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Re: Generator runs but does not generate any electric
Hi, what i need u to do for me in order to help u is, get a multi meter and tell me what is the voltage on the live and neutrueal.
should be about 60 volts. let me know.
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The most common cause of portable generators failing to produce electricity is from the loss of residual magnetism.
Generators work by moving electrical conductors through a magnetic field. Your generator does not have magnets. The magnetic field is created by taking some of the generator output voltage and converting it to DC and feeding it to a coil to make an electromagnet.
When there is a small amount of magnetism left over from the last time the generator was running, it is called residual magnetism. The little bit of magnetism is enough to produce a small amount of electricity. This small amount of electricity is needed to create an even stronger electric magnet. As the engine turns this magnet moving its electric field, through the stator windings, your generator produces even more power.
When the residual magnetism is lost, the generator will produce no power at start-up. This residual magnetism can be lost naturally from not being used or from the load on your generator being connected when the generator is shut off. It can also happen from running a generator with no load for too long.
Generators need to work and it helps maintain that residual magnetism. When they are running, a load should be connected to it. It helps create an even stronger magnetic field. Before you shut it off, turn off the switch or breaker to disconnect the load. If you shut off a generator with the load connected, it can essentially drain or demagnetize the electromagnet. Try and avoid running out of fuel.
How to fix it:
There are a few methods of restoring a generator residual magnetism
12 Volt Generator Battery Method
Locate the voltage regulator for your generator.
Unplug the two wires that connect to the generator brushes. Normally one is red and the other is black or white.
Connect the black or white to the generator ground battery terminal.
Plug in a light, turn on the generator breaker or switch and start the motor.
Connect the battery +12 volts (red cable) to the red wire on the terminals you removed for three seconds.
Remove your wires and replace the plug. The generator should now be producing power again.
Why a generator won't produce electricity?
After the unit is running, the generator rotational speed reaches the rated speed, the AC exciter stator excitation circuit switch is closed, the voltage regulator is raised to the maximum direction, at this time, the generator has no output voltage or the voltage is very low. That's why a generator fails to produce electricity.
Sounds like you did overload the capacity of the generator. What has happened is that the generator was happily running away producing the electricity required for approximately an hour and then an appliance such as an air conditioner, furnace, refrigerator, water heater, or similar large amperage draw fixture decided it was time to kick on for its cycle, or perhaps two or three of them kicked on at the same time, thereby raising the amperage requirement beyond the capability of the generator. All heavy duty appliances run at a given amperage but when they kick on for a cycle they draw almost 50 percent or more amps. Generators rated at 6000 amps or less will not power an entire home or business. When using this size of generator, disable some of your electrical items in the home by unplugging or switching off, and only connect the most important items needed for emergency use. A 3500 watt generator will only run a few lights and a television, plus only one appliance. This means that you could plug in the refrigerator and run it until it has gotten cold enough, then unplug it & connect the furnace or air conditioner or water heater so that they can do there job. Eventually you will be able to rotate through each appliance in turn, and hope the power will return soon. Your generator will likely have blown a capacitor, resistor or some similar repairable item. Some good quality generators will have an overload breaker installed, that trips before doing any damage and all that is needed is to find it and reset it, in order to continue using the generator.
You need to change your AVR/Capacitor. (Depends on what is fitted to your generator. 2-4 wires = capacitor. 5+ wires = AVR) and you can purchase them here:
and capacitors for other models here: https://www.generatorguru.com/capacitors/
FYI, it overloaded the Alternator Output.
Please be aware the total wattage is split between the 2 lowest voltage sockets (windings) i.e. for example a 4500 running watts generator would be 2250running watts per plug.
You also CANNOT use the 230/240v socket at the same time as any of the 110/115v/120v sockets, as this winding is used to make the higher voltage. This is the case on all generators!!
What type of load (electrical) was hooked up to this generation?? If the surge
voltage and current was exceeded above the generator maximum for any length of
time. There problems, it could be the regulator, insulation burnt off the
windings.
I am taking a guess here. Now, 7100 Watts is it typical surge wattage. This
mean that the generator will deliver 7100 Watt (voltage times current) this is
know as the power factor. The actual operating load would be 6800 Watts and I
would even operator the generator at its peak wattage. Something in the
neighborhood of 10--15% less the peak wattage. Therefore a good positive
theatrical Wattage would be 5800 to 6350 operating wattage. Then this generator
would run all day.
Just remember Ohm's Law. Current plays a big factor in loading of a generator
while the operation voltage is at 120 AC Volts. Example: electric motor; Now
electric motor when starting will pull three time its operation current.
Operating current for a 1/2 HP AC motor is 6 amperes but start this electric
motor will require 18 amperes. This is one reason why they starting capacitors
on smaller electric motors. Larger three phase electric motor can literal stop a
generator cold...in its tracks. It put such a large demand on the generator it
stops the engine powering the generator. I have seen crankshaft break because
the generator could handle the heavy current load.
Remember, any time you are running a small gas powered generator. All ways
figure what the load and surge current load will be before hooking up any
generator. Normally this is figured in VA (volt/amps). Wish you lock.
GB...stewbison
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