new generator question

Keep in mind that many of these generators run at a single speed, to provide max rated power.

Imagine starting your car, and immediately getting on the autobahn while the engine is cold. You can do it, but this can increase the wear and shorten the life of the motor. Same with the generator.

I always let my generators run for a minute or two before applying loads. I also disconnect the loads, then shut the fuel off (on portable generators), which will use the last of the fuel in the carburetor bowl before quitting.

I live in sunny FL, it's usually 80+ degrees when I start the generator, so my warm up time would be shorter than someone living outside of paradise.

I also run my generators at least once a month. This avoids fuel issues.

MFL wrote:
My owners manual, for new Champion 2K 100565 says to never plug-in to gen when it is not running, but to warm up for a for minutes, then plug-in while running.

If the existing load is tiny, no problem.

MFL wrote:
Thanks guys, I don't have remote start, but was just using that as an example. My Champ does have GFCI receptacles, but doubt that makes any difference. John, I was thinking about shutting off main breaker in rig, before plugging in, as that would stop the instant load of converter/charger.

As Gordon mentioned...it may be somewhat of a best practice, but not done in real world. Kind of my reason for asking, I'm interested what others do, and does it really matter?

Jerry

Do your breaker thing and don't abuse as others might do. Most people abuse their possessions.

Thanks guys, I don't have remote start, but was just using that as an example. My Champ does have GFCI receptacles, but doubt that makes any difference. John, I was thinking about shutting off main breaker in rig, before plugging in, as that would stop the instant load of converter/charger.

As Gordon mentioned...it may be somewhat of a best practice, but not done in real world. Kind of my reason for asking, I'm interested what others do, and does it really matter?

Jerry

Turn off the MAIN breaker inside. Hit the START button on the Remote.. Then 30 seconds after Put put put happens. TUrn main breaker back on.

If it's an installed genny like an Onan 5500. the ATS delays 30-60 seconds before CLUNK achieving the same effect automatically.

There's best practices which is what the lawyers want to say for CYA, and then there's real world where the equipment gets used and abused.

In the manual for my generator it says to disconnect load before shutting down. Well, sometimes I remember to do this, sometimes not. As far as connecting after starting, well, my transfer switch takes care of that. It doesn't connect the house circuit to the generator until after it "validates" that shore power is clean and stable.

Warming up for "a few minutes" sounds excessive. If it's very cold I will let my Yamahas warm up maybe 30 seconds before connecting. It's not running a large displacement diesel engine, what does it need to "warm up" exactly?