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 (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 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 con-
nected
to
medium starting loads will be approximately as
follows:
MOTOR
SIZE
AMPS
FOR
AMPS
FOR
(HP)
RUNNING
STARTING
(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.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
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
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 ampprobe.
NOTE:
When the vessel in which the generator
is
installed
contains
AC equipment
of
120 volts only, it
is
recommended
that the generator's
AC terminal block be configured to pro-
vide one
120 volt AC hat leg
for
the vessel's distribution
panel. This will ensure
good
motor starting response from the
generator.
Generator
Frequency
Adjustment
Frequency is a direct result
of
engine/generator speed,
as
indicated by the following:
When the generator is run at 1800 rpm, the
AC
voltage
output frequency is
60 Hertz.
When the generator is run at 1500 rpm, the
AC
voltage
output frequency is
50 Hertz.
Therefore,
to
change the generator's frequency,
the
genera-
tor's drive engine's speed must be changed. Along with a
reconfiguring
of
the
AC
output
connections
at
the
generator,
a regulator board voltage output adjustment must also be
made. See
ELECTRONIC GOVERNOR in this manual.
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 exces-
sive 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 cor-
ners 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, bearings are wearing or wear on
shaft
of
bearing socket outside bearing has occurred.
Repair must be made quickly or major components
will
rub and cause major damage to generator.
Carbon
Monoxide
Detector
WES1ERBEKE recommends mounting a carbon
monoxide detector in the vessels living quarters.
Carbon
monoxide, even in small amounts
is
deadly.
The presence
of
carbon monoxide indicates
an
exhaust
leak from the engine or generator, from the exhaust
elbow/exhaust hose, or that fumes from a nearby vessel
are entering your boat.
If
carbon
monoxide is
present
ventilate
the
area
with
clean
air
and
correct the problem immediately!
Engines
&
Generators
36