How long will a 10 KW generatoer run on a good new battery??

[gwdixon]

The generator is probably attached to a dryer outlet-type with a "suicide cord". It can work but one must be careful.

Connecting Generator to welder outlet - WeldingWeb™ - Welding forum for pros and enthusiasts

Chain saws and other small engines run without batteries and alternators/generators so maybe that is how the Generac is run. As others, I would start the generator and take off the negative cable. If the generator still runs then it is generating its own electricity to fire the plugs. It is hard to believe that some of this generated electricity is not being sent to the battery.

To test if the battery is getting juice while the generator is running just touch the negative cable to the negative post. If it sparks then the battery is getting a charge.

Once again, any generator that does not charge its own battery is a complete oddball.

 

[disney]

My (alternator less) 15k generac Has a 12 volt power outlet and the same circuit that provides power to the outlet also charges the battery when running. I remember reading in the manual that if the outlet fuse is blown the battery will no longer charge. I recently had my propane hooked up (its only use is for the gen.) and the installer actually told me that if I dont run something that requires propane the springs in the regulators can go bad over time. He said once a month would be best, but every other should keep me out of trouble. again, this is only required if nothing else is run from propane tank. even a gas grille would count...

 

[Redneck in training]

Measure voltage across the battery when the genset is running. If there is 14-16V it is charging. If you measure 12V or less it is not. You can get one of those solar battery maintainers to keep the battery charged. If it doesn't like being connected when the genset is running put a diode in series with it.

 

[jcdogfish]

Just curious as to why ya'll aren't using a transfer switch??

 

[sdkubota]

I installed a generator hook-up outside my home and ran wiring to two outlets within the home located in the basement and first floor. The outlets are only fed by the generator so are dead except when generating power. That allows me to run extension cords within the home to the fridge, TV, or electric heaters in time of outages. It is only a 8K generator but has been a lifesaver during a winter storm.

 

[Soundguy]

ok, so no actual backfeed.

you just hardwired lines into the house so you don't have to run extension cords out windows or thru doors.

seems safe and legal enough..

 

[TO_Bud]

Thomas, if you wired directly into the breaker box how do you keep the current from going back down the lines to the service? You don't want to fry a lineman, they are expensive.

It's been awhile since I read up on this problem for lineman but IIRC their procedure is to ground out the line prior to doing any work. When they do this they will fry any home generators running on the grid and not properly isolated. There is a much cheaper option for lockout as well rather than using the Auto Transfer switches...Generator InterLock Kit

 

[sdkubota]

ok, so no actual backfeed.

you just hardwired lines into the house so you don't have to run extension cords out windows or thru doors.

seems safe and legal enough..

Exactly...but I wasn't the one backfeeding on this post.

 

[Soundguy]

ahh..

 

[Tomas]

and I don't see how a precision regulated low current charger could hurt the 'delicate' circuitry. Just get a regulated power supply that will supply 13.8-14.4v at 500ma to 1000ma and have it tied to the ac side to charge when running.. hadfull of radioshack parts will do it in a lil project enclosure box...

I, too, don't understand how or why it would fry a computer, but the Generac tech said they had miltiple cases of where running the gen with charger on battery screwed the board up and sent bad voltages to the home.
I removed the neg. cable from the battery while the engine was running, and the engine shut down . This generator is dependent on the battery to run.
Had I used an ATS, there is a relay back to the unit to charge. I installed a 50 amp breaker in my panel to be fed by the generator. I prevent backfeed by turnoing off the main.