3000W Chinese Gensets Info.

professor95 wrote:

O&S wrote:
Prof95:

Maybe someone can figure out the puzzle to find a Champion 3500 120v with that 120/240v twist lock. Just try going the the NEW Ultra-Fab web site (www.ultra-fab.com) and see if you can find a dealer and if you find a dealer does he have one in stock. I understand completely what you say about the "NEW Blue Ultra-Gen Powerhouse Generators" not coming to market maybe until Mid April but they show all those fine looking YELLOW & BLACK Champions for sale. And is there no longer a 40008. Only found maybe two other posts other then you and MrWizard who posted owning that unit, if I am correct. Maybe MrWizard can give us the name of his dealer. PPL in Houston no longer lists the Champion 40008. Maybe someone can give us a online dealer.

Once again, the twist lock is rated for 120/240 volts. Just because it has a 240 volt rating does not mean it will supply 240 volts.

I think it is important to remember that UltraFab and Champion Power Equipment are totally separate companies. UltraFab is a distributor who buys Champ gensets from CPE and then resells them within their authorized dealer network. Not all UltraFab dealers will carry every product listed. Many RV dealers are affiliated with UltraFab.

CPE did not place the ad in Trailer Life. CPE most likely had no notice or input as to the ad content. This is true of all CPE dealers such as the CSK auto group, Cabelas, Tractor Supply, Home Depot, Costco Canada, and BJ's Wholesale Club.

As for the 40008, it is evident that UltraFab wanted a genset that was more identifiable with their company. No big thing, all companies do that. A change in front panel appearance, paint color and the addition of a tri-digital gauge may call for a different model number. Many companies change model numbers yearly as the products evolve. It ain't no big deal! If another dealer/distributor decides to sell the 40008, it will live on. This is why I commented earlier that "we" need to write/call/e-mail principals in the CSK auto group and tell them that we want that model. If there are enough folks requesting it, there is a good chance they will decide to carry the model.

BTW, plans call for the tri-digital gauge to be available for our older model gensets as an accessory. The tri-digital gauge gives voltage, frequency in Hz and running time. The accessory model is said to fit where the current analog volt meter is. No news on cost or availability time lines.

I have also built a very simple but effective overvoltage shut down circuit. Cost to make it is less than $10. My initial testing has gone well. I will post the details of the circuit very soon.

Now, a comment on wire size in a generator: It is current, not voltage, that necessitates a larger gauge wire. In a 240 volt generator advertised at 3500 watts, the total current will be 14.5 amps. Even with the 240 volt coil centertapped to provide dual 120 circuits, the amount of wire in feet will be approximately double what one would find in a 120V generator. 120 volt only generators typically have their coils wound in a different manner and also require a heavier gage wire to carry the increased current. We cannot always evaluate the quality of a genhead by wire size. There are numerous other variables in the genhead design that must be considered.