Generator voltage too high

Question

Recently completed a trip where I had my generator running about 2 hrs while on the road.  Class A with Generac Guardian 65.  When I arrived at the campsite there was smoke at the transfer switch, and burned wires coming from the transfer switch to the panel.  Disconnected everything, and replaced the transfer switch when I got home.  Shore power is fine now, but generator is putting out 145 - 148 volts, hz 60.  Could this high generator voltage have been the reason the transfer switch burned up?  Shore power voltage is 124 and hz is 60. I tried to adjust the voltage regulator, voltage didn't change.  I have ordered a new voltage regulator, hope this solves the problem.  Any other ideas why high voltage from generator?

johno02 · Answer

Regulator bad.  Had this happen, burned up old Television, had to replace.  Service tech replaced regulator and readjusted.  All has been well since.

mrwizard · Answer

Could this be your problem, yesHigher voltage induces higher current/amps flow thru some of the devices in use,This heats up the wiring and the connectionsOr loose connections, can cause heat and resistance, which will alter the generator load and put a strain on the voltage regulatorIt's a two way streetHard to say which one came firstNew transfer switch and new voltage regulator should fix everything

mexicowanderer · Answer

I am attempting to dissect 6 different Generac voltage regulators and see what has failed. If it's an 1/8th watt zener I'll replace it with a one watt. They make some pretty impressive bi-polar transistors these days. Same with rectifiers.

bounder39zman · Answer

If speed is correct (you said it is around 60HZ) then about only
thing that would cause high voltage output is faulty voltage regulator.
make sure the brushes and slip rings are in good shape. high resistance in field circuit can cause volt. reg to go to full field voltage, then get "stuck" there. This condition can cause new regulator to fail prematurely also

mexicowanderer · Answer

"...then about onlything that would cause high voltage output..."A voltage regulator can react under light or medium loads to a high resistance voltage sense lead connection. This means a "negative" connection as well. Might as well cover all the bases :)

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Generator voltage too high

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