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Off topic-GENERATOR

M-61

"Quis Separabit"
Gold $$ Contributor
I'm confused
18KW Generac full house gen
Wi-Fi shows 13.5 volt charge when off. (charging from elec company)
It self starts once a week for 5 minutes. When running it shows 12.9 Volts for the entire 5 minutes.
Seems to me it should at least start its way back up to 13.5.( or at least 13. something)
I realize 12.9 is ok but I'm not sure.
 
It's common for cars to do the same... A charger will charge higher then when removed the battery will fall back down.... Honestly when I have seen that there was a weak or bad cell in a battery eventually... If so it will fail at some point , just keep an eye on it... I would say it's internal charging system may be off just a touch... It shouldn't hurt anything but you might call the company and ask if it's normal.... Still watch it though...
 
Thank you. This was just installed a month ago so I will call them back. My first answer from them I did not understand
Again thank you
 
M-61 said:
Thank you. This was just installed a month ago so I will call them back. My first answer from them I did not understand
Again thank you
Click to expand...
Just tell them what you posted here , they should be able to give you an answer and if you should be concerned.... Once it fires up it's running off the alternator not the battery.... I have been out of the automotive business for about ten years now but on a car once it's running you can pull the battery out or at least you could on older ones.... These days when I notice a problem with a battery , I have it replaced... Just because I am older now and don't want problems.... I remember when I was young driving on tires I would never drive on now... I once drove a Volkswagen bug home 35 miles with kite string out the window for a throttle cable....
 
I have a 20Kwh Generac. Have them set the weekly run time for 10 to 11 minutes, that may help some. The batteries in my unit last about 3 years.
Also have the outside of your house sprayed for ants, especially around the generator. It seems that ants love to munch on the electronics circuit board inside. Cost me $900 to replace the circuit board. If you have a detached garage, have them spray around the outside for the same reason (electronics in vehicles).
Wonder what the little devils lived on before electronics. Where there that many picnics?
 
Just had a 18KW installed this year at the end of July. I don’t know much about technical electrical stuff but I do know this past Saturday night when the winds came howling through this part of Pennsylvania and the electric went off my generator came on and I was darn happy!
 
I think you are seeing the trickle charge from the transfer switch when the generator is not running. Then when it is you’re seeing the actual battery charge.
 
I have a 34KW Generac that runs my whole house. The original battery had to be replace at 3 years. Nothing like the peace of mind knowing you can get through whatever the weather.
 
dave@aDave said:
I have a 20Kwh Generac. Have them set the weekly run time for 10 to 11 minutes, that may help some. The batteries in my unit last about 3 years.
Also have the outside of your house sprayed for ants, especially around the generator. It seems that ants love to munch on the electronics circuit board inside. Cost me $900 to replace the circuit board. If you have a detached garage, have them spray around the outside for the same reason (electronics in vehicles).
Wonder what the little devils lived on before electronics. Where there that many picnics?
Click to expand...
We just got the 24kW unit. I’m very glad to have the tip about dusting for ants around the unit.
 
6ShotsOr5? said:
We just got the 24kW unit. I’m very glad to have the tip about dusting for ants around the unit.
Click to expand...
Just fyi my father in law has the crazy ants on his property... They will kill off the fire ants and take over.... They also get in his electric boxes and he started putting of all things medicated ear tags for cattle in the boxes and that seems to keep them out.... I know when I worked security for Dupont the fire ants would get in the relays for the automatic gates and stop them from working all the time.... Ants do love electric stuff... Maybe the ear tag trick will work for you guys.... I would also put out poison for them anyway.... That's just me though I put out enough poison yearly to kill off the eagle population... I am definitely not a tree hugger....lol
 
I'm pretty sure the alternator on the newer models with the NEXUS controllers do not have a charge windings in the alternator like the early models. When the generator is running and at rest the controller is charging the battery. The controller charges and maintains the battery with around 13 to 13.5 v DC. At a maximum 2 amp charge. When the Generator is running it is using over 2 amps to run your ignition system and power the controller. So your battery voltage will drop to around the 12v range. Then return to the 13.2 volts when it shuts down.
RSsadams is correct on the ant infestation problem they will ruin your controller. Change the battery out at least every 3 years. You'll sleep better. At least I do.
 
Been thinking about installing a 18 or 20 kw unit. How much fuel do these typically burn? What fuel are you all running and how big of a tank?
 
Daddymac said:
Two charging systems?

My assumption would be trickle charger when stationary and alternator when running.
Click to expand...
No alternator. The battery charges via a line from the switch gear. I discovered this during a 6 day outage from a hurricane. 4 days land locked because of high water. My battery died in the middle of the first night. Then I discovered the SOB that installed the generator hadn't run the charging line. Fortunately the battery out of my SXS worked so I could keep charging batteries.
I have an 18K and I went through 150 gallons in 4 days. I had maybe one more day left on a 250 gallon tank. They don't fill them over 80% full
 
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