3000W Chinese Gensets Info.

SaltiDawg wrote:


I will be adding a Kill A Volt over protection device based on the info in this great thread.

Final question. There seems to be little doubt that if using gasoline as the generator fuel, that a wise thing to do is periodically (say monthly) run the generator for a while and then run it out of fuel before storing away until needed or until the next monthly test run.

Is there an argument to be made for test running a propane only fueled generator on a monthly basis? I have a trickle charger on the starter battery so I was thinking I might test run it once or twice a hurricane season and also a few days before a predicted storm arrival.

Adding the KillaVolt is a smart move for any synchronous open frame generator using a potted solid state AVR at the accessible end cap of the generator. If one should fail things get really nasty for anything connected. 170 VAC can destroy any surge protector or unprotected appliance. Many models of CPE generators have the device built in under the name of Volt Guard. I designed (invented) the thing about 4-5 years ago and GAVE THE DESIGN AWAY with no royalties so that we could reduce the risk of frying our appliances.

IMHO, a generator that has any importance to provide power in an emergency should be exercised on a regular schedule regardless of the fuel it uses. My suggestion is 15 minutes every 2 weeks but at the worst monthly. The generator and engine are always exposed to moisture via humidity and moisture results in metal oxidation. Exercising the genset gets the oil hot and as a result helps to avoid oxidation. I have discovered oxidation on the surface of the flywheel on some GX style engines that is deposited between the flywheel magnets and coil. When this happens you can lose spark.

Regular exercise is just a smart thing to do.