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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: MAZ on July 29, 2013, 01:03:54 pm

Title: Generator Voltage a little high
Post by: MAZ on July 29, 2013, 01:03:54 pm
   Upon start up lately my generator voltage is about 130 to 134 vac on both legs. After about 10 to 15 minutes of run time the voltage drops down to normal around 120 vac. Has anyone else experienced this and do you think it is a problem to be concerned about? Thanks

Mark
Title: Re: Generator Voltage a little high
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on July 29, 2013, 01:49:15 pm
When the voltage is high, what is the hertz?
Title: Re: Generator Voltage a little high
Post by: MAZ on July 29, 2013, 01:56:02 pm
Dave,
  I have a Fluke that reads Frequency but I didn't think to measure it. I will check and post the results when I am able.
Mark
Title: Re: Generator Voltage a little high
Post by: Barry & Cindy on July 29, 2013, 10:16:54 pm
We had the same problem earlier this year. Resolved with new voltage regulator. See topic on the subject...
We caught our gen problem when our Progressive Industries EMS hardwired after the transfer switch opened to protect our electronics. We cannot say enough how fortunate we were to have an EMS watching over our coach.
Generator high voltage problem (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=16997.msg112012#msg112012)
Title: Re: Generator Voltage a little high
Post by: MAZ on July 30, 2013, 01:33:24 pm
Barry, Thanks, I had read your post before but my voltage is not as erratic as yours was so I was unsure of the problem.

Dave, I started it again this morning and checked the frequency. It is at 62 Hz upon startup after 5 or 10 minutes it goes down to 60 Hz.

Mark
Title: Re: Generator Voltage a little high
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on July 30, 2013, 02:31:14 pm
OK,  With rpm/hertz of 62 should not put the voltage above about 124-126 depending on load, So IF the voltage measured is accurite, would be thinking the voltage regulator / loose connections, I must assume it is stable after the first high reading then settles at the 120 range.
Some governors are not as smooth as some others also.
Get a  spare regulator in case it acts up again.
Remember UL max is 132Volt for their approval. and min is 108 volt.
Dave M
Title: Re: Generator Voltage a little high
Post by: MAZ on July 30, 2013, 10:46:14 pm
Thanks Dave that is the kind of information I needed. Today the voltages started around 127 vac but slowly got up to about 129 vac. After a while it came down to about 124 vac. I will have to get an extra regulator soon. Thanks again.

Mark
Title: Re: Generator Voltage a little high
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on July 31, 2013, 12:31:08 pm
Is the 124 volt a normal & usual reading ?  If so, adjust down to the 120 no load.
Title: Re: Generator Voltage a little high
Post by: MAZ on July 31, 2013, 02:27:20 pm
Dave,
  How is the output voltage adjusted?

Mark
Title: Re: Generator Voltage a little high
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on July 31, 2013, 02:32:34 pm
A pot on the regulator marked voltage,
Title: Re: Generator Voltage a little high
Post by: MAZ on July 31, 2013, 02:36:10 pm
OK. Thanks Dave
Title: Re: Generator Voltage a little high
Post by: MAZ on August 01, 2013, 06:21:45 pm
Dave,
  I tweeked the regulator voltage down to 120 vac. It seems to be doing OK for now. Sealed the pot with some liquid electrical tape to prevent any movement. Thanks again for the input.

Mark