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Topic: Gen Voltage Fluctuation (Read 851 times) previous topic - next topic

Gen Voltage Fluctuation

Today I went out and fired up the generator and let it run for about 5 minutes and turned on both A/C's, coach was off and shore power unhooked.

Is this amount of fluctuation acceptable?

video

Thanks
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5

Re: Gen Voltage Fluctuation

Reply #1 –
In my opinion that is OK. I have a digital meter and it may go up and down a volt or two. I am no expert though. More will chime in.

Mark
The selected media item is not currently available.
Mark and Tanya
Milton , Florida
US Navy Veteran (DV)
1999 U270 Special 40' CAI , 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

Re: Gen Voltage Fluctuation

Reply #2 –
Looks normal to me.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: Gen Voltage Fluctuation

Reply #3 –
Ours sometimes fluctuates like that when running both roof airs - other times it is nice and steady.  Never really found any reason for the random fluctuation.  Fresh filters (air, oil and fuel) didn't make any difference.  Doesn't seem to cause any harm, although the variation in rpm does irritate the DW, cuz the generator is located directly under the couch upon which she is usually sitting...
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Gen Voltage Fluctuation

Reply #5 –
Thanks Chuck, it seems to run pretty smooth under load but like butter with no load  ^.^d
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5

Re: Gen Voltage Fluctuation

Reply #6 –
Our 97 exhibited this more until I changed the fuel lines
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Gen Voltage Fluctuation

Reply #7 –
Looks good to me,it's the nature of that type of gauge as opposed to a digital.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Gen Voltage Fluctuation

Reply #8 –
It may be tune up time.  Fluctuations should be minimized to limit any long term damage to electronics.  Resistive loads really don't care, but electronics can be squirrely in this regard.  Generally speaking, most  alternators run more steadily under load than when idling.  Depends a lot on the regulator.  Have a great day  ----  Fritz
Fritz & Kathy Johnson
1991 36'

Re: Gen Voltage Fluctuation

Reply #9 –
Steve... are you loaded..??? ;)  hmmmm I mean is the gennie loaded ..???
Hans & Marjet
1995 U300 "Ben" (#4719)
3176B Cat,4060HD,Jake
SKP#139131
Motorcade#17579
2006 Honda Element (towed)

Re: Gen Voltage Fluctuation

Reply #10 –
Both AC's were on,think it was loaded.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Gen Voltage Fluctuation

Reply #11 –
The analog meter used in the Powerwatch panel are not the best, get a good VOM, Fluke or Siemens, plug it into an outlet and check
 the voltage there.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094

Re: Gen Voltage Fluctuation

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Hans&Marjet –
Steve... are you loaded..??? ;)  hmmmm I mean is the gennie loaded ..???
Yep to the gennie being loaded, both A/C's were blowing good cold air  ^.^d
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5

Re: Gen Voltage Fluctuation

Reply #13 –
Quote from: John44 –
Both AC's were on,think it was loaded.
Yes Sir both were on, I didnt have anything else I could turn on as I dont have any water in to so I could run the microwave.
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5
 

Re: Gen Voltage Fluctuation

Reply #14 –
Quote from: Bill Willett –
The analog meter used in the Powerwatch panel are not the best, get a good VOM, Fluke or Siemens, plug it into an outlet and check
 the voltage there.
I do have one that I didnt have with me that measures volts and cycles.  i put it in the truck today so I will have it next time.
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5