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Topic: Small generator voltage stuff (Read 384 times) previous topic - next topic

Small generator voltage stuff

I bring a 2300 w suitcase generator with me when I dry camp. Why is it that the voltage readings inside read in the low to mid '90s but on one of my plugs I have a voltage reader plugged in and it reads 118.

Which one should I believe? I know it's not good to run the voltage that low but if my plugs are reading 118 maybe I'm okay?
Dylan and Aimee
2001 U320 4013
Unit# 5896
450 HP/IFS
 

Re: Small generator voltage stuff

Reply #1 –
Take an actual reading at the receptacle 118V is fine. My 2200 Honda is 128V no load 115-120v with a load.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Small generator voltage stuff

Reply #2 –
Quote from: bbeane –
Take an actual reading at the receptacle 118V is fine. My 2200 Honda is 128V no load 115-120v with a load.
You mean  at the receptacle at the generator? It is fine there, I'm only getting a low reading at the monitor in the RV
Dylan and Aimee
2001 U320 4013
Unit# 5896
450 HP/IFS
 

Re: Small generator voltage stuff

Reply #3 –
Quote from: dlkj07 –
You mean  at the receptacle at the generator? It is fine there, I'm only getting a low reading at the monitor in the RV
check the actual voltage at the outlet(s) in the coach. If it's low there then start checking backwards till you find the issue. Is the problem still there on shore or big generator?
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Small generator voltage stuff

Reply #4 –
Quote from: bbeane –
check the actual voltage at the outlet(s) in the coach. If it's low there then start checking backwards till you find the issue. Is the problem still there on shore or big generator?

That's what I did, the voltage at the outlets are within normal range when running small generator...the monitor reads normal voltage on shore and big genny...only reads low at monitor when using small genny but outlets are good.
Dylan and Aimee
2001 U320 4013
Unit# 5896
450 HP/IFS
 

Re: Small generator voltage stuff

Reply #5 –
Quote from: dlkj07 –
I bring a 2300 w suitcase generator with me when I dry camp. Why is it that the voltage readings inside read in the low to mid '90s but on one of my plugs I have a voltage reader plugged in and it reads 118.

Which one should I believe? I know it's not good to run the voltage that low but if my plugs are reading 118 maybe I'm okay?
This is easy once you remember that your 50A plug requires two 110VAC lines, one common and one ground.
Try a new adapter cable first.
I use my house generator when I travel.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Small generator voltage stuff

Reply #6 –
Wonder if this is a "square wave" or modified sine wave inverter-type generator, and like the old-generation square wave/modified sine wave inverters, most meters will read low voltage on most meters??
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020
 

Re: Small generator voltage stuff

Reply #7 –
Voltage readings are a difference measurement (potential of power conductor relative to reference conductor).  Some portable generators have a floating neutral, which will definitely cause issues like you're seeing:

https://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f2/when-a-portable-generator-won-t-power-your-rv-187199.html

https://www.rvtravel.com/rv-electricity-bonded_floating_generators/

Floating Neutral portable generator - iRV2 Forums

You can further Google floating neutral portable generator RV and read up on it some more. 
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320