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tonyclifton's avatar
tonyclifton
Explorer II
Jan 04, 2022

Why won’t my Champion C46540 generator run the microwave?

I have a 1300W microwave (120v) I’m trying to run using my Champion C46540 but the microwave shuts down about 5 to 10 seconds after I turn it on.

I know the generator isn’t overloaded running other stuff. It is lightly loaded running a few led and cfl lightbulbs. It runs a fridge and more lights and coffee maker just fine, although was not running any of these when the microwave kept shutting down.

I’m using the 4-prong 30R receptacle to power the breaker panel. At only 1300W the microwave should run just fine. What’s going on?

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  • 2112's avatar
    2112
    Explorer II
    Jan 05, 2022
    That's an old generator. The generator total harmonic distortion (THD) many be too high or the output voltage may be too low. If may be time to replace the brushes.

    Does the microwave have a loud hum when running?
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer II
    Jan 04, 2022
    I would suspect a the generator is slowing too much and the frequency is dropping too far below 60 Hz. It could also be dropping the voltage too much. Have you measured the frequency or voltage when it's running? I'd compare it to when it's running the coffee maker as that should be similar sized load. Coffee makers probably don't care much about voltage or frequency.
    Keep in mind too, if your microwave is rated at 1,300 watts that's usually it's "cooking power". It's actual power draw from the generator will be a couple hundred watts more. That's not enough to make a difference unless you're running other loads at the same time maybe.

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