Posted: 6/28/2010 10:58:36 AM EDT
| I bought an EU 2000i and am curious if I NEED to run it with a load. I understand running it regularly to verify that it works, as one would do with any piece of equipment that needs to be relied on. But does running it with a load, as I see many if SF post about, necessary for maintenance / longevity? Thanks. |
| Placing a load on a inverter genny does 2 things IMO. It lets you know that the generator actually produces power (I hook up a resistance heater) and also allows the engine to be put under load by increasing the rpms assuring you that the motor operates correctly by self adjusting its speed. As far as I know there is no benefit in reliability/longevity to putting the inverter part of the genny under a load. The electronics of the inverter shouldn't go bad from just sitting around (but the motor sure can) and it is peace of mind to know it will work properly when you need it. |
|
Quoted:
and also allows the engine to be put under load by increasing the rpms assuring you that the motor operates correctly by self adjusting its speed. Correct - It "exercises" the governor mechanical linkage, by moving it through most of its full operating range. Also, many generators have brushes and slip rings on the rotor. Applying a load to the generator causes significant current to flow through these brushes, helping to burn oxidation off the slip rings. |
|
Quoted:
Good idea here! Thanks for the feedback everyone. I'm OCONUS 2-3 months at a time then home for 1-2 months. The thought process behind my question was if I need to have someone run my genny for me while I'm gone or if it can wait until I'm home each time. I run mine every 3 months with no load for 15 minutes, The engine needs the workout, not the head. It can wait till you are CONUS. |
|
It needs to be under load for a good test- it checks (for example) full fuel flow. There are hundreds of stories of engines run intermittantly that would crank and idle, but not run full load/rpm due to clogged fuel lines/filters. Less common, but governer and air filter problems could cause a similar effect.
With large generators, you want to only run them under load because that is the performance point of the govener, and typically the load is voltage and frequency sensitive. With diesels there are some engine issues with running them at "full" speed (1800 rpm) at no load for an extended period. (15 minute cool down full speed- no load is pretty common- we are talking hours or days here..) Forget a trouble light- 75W isn't a full load. Try a small space heater or hair dryer (1500 watts) |
|
I have a window unit that I run on generator power. That way I get run the genny and run the ac at the same time. In fact today I ran my old 4k unit which is built like a tank then I ran my honda eu2k. During the week I get to run my 6.2kw on the window ac for 5 hours. I want to break it in before i need it for emergencys. This way i get my 5hr oil change out the way.
Anyone thinks that the 4k will run my well pump? The pump running load is about 2 kw. I tried amp it with my digital amp meter for start up but I did not get any readings over 10 amps. I tried my analog amp meter and the needle did not pounce over 10 amps. I may try to run it by itself on the well.to see if it can start it. |