Operator`s manual
GENERAL INFORMATION AND CARE OF THE GENERATOR
Use
of
Electric
Motors
The power required
to
start an electric motor is considerably more than is required
to
keep it running after
it is started.
Some motors require much more current
to
start than others. Split-phase
(AC)
motors require
more current
to
start, under similar circumstances, than other types. They are commonly used on easy-
starting loads, such as washing machines,
or
where loads are applied after the motor is started, such as
small power tools. Because they require 5
to
7 times as much current
to
start as
to
run, their use should be
avoided, whenever possible, if the electric motor is
to
be driven
by
a small generator. Capacitor and repul-
sion-induction motors require from 2
to
4 times as much current
to
start as
to
run. The current required
to
start any
motor
varies with the load connected
to
it. An electric motor connected
to
an air compressor,
for
example, will require more current than a motor
to
which
no
load is connected.
In general, the current required
to
start 115-Volt motors connected
to
medium starting loads will be ap-
proXimately as follows:
MOTOR AMPS
FOR
AMPS
FOR
SIZE RUNNING STARTING
(HP) (Amperes) (Amperes)
1/6
3.2 6.4
to
22.4*
1/4
4.6 9.2
to
32.2*
1/3
5.2 10.4
to
72.8*
1/2
7.2 14.4
to
29.2
3/4
10.2
20.4
to
40.8
1
13
26
t052
* Note that in the above table the maximum "Amps for Starting" is more for some small motors
than
for
larger ones. The reason
for
this is that the hardest starting types (split-phase) are not
made in larger sizes.
Because the heavy surge of current needed
for
starting motors is required for only an instant, the generator
will not be damaged
if it can bring the motor up
to
speed
in
a few seconds. If difficulty is experienced in
starting motors, turn off all other electrical loads and,
if possible, reduce the load on the electric motor.
Required Operating Speed
Although individual units may vary slightly, the normal voltage and frequency
of
typical 60-(50-) Hertz engine-
driven generators described
in
this manual are approximately as follows: run first with
no
load applied, then
at half the generator's capacity, and finally loaded
to
its full capacity as indicated on the generator's data
plate.
See the rpm/Hertz/frequency chart on the next page.
39