Generator output voltage

[Jdaniel343]

I have a Kipor KGE 3000TI I bought used.
Generator runs my 13000 btu ac using 30amp plug. Also the 120v outlets will power equipment like a angle grinder just fine.
When I use multimeter to check voltage output at the outlets I'm only seeing 60 volts or so. Why is this?

[wolfe10]

Cptnvideo wrote:

theoldwizard1 wrote:
Connect the generator to your RV. Turn on something inside. Test voltage at an outlet inside.

That's what the OP said he did.

I am not clear on that either. The OP's first post: "When I use multimeter to check voltage output at the outlets I'm only seeing 60 volts or so."

OP, please verify you are checking voltage in one of the "house style" outlets in the RV-- and checking between the long straight (neutral) and short straight (hot) VS at the generator outlet.

[Cptnvideo]

theoldwizard1 wrote:
Connect the generator to your RV. Turn on something inside. Test voltage at an outlet inside.

That's what the OP said he did.

[theoldwizard1]

wa8yxm wrote:
Most portable generators the ground lead is "Not connected" (N/C) so yes. that's floating.

Buy an outlet tester. Couple of dollars at Harbor Freight or Home Depot.

[theoldwizard1]

Connect the generator to your RV. Turn on something inside. Test voltage at an outlet inside.

[wa8yxm]

Most portable generators the ground lead is "Not connected" (N/C) so yes. that's floating.

[CA_Traveler]

Most likely your gen has a floating neutral hence 60V to ground for both neutral and hot wires. Should be 120V neutral to hot. This is common for portable gens and may cause GFCI issues.

Check the gen to see if you can bond neutral and ground with a bonded plug or hardwired.

[Cptnvideo]

OP may have his meter on DC volts instead of AC volts.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

My Kipor 3000 TI did 118 volts according to a kill-a-watt meter.

My first yamaha did 118; my second did 121.

All three were inverter generators.

[BB_TX]

Supposedly that is a pure sine wave generator.

And I agree with a cheap Harbor Freight multimeter. They used to give those away “free with any purchase”. I have 4 of them. And even though I have a couple of more expensive meters, I almost always use one of the HF meters for troubleshooting as at least one of them is always laying around handy. Have compared them and get the same readings from the HF as the others.

[time2roll]

60 to ground seems correct or is this hot to neutral?
I had a KGE3000Ti for about 10 years. Worked great.

[wa8yxm]

There are two possible answers... There are two types of multi-meters.
Some are "Peak reading" and show you a reading that is as I recall about .707 times the actual voltage Others are True RMS.

Now I'd hope the Inverter generator is True Sine wave or Pure Sine wave out put (There is really only one way to be sure and I do have the test devices)

But if it is not a peak readin meter will read low. but equipment will work (Non electronic that is)...

But I suspect the meter as well. Try a different meter.. In this case cheaper(Like the 5dollar harbor freight job)might just be better.

[Tom_M1]

Most likely the battery in your multimeter is bad.