Inverter generator hack? Two blue wires.

You're right:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IN3500I-4-5HP-sine-waves125cc-4-Stoke-Gas-Portable-Inverter-Generator-3500-Watt-/361381330333?hash=item5424017d9d:g:6AIAAOSw9NdXrRD2

Except, the price is $300 less than I paid for mine.

mkirsch wrote:
It appears from the schematic that the pair of blue wires may come from the DC winding. I don't think my generator has a 12V DC output, so that may be it.

They saved a couple of bucks by not having a diode rectifier, load resistor and external connector.

It would not surprise me if they sold a version like that (possibly under a different brand name) with an external 12VDC charging connector for $50 more !

The generator has been put back together and works better than ever.

This pigtail was definitely sitting loose in the bottom of the generator case.

All connections from the inverter to the panel are through pigtails with locking connectors. This connector has provisions for a lock, but no corresponding pigtail on the panel, or anywhere else in the case.

I did find this. The case is different but it looks like the internals are the same as mine. The outer case looks like one of those Boily units that used to be so popular.

http://www.buffalotools.com/manuals/gen3500imanual.pdf

It appears from the schematic that the pair of blue wires may come from the DC winding. I don't think my generator has a 12V DC output, so that may be it.

mkirsch wrote:


Recently I had to pull the case off to replace the fuel pump, and I discovered a loose connector containing two blue wires coming from the inverter. The connector has two female slots arranged in a T.

Any guesses, or outright knowledge, as to what these two wires might be for?

Not an outright knowledge but a calculated guess (if you will) because I'm not familiar with your equipment.

The thing that you did was remove the cover to replace the pump. You did not mention however that you reinstalled the cover and subsequently started the unit.

I'm assuming you left the cover off trying to figure out what those blue wires are for.
Look at the side that faces the inside and see if you can find a "T" shape tab. This is the tab that mates with the T slot.

This is an anti-intrusion interlock that will prevent any electrical or moving part from coming contact with the operator--meaning you have to have the cover in place before you can operate the machine.

Do let us know what you come up with. . . I'm here to learn also.
Cheers.

One of my generators is a powerhouse and there complete wire schematic is available on line. Get the wire schematic for your generator and look at it.

Are your gauges backlit?

Could be diagnostic. Why dont you put a meter on them to see what's there!?