Installation manual
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
CAC)
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
10
start
115-
Volt
molOrs
connected
10
medium
s1ID1ing
loads
will
be
approximately
as
follows:
MOTOR
SIZE
AMPS
FOR
AMPS
FOR
(HP)
RUNNING
(7TARTIN~)
(AMPEREi»
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.S'
1/2
7.2
14.4
to
29.2'
3/4
10.2
20.4
to
40.S'
1
13
26
to
52
'NOTE:
In the above table the maximum
Amps
for Starting is
more
for
some small motors than fa r 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, tum
off all other electrical loads and, if possible, reduce the load
on
the
electric
motoT.
Required
Operating
Speed
Run
the generator first with no load applied, then at half the
generator's capacity, and finally loaded
to
its
full
capacity
as
indicted
on
the generator's 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.
Generator
Frequency
Adjustment
Frequency
is
a direct result of engine/generator
speed,
as
indi-
cated
by
the following:
o
When
the
generator
is
run
at
1800
RPM,
the
AC
voltage
output frequency
is
60
Hertz.
Therefore,
to
change the generator's frequency, the generator's
drive engine's speed must be changed
.a1ong
with
a reconfig-
uring
of
the
AC
output connections at
the
generator.
Generator
Maintenance
o Maintaining reasonable cleanliness
is
important.
Connections
of
tenninal 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 exces-
sive heating and reduced life of windings.
o For unusually severe conditions,
thin
rust-inhibiting
petroleum-base coatings, should be sprayed or brushed
over
all
surfaces
to
reduce
rusting
and
con:osion.
o
In
addition
to
periodic cleaning, the generator
should
be
inspected
for
tightness of
all
connections, evidence of
overheated tenninals
and
loose or damaged
wires.
o 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
marl<s,
one
at
each
of the 6 comers
of
the
head.
o The rear armature bearing
is
lubricated
and
sealed;
no
m
...
intenance
is
required.
However,
if
the
bearing
becomes
noisy or rough-sounding, have it replaced.
o 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 vesssel's living quarters. Carbon
Monoxide, even in small amounts, is deadly.
The presence of carbon monoxide indicates
an
exhaust
leak
from the engine or
g~nerator
or
from
the exhaust elbow/
exhaust hose, or
tllat
fumes
from
a nearby vessel are
entering your boat.
If carbon monoxide
is
present, ventilate
tlle
area
with
clean
air and correct the problem
ilIDllediately!
~
WESTERBEKE
Engines & Generators
33