Could use some help. My generator has started running over voltage (160 volts both lines). It sometimes settles down and runs 120. The Progressive shuts it down when it goes high as it is wired downstream of ATS. I can't find anything in my manual about the location or trouble shooting of the voltage regulator. 1998 U270. Generator ran fine last year.
Call Jeff at Powertech. He gave me the trouble shooting info for my generator.
Is it still maintaining 60 cycles +/- ?
wantabe
I didn't check. Will that be recorded in my Progressive remote display?
Mine did the same thing. It was a bad voltage regulator. Its in the box on top of the generator.
Mark
You might see if the neutral are tightened down well in you the pedestal/genertor ATS. Shut off all 120 volt power before your do this.
Jim
As Mark said, your problem is the classic symptom of a failing voltage regulator. We had the same thing happen. You were protected because you have a hardwired Progressive Industries EMS wired between transfer switch and main breaker. Those with EMS hard wired before transfer switch and those who have a non-hardwired plug-in EMS will not be protected from this problem. And those with a non-EMS Surge Protector will also not be protected from generator anomolies.
Only hardwired EMS units installed after transfer switch protect from over & under voltages from both shore AND generator.
Voltage regulators are different for brush and non-brush generators, so be sure to let PowerTech know which you have. I hear that model number is not enough to be sure which we have. Brush units have a large removable panel cover over bearing center end.
By the way our brushes wore down our commutator, that could have caused us $1,000 damage if not caught early enough.
Easy to replace voltage regulator. Fastened down in bottom of control box with a single wire plug connector. Take a look before you call if you want.
Barry
Thanks Barry, I will pull the cover. I also found much more detailed product information on the generator including serial number, etc. I will have that info when I talk with Jeff along with a picture of the voltage regulator.
Called Jeff and he recommended a new voltage regulator. After some discussion we determined that I have the brushless generator, so he sent that part. I installed it Saturday and I'm getting 115 V on both legs. Thanks for the help. Voltage regulator is a very simple change out.
I have been having the same problem with my PT 8000k producing high voltage, 147 volts on both legs. Pulled and inspected-cleaned the brushes they seemed to be fine with 540 hours. I have been fortunate to be able to restart and it would register back down to safe voltage level of 124. The problem would not arise again until I let the generator sit unused for a few days. Today though no matter how many restarts the voltage Is reading 147 after the 4th try, time to order a voltage regulator and hope that solves the problem. Also have ordered a Progressive HW-50 surge protector that I will mount after the AT switch.
The number one question they will ask when you order the part is whether or not you have brushed or brushless generator. Takes different regulator, price seems to be the same. I turned the generator switch to off, pull the generator along the rails toward me, took four screws off the cover that has all the switches breakers and hour meter. The cover pulls straight toward you and you can gently lay control cover upside down still attached. One plug on regulator to remove straight up. Two bolts hold regulator, need shorty Phillips for one screw. Tiny voltage adjustment screw on regulator. I did not need to adjust.