Posted: 10/16/2019 7:21:47 AM EDT
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Hi guys. I was gifted a used generator, a Powermate 5k watt that's about ten years old. It had been sitting up for a while but I got it running. It runs well for the most part. I tested the voltage with a multimeter the other day. With no load, it's putting out about 128 volts. I don't know if that's normal or not. I have read that as you add high amp items, the voltage will come down to normal levels, so it's not a problem that it's higher with no load. It has an outlet for 240, but it's also putting out about 128 volts. I don't see a switch or lever to change the outlet over to 240 from 120. Or does it auto-sense based on load? I don't have much experience with generators. I have one of my own, but it does not have a 240 outlet. Anyone have an idea? Thanks! |
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125-130 is usually the norm for small gennys with no load. The 240ac outlet should be putting out 240 if you check across it. Sounds like your reading just one leg of it to ground.
If your meter can check frequency then check that. It should be around 61hz with no load. You may also want to get a brush seater (Profax p/n D-114) and clean the slip rings on the armature. They tend to oxidize over time when not used. |
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I am going to agree with SVT40 and say that 128 volts for the 120 volt side sounds fine. If I recall correctly, the local power company says that they will be within 10% of 120/240 volts at the meter. That would put your 120 volt outlets between 108 and 132 volts. The 240 volt outlet should be between 216 and 264. I also agree that it SOUNDS like you measured your 240 volt outlet incorrectly. It sounds like you measured one leg to ground and you should have measured from one leg to the other leg. I would recommend re-checking this on a gifted generator before putting it into service. I believe that you would get more input on this topic if posted over in the survival forums https://www.ar15.com/forums/Outdoors/Survival-Discussions/17/ because generators are discussed there on a regular basis. Hopefully that helps. 2Hut8 |
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The other post for the survival forum is here:
https://www.ar15.com/forums/Outdoors/Gas-Generator-Voltage/17-695420/ 2Hut8 |
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Originally Posted By svt40:
125-130 is usually the norm for small gennys with no load. The 240ac outlet should be putting out 240 if you check across it. Sounds like your reading just one leg of it to ground. If your meter can check frequency then check that. It should be around 61hz with no load. You may also want to get a brush seater (Profax p/n D-114) and clean the slip rings on the armature. They tend to oxidize over time when not used. also see the honda gen forum at click here for the honda generator forum main entrance there is a section there for all other brands as well. |
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Setting the frequency is important for lots of the new appliances, computers, etc.
Hook up the meter, set the rpm at normal running conditions (warm and at running rpm) and then use the adjustment screw to increase/decrease the running rpm till you get the frequency correct. |
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