BCM Community

Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Lin on July 25, 2012, 10:34:03 AM

Title: Generator High Voltage
Post by: Lin on July 25, 2012, 10:34:03 AM
I got an A6 error message on our Norcold frig a couple of times.  This was even though the frig was running on propane.  I checked the voltage at the generator plug.  I got 127 on one leg, 130 on the other, and 246 with both.  First, if that likely to cause any problem with the air conditioners, which seem to run fine.  Second, is the easily adjustable on a Kohler L654 generator.  The manual I have only seems to cover the engine.

I figure that I will just unplug the 120v from the frig.  I know that it needs 12v to function, but it should be able to work fine without a 120 connection.

BTW, those generator readings were completely no load.
Title: Re: Generator High Voltage
Post by: opus on July 25, 2012, 12:54:32 PM
If you have no success here, you will here: http://www.smokstak.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=6 (http://www.smokstak.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=6)
Title: Re: Generator High Voltage
Post by: Ncbob on July 25, 2012, 05:05:34 PM
Lin, there should be a Pot (potentionmeter) on the Voltage regulator which should allow you to reduce the no  load  voltage. You might, however, wish to check the generator speed with a frequency meter to make sure it's not overspeeding and giving you the high voltage. That's the most common problem.

If you have access to a Fluke 72 it will tell you the Hz.Or a vibrating reedmeter
just set on the genset (without connecting it electically) will tell you the Hz.

61Hz, no load is just right.  Wish you well.

NCbob
Title: Re: Generator High Voltage
Post by: uncle ned on July 25, 2012, 07:21:58 PM


Good evening you other old crudgmin person.  good to see you are still kicking around.

uncle ned
Title: Re: Generator High Voltage
Post by: buswarrior on July 25, 2012, 08:03:30 PM
Another excellent use for a Kill-o-Watt.

I bought two.

An absolutely must have for the busnut trying to design an electrical system.

How much power does an appliance really use in a day? The label won't tell you that.

This thing will tell you.

An electric refrigerator, the coffee maker, the microwave, lighting, your computer, whatever...

http://www.p3international.com/products/special/p4400/p4400-ce.html (http://www.p3international.com/products/special/p4400/p4400-ce.html)

I bought mine via Newegg.

In Canada: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882715001&Tpk=kill%20a%20watt (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882715001&Tpk=kill%20a%20watt)

In the USA: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882715001 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882715001)

No more guessing, much more accurate estimates without an engineering degree.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

Title: Re: Generator High Voltage
Post by: Lin on July 26, 2012, 07:29:32 PM
Just to let you know--  Since I was on the road and did not have time or the type of test equipment required, I did the simplest thing that was suggested which was to turn back the rpm a little.  The no load voltage was then 123v. It seems to have worked, and there was no error message for the rest of the way home.
Title: Re: Generator High Voltage
Post by: pvcces on July 26, 2012, 09:44:38 PM
And of you happen to have one, an ordinary, old style electric clock will get you a dead accurate reading.

Just let it run for an hour; the number of minutes indicated equals the line frequency.

For what it's worth.

Tom Caffrey
Title: Re: Generator High Voltage
Post by: Lin on July 26, 2012, 11:41:17 PM
Cool tip, Tom.  I have an electric digital clock to try it with.