Are these Generator Readings Acceptible

Lin · July 27, 2012, 11:54:12 AM

We got home and I tested the Hz using Tom's clock method. It came about to 63 Hz, so I thought I would give it a little adjustment. It now comes out at 59+. The no load voltage is right around 120. It drops to 118.5 with one AC, 113.5 with two AC's, and 110.8 with two AC's and the hot water heater. Should I kick up the rpm a click or just be happy?

BW- I will order one of those things you posted.

Len Silva · July 27, 2012, 12:23:14 PM

Was the frequency check under load? I would take it up a click or two. 61-62 Hz at no load sounds about right

gus · July 30, 2012, 05:58:18 PM

In addition to what Lin says it will also show 58-59 Hz under load.

If you're going to adjust it the best thing probably is to adjust it under a normal load to make sure it doesn't drop below those numbers.

Most newer gensets adjust themselves. I have one that does and an older one I have to adjust manually.

buswarrior · July 31, 2012, 05:58:25 AM

Thanks Lin.

I didn't write it plainly on the other thread.

For whatever you plug into it, the Kill-O-Watt reads Hz of the line as well as the immediate and accumulated power usage, volts, amps, watt-hours, just like the power company.

Adjusting the generator is a snap, it gives you everything you need in one device and it just plugs in.

I found it quite interesting to see what my residential Tim Horton's coffee machine was consuming. Any attempt at estimating that thing's power use would have been wildly off without it.

A tip: best not to use a coffee machine with a heated water reservoir if power conservation is your goal... quite a hungry parasite!

happy coaching!
buswarrior

TomC · July 31, 2012, 09:00:18 AM

To keep the A/C's running as cool as possible, try to set the genset to run as close to 60hz when they are on high. That usually means a no load around 63 or so. Picking up the rpm will change the hz, doubt it would change the voltage. Good Luck, TomC

gus · July 31, 2012, 01:31:32 PM

Tom,

My old Westerbeke was mistakenly set at no load when the guy thought it had a load. The result was both low voltage and frequency, both went to normal when the rpms were increased under load.

Lin · July 31, 2012, 02:36:46 PM

I did order the Kill A Watt. It seems like a convenient package. Since I was using the clock method for Hz, it was not conducive to spot adjustments. It did, however, work to give an reference to start with. It does seem my voltage and Hz change with RPM. Aside from the RPM though, there is another sensitivity adjustment to be made. I'll go through both when I have that meter handy.

When traveling, we generally have one AC going. It is actually pretty rare that we use both at once. Therefore I will adjust the generator for that condition.