Specifications
GENERATOR
INFORMATION
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 them than
others. Split-phase
(AC)
motors require more current
to
start,
under similar circumstances, than other types. They are com-
monly 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 dri-
ven by a small
generator.
Capacitor and repulsion-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
approximately
as
follows:
MOTOR
SIZE
AMPS
FOR
AMPS
FOR
(HP)
RUNNING
STARTING
(AMPERES)
.
tAMPERESJ
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-
112
7.2
14.4
to
29.2-
3/4
10.2
20.4
to
40.8-
1
13
26
to
52
*NOTE:
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
At
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
Run the generator
first
with no load applied, then at half the
generators
capacity,
and
finally
loaded
to
its full capacity
as
indicted on the generators data
plate.
The output voltage
should be checked periodically
to
ensure proper operation of
the generating plant and the appliances it supplies. If
an
AC
voltmeter or ampmeter
is
not installed to monitor voltage and
load, check it
with
a portable meter and amp probe.
NOTE:
When
the
area
in
which
the
generator
is
installed
contains
AC
equipment
of
120 volts
only,
it
is
recommended
that the generators
AC
terminal block be configured
to
provide one 120 volt
AC
hot leg for
the
distribution panel.
This will
ensure
good motor starting
response
from the
generator.
Generator
Maintenance
• Maintaining reasonable cleanliness
is
important.
Connections of terminal boards and rectifiers
may
become
corroded, and insulation surfaces may start conducting
if
salts,
dust,
engine exhaust, carbon, etc.
are
allowed
to
build
up.
Clogged ventilation openings
may
cause
excessive heating and reduced life of
windings.
• For unusually severe conditions, thin rust-inhibiting
petroleum-base coatings, should be sprayed or brushed
over
all
surfaces
to
reduce rusting and
corrosion.
• In addition
to
periodic cleaning, the generator should be
inspected for tightness
of
all connections, evidence of
overheated terminals and loose or damaged
wires.
• The drive discs
on
single bearing generators should
be
checked periodically
if
possible for tightness of
screws
and
for
any
evidence of incipient cracking
failure.
Discs
should not
be
allowed
to
become rusty because rust
may
accelerate cracking. The bolts which fasten
the
drive
disc
to
the generator shaft must be hardened steel
SAE
grade
8,
identified
by
6 radial marks, one at each of
the
6
comers of the head
..
• The rear armature bearing is lubricated and
sealed;
no
maintenance is required.
However,
if the bearing becomes
noisy or rough-sounding, have it replaced.
• Examine bearing at periodic intervals.
No
side movement
of
shaft should be detected
when
force is applied.If side
motion
is
detectable, inspect the bearing
and
shaft for
wear.
Repair must
be
made quickly or major components
will
rub
and
cause major damage
to
generator.
CARBON
MONOXIDE
'DETECTOR
WESTERBEKE recommends mounting a carbon monoxide
detector
in
the living quarters. Carbon Monoxide,
even
in
small amounts is deadly.
The presence of carbon monoxide indicates
an
exhaust leak
from
the engine or generator or from the exhaust
elbow/exhaust
hose,
or that
fumes
from a nearby generator
are leaking
in
your
area.
If carbon monoxide is present, ventilate the area with clean
air and correct the problem immediately!
Engines & Generators
37