Onan 5500 Generator and Whirlpool 2 cu Washer

[loboclone]

Can't get the Washer to work with the generator, get all kinds od flashing lights and start stops. Takes 2 hours to do a load. Had it checked under warranty by Whirlpool tech he said nothing wrong. Had the Generator checked by Cummins/onan dealer and he said it was in spec? We travel at high altitude's.
Also when we run the generator the sound bar for TV has to be turned off due to static?
Anyone is welcome to chime in..........

[Sam_Spade]

loboclone wrote:

No ground wire ? Ground the washer and dryer together?

Yes. Not likely it will help any but it's a good safety measure anyway if they are right next to each other like usual.

[loboclone]

Sam Spade wrote:

loboclone wrote:
What is weird is it happens less often when we run the dyer at same time?

If there is a "ground" wire connecting the frames of the two units together, check it. If there isn't one, install one.

No ground wire ? Ground the washer and dryer together?

[dougrainer]

It is NOT uncommon for household type appliances to NOT operate correctly on a Genset. It has to do with the Voltage and Frequency(htz) that a Genset may have. A few years ago, the more popular Splendides had a model that would not function correctly on Genset operation. MOST Gensets have a higher voltage than shore power. Usually 124 volts up to 132 volts. If you post the Model and brand on the Genset I will give you the Voltage specs. One thing to try is to run the water heater and both AC units and see if that load drops the voltage enough to get the Washer to operate. You rarely see this problem on Diesel Gensets as they have a lower run voltage. Doug

[Sam_Spade]

loboclone wrote:
What is weird is it happens less often when we run the dyer at same time?

If there is a "ground" wire connecting the frames of the two units together, check it. If there isn't one, install one.

[loboclone]

Thanks to all
Generator never shuts down when washer lights start flashing. Seems to happen on spin cycle. What is weird is it happens less often when we run the dyer at same time? These are a stackable set right above generator in fifth wheel bedroom.
Mr Wizard idea is where I will start again
Thanks again

[dcg9381]

Not enough info.
Generator shutting down?
These lights - on the washer or the generator?
Is it the dry cycle that's having problems? Anything else on?

At high altitudes, say 10k expect the genset to lose 25%-30% of rated capacity. You can actually get some of it back by changing the altitude setting on the carb...

Need more info to steer you the right way. Static @ sound bar is an indication of an improper ground somewhere.

[2oldman]

loboclone wrote:
Had the Generator checked by Cummins/onan dealer and he said it was in spec?

I be curious as to what 'in spec' means.

[Sam_Spade]

MrWizard wrote:
Al

try shutting off the breaker to the converter
i suspect the interference is RF noise from the converter electronics
its a simple test to help isolate possible problems

improper/bad ground on the converter or maybe the transfer switch, could allow RF noise, when on the Onan that doesn't happen when on shore power

+1 on both of these ideas.

Having a monitor on the AC power might be helpful too.....to see what the voltage IS when the washer acts up.

A cheap transistor radio set to an empty spot on the AM dial makes an excellent noise/bad-connection locator.

[MrWizard]

Altitude should only affect, max output power. should affect the 120v output power

try shutting off the breaker to the converter
i suspect the interference is RF noise from the converter electronics
its a simple test to help isolate possible problems
improper/bad ground on the converter or maybe the transfer switch, could allow RF noise, when on the Onan that doesn't happen when on shore power