Troubleshooting generators why does breakers keep popping well under low load

How much time have the Generator?
looks like batteries needs to change it.

First check the load and grounding, you will need to measure the amperage draw wih an ammerter, also check to see if it trips when a large unit like a motor or air conditioner starts, it may not be able to handle the inrush. Also be aware that if your breaker is a 30amp does not mean you can pull 30amp you can safely constantly draw 80% of that. Also check your grounding of the equipment you are powering.

Is it tripping under load? or not under load. If it is under load have breaker checked and unit tested on a load bank. If it trips under no load check for wiring shorts on the main AC lines to the plugs

Make sure it isn't trying to start the HVAC with a locked compressor (IE it just turned off and is now trying to cycle on again) If it is shutting down due to low freq there is too much load for the HP the engine can deliver. That will cause too much current to flow and trip the breaker. Also be aware it takes 6 times current to start HVAC than to run it. How old is the generator? it may have normal engine wear and can no longer generate HP, Also when was it tunes up

You do NOT want to stop any generator whilst under load, doing so will tear up the voltage regulator and or capacitor. If you insist on doing this, on the AC output side add a transfer switch to disconenct loads first, or feed through a breaker so you can manually do the same, then just put a low voltage kill switch parallel to the generator local control

The breaker itself is worn and weak. Replace it.

Hello avid.....

If there is no power to the receptacles:

1. Turn the circuit breaker switches off and disconnect all electrical loads from the generator.

2. Turn the circuit breakers on and test the GFCI's by following the procedures in this manual

on page 1 -

TO TEST A GFCI:

Start the generator. Turn the auto idle switch off. Push in the TEST button (A) on the receptacle.

The RESET button (B) will pop out. Power is now off at the receptacle.

If the RESET button does not pop out, the GFCI is not working. Do not run

generator until the problem can be corrected. To restore power to receptacle,

push the RESET button in. If the RESET button pops out during operation,
stop the generator and check the generator and equipment for defects.

3. Place the voltage selector to the 120 Volt only positions (unless you are using a tool that

requires 240 Volts).

4. Turn the idle control switch off.

5. Turn the circuit breaker(s) off and reconnect the electrical loads. Be sure that the plugs are

securely connected to the receptacles.

6. Turn the circuit breaker(s) on.

7. If there is still no power at the receptacles, take the generator to an authorized DEWALT
service center. To locate a DEWALT service center nearest to you, call 1-800-4-DEWALT

Joe

Thanks for choosing Fixya!

The breaker will trip if the electrical draw or load from the ac unit exceeds the limits of the breaker rating. This can happen if the ac unit is getting old or has a maintenance problem which causes it to use more energy than it is supposed to. Try connecting a loaner AC unit or rental from your RV dealership to see if the problem is resolved by that.

Power tools CAN draw heavy loads if the voltage or frequency is off. Both of those CAN be a fault of the generator.

Check the frequency by plugging in a clock with a moving second hand and time it for 10 minutes against a quartz clock. ALSO do a voltage check with another voltmeter.

The 5500 Watt generator should hold 40 amps. Power tools with induction motors like some table saws take a large starting load near this value AND would be sensitive to low voltage AND especially low frequency, both of which will cause much higher current draw.

One MIGHT have to resort to put an oscilloscope on the output to make sure the waveform of the AC output is normal..

You must find the reason the main breaker is popping ...

I'd start by unplugging everything and remove all breakers. Turn the main on ... does it pop? If it pops here look between the breaker panel and the end of your cord. Turn the power off - reinstall the first breaker - turn power back on. What happens ... keep doing this until the main or individual breaker pops - investigate that circuit to find your short.

If you get all breakers back in with out popping anything ... start plugging stuff back in. Something is shorting somewhere.

Let me know what you find please.

thanks

a