Do you have the Harbor Freight 15KW PTO Generator? What do you think?

[DarkBlack]

I usually loose power during ice and snow storms from some hours to a couple of days. The main critical loads are circulator pumps for heat and the fridge and a few lights. With a couple breif runs of the well pump while at home. I don't even like leaving my $500 gas genny running outside while I go to work, but it has to be done. Not in a million years would I leave my $20,000 tractor running full bore, unattended, to power a few hundred watts of house appliances while I'm away.

 

[Victory Pete]

I usually loose power during ice and snow storms from some hours to a couple of days. The main critical loads are circulator pumps for heat and the fridge and a few lights. With a couple breif runs of the well pump while at home. I don't even like leaving my $500 gas genny running outside while I go to work, but it has to be done. Not in a million years would I leave my $20,000 tractor running full bore, unattended, to power a few hundred watts of house appliances while I'm away.

Good point!

VP

 

[Soundguy]

if away for a few hours.. why's power gotta be on?


I don't think some people get the use of an emergency backup power plan.

 

[DarkBlack]

I hope that comment wasn't aimed at me.

 

[dex3361]

I ran the 15KW pto generator for an hour or so to see how it would do. I tried to start my shop air compressor and it was a no go. It turned but would not come up to speed. It did run the 3 ton heat pump with no problem.

 

[Soundguy]

I ran the 15KW pto generator for an hour or so to see how it would do. I tried to start my shop air compressor and it was a no go. It turned but would not come up to speed. It did run the 3 ton heat pump with no problem.

wow that's odd.. my northern tools 12.5kw genny runs my welder and my 65g upright compressor too.


is your compressor a large 110v job? like something weird like 30a ?

 

[dex3361]

Its a 240v Quincy industrial quality. 5 true HP full load amps is about 25a. So the locked rotor amps could be as much as 150a.

 

[Soundguy]

have you tried it with a hard start capacitor.... you should be able to pump near 63 rated amps out.. not sure what the peak output would handle.

 

[dex3361]

have you tried it with a hard start capacitor.... you should be able to pump near 63 rated amps out.. not sure what the peak output would handle.

The locked rotor amps could be upwards of 150a(6x fla). The surge rating of the generator is 16kw or 66a , 240volts or thereabouts. I havent checked the motor code letter to see what the locked rotor amps should actually be.

 

[Soundguy]

sure I'm not doubting your locked rotor amps... but I bet she might kick over with a hard start aid capacitor.. worth a try anyway.. caps are cheap enough.

duration for hi current will be VERY low.

what size breaker is she running in the service panel?

and the genny.. how is it coupled? getting any loss from a long or low sized transfer wire? my transfer cable is decently beefy .. I think it's #4 4 wire.. bigger than my thumb...