new generator question

MFL wrote:
We all know it is best, to turn breaker off at power pole before plugging shore power cord in/out. 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. Also states, not to shut-off gen with anything plugged-in.

My question...is this the way you use your portable gen, and does it not arc when plugging shore power cord in while running? It seems this way of operation, would defeat the advantage of remote start.

Jerry

Not answering your question, but I just bought a pair of these and the parallel kit before our trip to FL. Ran great and powered everything in the trailer including a 15k AC no problem. Very light, inexpensive, and ran all night on a tank of gas. at $399 each these are tough to beat!

Just as a follow up, for those interested, here is a copy from owner's manual, in regard to starting the gen, and the second part is my reply from Champion Customer Service.

Page 18 from manual

Starting the Engine

1. Make certain the generator is on a flat, level surface.

2. Disconnect all electrical loads from the generator. Never

start or stop the generator with electrical devices plugged

in or turned on.

3. Turn the fuel cap vent lever to the “ON” position.


Customer Service response:

The control unit should only let power out with the power output light is solid meaning everything is as it should be.

If the idle becomes inconsistent, like the machine is starving for fuel, it will go into overload and cut power to protect what is connected to it.

When the machine is first starting the output light will blink and won’t supply power until it is fully initialized.



However, it is still considered best practice to start and stop the machine with no load attached.



Respectfully,

Champion Power Equipment, Inc. | Customer Service

The green output light they are referring to is a small green LED displaying the receptacle. While I specifically asked if okay, to plug my RV cord into live receptacle of running generator, no mention about RV cord OK, in response.

Champion does reply within 1-2 days from email sent, and does have a real person to call/talk to about technical matters.

Jerry

Plugging in under load could lead to some arcing at the connector. I can see the breaker being more instantaneous connection.

MFL thanks for posting this question as I learned something new today.

While it's not a Champion, the procedures are probably universal. On my Honda eu2000i I have always started the generator and let it run on choke for about ten seconds then slowly turn the choke off. After the generator seems to be stable I plug in the shore power cord. I don't think I've noticed much sparking and many times I'm plugging it in when it's dark outside.
For shutdown I typically just turn it off then unplug it.

HOWEVER, I just read the owners manual while I'm typing this.

Page 33 (Starting the Engine)
Step 2. Make sure that all appliances are disconnected from the AC
receptacles.

Page 35 (Stopping the engine)
To stop the engine in an emergency, simply turn the engine switch to
the OFF position. Under normal conditions, use the following
procedure.
Step 1. Unplug appliances from the generator receptacles.

So it seems that I've been doing it wrong all this time. One thing I did note is that nowhere in the manual does it say to plug in with the breaker off and then add the load. I can see the benefit to plugging in with the breaker off, but the manual definitely does not touch on that subject.

maillemaker wrote:
I posted the question of what bad things happen when you start and stop under load over here:

https://www.smokstak.com/forum/showthread.php?t=186387

These guys are experts on Onan generators.

Basically, it's bad to start and stop under load for two general reasons:

First, you can get erratic power generation on startup and shutdown that can cause issues for electrical devices being powered.

Secondly, you can stress generator components as they try to compensate for the changes in power output that happen during startup and shutdown.

This doesn't apply to all power generation systems; Some have safeguards in place to protect against these conditions. But, unless you know for sure that yours does, it's probably a good idea to start up with minimal or no load, and shut down with minimal or no load. Personally, I don't go so far as to open and close the breaker - I just make sure that neither the AC or the microwave is running. And I let the generator warm up for a minute before I turn the AC or microwave on.

Thanks for your reply! Your gen is no doubt more capable than my 2K, with only about 13.3 max amps available. It will take a size able hit on plug-in, just from my converter charger. The power used from landing gear operation, and then slide operation, will likely require an immediate battery charge situation. If I open the main RV breaker, prior to plug-in, I think my gen should be able to handle that, and can then close main breaker, without issue.

I did send an email to Champ Tech a bit ago, asking about a possible receptacle delay, or whatever, when plugging an RV into running Gen.

Jerry

I posted the question of what bad things happen when you start and stop under load over here:

https://www.smokstak.com/forum/showthread.php?t=186387

These guys are experts on Onan generators.

Basically, it's bad to start and stop under load for two general reasons:

First, you can get erratic power generation on startup and shutdown that can cause issues for electrical devices being powered.

Secondly, you can stress generator components as they try to compensate for the changes in power output that happen during startup and shutdown.

This doesn't apply to all power generation systems; Some have safeguards in place to protect against these conditions. But, unless you know for sure that yours does, it's probably a good idea to start up with minimal or no load, and shut down with minimal or no load. Personally, I don't go so far as to open and close the breaker - I just make sure that neither the AC or the microwave is running. And I let the generator warm up for a minute before I turn the AC or microwave on.

beemerphile1 wrote:
With my portable I do the same as a power pole. Plug in and then flip the breaker to closed position. The only difference is I have to start the generator first.

I connect/disconnect the cord with breaker open - power pole or generator.

Thanks for your reply! Are you referring to the reset breaker on the generator, or the main breaker on your converter?

Jerry

Doug...you obviously have nothing to add, I will repeat, ONE MORE TIME, READ/LEARN!! Here is a start for you...the owners manual is not RV specific/does not know what you are using the generator for.

Don't take my thread sideways, with your childish posts. Send a PM, if you want to debate, as I don't want this thread closed, due to having to scold YOU!

Jerry

MFL wrote:

dougrainer wrote:
Yes, lets find out what other people do. FOLLOWING THE OWNERS MANUAL IS NOT THE BEST OPTION.:h Doug

Don't need your sarcasm Doug! If you have no knowledge of the subject, it is best to read/learn, not post worthless remarks. I am getting some great replies, from people that are knowledgeable on this subject, and I appreciate THEIR RESPONSE!!

Jerry

Well, I do have knowledge. 40 years worth. WHAT makes you think they are knowledgable? They are relating their experience on their APU's. You ALWAYS go by the owners manual, not by what some people state. Doug

With my portable I do the same as a power pole. Plug in and then flip the breaker to closed position. The only difference is I have to start the generator first.

I connect/disconnect the cord with breaker open - power pole or generator.