping a retired buddy of mine, as there is a decent chance he is familiar with those Classes.....

Rgds, D.

P.S. Ducati ! I'm so used to seeing red !

90 - got an email back today, from my Power Electronics buddy..... (Thanks GC !).

"As far as I know, the "Classes" listed refer to the lifetime rating, lifetime ratings also happen to be listed on the capacitor (redundant info). Good info for an electric motor run capacitor.
Assuming that is a "run" capacitor, as the low cap. value suggests, lifetime would be critical as the cap is always passing current, generating heat and internal gas pressure - i.e. wearing out.
A start capacitor is usually a higher uF value."

Rgds, D.

 

[90cummins]

Thank you!
90cummins

 

[90cummins]

Brushless generators use capacitors for voltage regulation. All you need to do is match the uf and voltage class rating….. I’ve even used slightly different uf rated capacitors when exact replacements can’t be found, and they work fine…maybe a volt or 2 more output.

Does increasing the uf increase or decrease voltage output?
Good info

90cummins

 

[grsthegreat]

Increases voltage a bit as you increase uf, but that was when I only increased one from 78uf to 80uf. Not sure how healthy for gen though

 

[kenmbz]

Don't change the cap value too much, it goes on an inductive load.

 

[grsthegreat]

Don't change the cap value too much, it goes on an inductive load.

Agree, but they stopped making the 78uf required one for the generac 10kw brushless. I went with a 80uf out of necessity, and it worked out ok. Figured they have a 5% +/- rating anyways.

 

[daugen]

GRS, would this be a decent deal?
my neighbor's son is in the business and could install it for me
would want to find out why pulled out

https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/grd/d/perkiomenville-17kw-generac-standby/7902407131.html

 

[Carl_NH]

Hi Daugen,

I just installed one very similar that only 8KW 161 hours, a 2018 model, though but it was free! My neighbor, a contractor, was remodeling a house, new owners wanted "everything" connected so pulled it out. I did wire it for 75 amps if we decide to replace it in the future,

We installed a new ATS, and bigger LP tank, and did the trenching, electrician and gas co did the connections - all in $6K (with a $1K new tank). Runs great and clean power.

Up here, these units go for $1-2K barely used. I guess people want to add the AC, or enlarge their system. Seems like a waste of $ but I was happy to get a whole house unit,

 

[grsthegreat]

GRS, would this be a decent deal?
my neighbor's son is in the business and could install it for me
would want to find out why pulled out

https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/grd/d/perkiomenville-17kw-generac-standby/7902407131.html

That’s a good price…. But I would also wonder why it was pulled. Maybe too small for their house

 

[3930dave]

GRS, would this be a decent deal?
my neighbor's son is in the business and could install it for me
would want to find out why pulled out

https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/grd/d/perkiomenville-17kw-generac-standby/7902407131.html

Nice size/price.

Outside of the garage, firing it up on a 30# tank might be a good idea.

Rgds, D.

 

[daugen]

That’s a good price…. But I would also wonder why it was pulled. Maybe too small for their house

thanks
I'd want a guaranty of decent operating condition if bought from a company
I have a 900 sf cottage with one small hvac
probably the right size
I run it all on 9kw now with the hot water heater turned off but it struggles at times

I think with the "reasonably" priced models up to 24kw now, going up from 17 to 24
might have been what someone needed with multiple hvacs. Or a new hot tub.

 

[grsthegreat]

Nice size/price.

Outside of the garage, firing it up on a 30# tank might be a good idea.

Rgds, D.

For a test maybe. It will freeze a small tank of fuel

 

[3930dave]

For a test maybe. It will freeze a small tank of fuel

Understood, @ Load.

Perhaps also a large enough pail to sit a 30#'er into hot-water for the short test ?

Rgds, D.

 

[Fallon]

Understood, @ Load.

Perhaps also a large enough pail to sit a 30#'er into hot-water for the short test ?

Rgds, D.

That's a standard work around for blacksmiths on gas forges. They freeze up due to rapid use too. As long as it's warm not boiling your fine. Some use a torch or heater, but that's pretty dangerous. If it's just a short test like 5-10 minutes you probably won't need to bother with anything