Bcg Troubleshooting - Westerbeke 3.5 SBCG Operator's 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 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
driven 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 con-
nected
to
an air compressor, for example, will require more
current than a motor to which no load is connected.
fu 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) (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
to
52
*NOTE: In the above table the maximum Amps for Starting is
more for some small motors than for larger ones. T11e 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 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 generators data plate. The output voltage
should be checked periodically to ensure proper operation of
the generating plant and the appliances it supplies. To
monitor voltage and load, check it with a portable meter and
amp probe.
40
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.
In addition to periodic cleaning, the generator should be
inspected for tightness of all connections, evidence of
overheated terminals andloose or damaged wires.