GENERATOR PRODUCES LOW VOLTAGE WHEN LOAD APPLIED
CAUSE | CHECK AND REMEDY |
Excessive load | Reduce load. The load on each leg should be evenly balanced, and rated current should |
| not be exceeded on any leg. |
Large motor starting or low load | Motor starting currents are too large for the generator. When starting multiple motors, |
power factor | sequence the motors and start the largest motors first. Reduce lagging power factor load. |
Driver speed droop or belt slip | Check driver. If belt driven, check belt tension. Check under frequency setting on |
| regulator. Under frequency voltage |
Reactive droop | If the generator is equipped for parallel operation, some droop is normal as reactive load |
| increases. When operating as a single unit, the parallel CT can be shorted to eliminate this |
| effect. Refer to Regulator manual. |
Line drop | If voltage is proper at generator terminals but low at load terminals, increase external wire |
| size. |
Defective diodes, suppressor, or | Test the generator using the 12 volt battery test as specified in the testing section. If the |
windings | results indicate generator problems, perform insulation, continuity, and diode tests as |
| specified in the testing section. |
GENERATOR PRODUCES FLUCTUATING VOLTAGE
CAUSE
Fluctuating engine speed Regulator stability Regulator external rheostat Defective rectifier assembly Loose terminal or load connections Defective regulator
CHECK AND REMEDY
Check engine and governor systems for malfunctions. Check load for fluctuation.
Adjust Regulator stability. Refer to Regulator manual.
Replace defective or worn rheostat. Use shielded cable to minimize electrical noise.
Check assembly for loose connections. Test the diodes as specified in the test section.
Improve connections both mechanically and electrically.
Replace regulator.
GENERATOR PRODUCES HIGH VOLTAGE
CAUSE | CHECK AND REMEDY |
Faulty metering | Check voltage with separate meter at generator terminals. |
Incorrect connections | Verify generator connections. Refer to drawings supplied with the generator or connection |
| diagrams in this manual. |
Regulator adjustments | Adjust regulator. Consult regulator manual. |
Leading power factor | Check the power factor of the load. If power factor is leading, change load configuration. |
| Excessive leading power factor (capacitors) can cause voltage to climb out of control. |
Incorrect regulator connection | Verify regulator voltage sensing is connected correctly. Consult regulator manual. |
Defective regulator | Replace regulator. |
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