3000W Chinese Gensets Info.
professor95 wrote: EDIT ADDED 45/5/2013- When this thread started in March of 2005, I never expected to see it survive this long or amass the quantity of information that has been shared here. In...
Forum Discussion
I bought a 4,000 watt surge, 2,800 watt continuous chinese generator at a tool show for $179( contractor brand; says Jiangdong on the engine). I suspected that I was wasting my money, but it was the only generator I could find that I thought might handle my 15,000 btu air conditioner at a weight of less than 90 lbs. I know about the noise, but it is for emergencies when park power is out. Besides, it is not as loud as I thought. Being cautious, I wanted to do some tests before hooking up to my RV.
The unit came with two 120 volt outlets, so I wondered if the rated capacity was really split between the outlets. I suspected that it was NOT for two reasons: 1) there was only one 30 amp breaker. 2) the 120 volt outlets had 25 amp embossed on them. I got to work with a volt meter and discovered that the unit was producing 122 volts at each plug and the output was in phase. I then hooked up two 1500 watt electric heaters and they worked with no problem when plugged into separate outlets. So far, so good. I then used a multiple outlet adaptor to plug both into the same outlet. Same result, the generator was obviously working pretty hard (I was pulling 25 amps), and when I checked the voltage at the third port on the adaptor, it showed 120. Emboldened, I decided the time had come to risk my air conditioner. I used an adaptor and hooked the generator to my trailer. The air conditioner started and worked fine.
Here are my conclusions:
1)These generators are not nearly as good as the Honda or the Yamaha, but they weigh a lot less and are NOT junk.
2) I think the units with only 120 volt output AND one circuit breaker will supply full wattage to any plug (in phase).
3)This is good enough for me for emergency use as I can't lift & don't have room for either the Yamaha or the Honda units.
I'm thinking of getting some fiberglass duct board to make a fold up surround for the thing which will extend well above the generator, but be open at the top. This stuff is light and rigid. My idea is to get the air conditioning guys to cut the 90 degree groves (like they cut when making ducts) so that I can tape the parts together in a manner to allow the folding. My thinking is that a lot of the noise will go up and not be as bothersome if this works. Additionally, cooling should not be a problem with the open top.
BTW, so far, this generator has started 1st pull every time.
The unit came with two 120 volt outlets, so I wondered if the rated capacity was really split between the outlets. I suspected that it was NOT for two reasons: 1) there was only one 30 amp breaker. 2) the 120 volt outlets had 25 amp embossed on them. I got to work with a volt meter and discovered that the unit was producing 122 volts at each plug and the output was in phase. I then hooked up two 1500 watt electric heaters and they worked with no problem when plugged into separate outlets. So far, so good. I then used a multiple outlet adaptor to plug both into the same outlet. Same result, the generator was obviously working pretty hard (I was pulling 25 amps), and when I checked the voltage at the third port on the adaptor, it showed 120. Emboldened, I decided the time had come to risk my air conditioner. I used an adaptor and hooked the generator to my trailer. The air conditioner started and worked fine.
Here are my conclusions:
1)These generators are not nearly as good as the Honda or the Yamaha, but they weigh a lot less and are NOT junk.
2) I think the units with only 120 volt output AND one circuit breaker will supply full wattage to any plug (in phase).
3)This is good enough for me for emergency use as I can't lift & don't have room for either the Yamaha or the Honda units.
I'm thinking of getting some fiberglass duct board to make a fold up surround for the thing which will extend well above the generator, but be open at the top. This stuff is light and rigid. My idea is to get the air conditioning guys to cut the 90 degree groves (like they cut when making ducts) so that I can tape the parts together in a manner to allow the folding. My thinking is that a lot of the noise will go up and not be as bothersome if this works. Additionally, cooling should not be a problem with the open top.
BTW, so far, this generator has started 1st pull every time.
