Generator Selection?

John_Mc · Aug 27, 2020

coobie said:
How so? Its the original charger built into the unit that came with it new..Tell me how to change that I am all ears

I have no idea what model generator you have, or the design of the system. If I had a built in charger that that was routinely boiling the electrolyte out of the battery, I would disable it and just attach a good quality smart charger to the battery (such as one of the BatteryMinder units). NOCO makes some good units as well.

Since it's likely going to be connected all of the time and keep the battery topped off continuously, you don't need a high-amperage unit - it's not as though you are trying to recharge an accidentally discharged car battery in a short amount of time. Something like a BatteryMinder 1500 for less than $50 (or a model 1510, which is electricaly identical to the 1500) with the ring terminals, rather than the battery clips would work. (If you need something more weatherproof, get the model 1215C for about $70).

Disabling the built-in charger is more involved, but I'm sure is doable if you have a schematic.

It also may be that your charger is simply charging at too high a voltage. I'm not sure if there is an adjustment available on that, but something to look in to. Not as good a solution as connecting a smart charger, but might help.

grsthegreat · Aug 27, 2020

It all depends on the generator in question. Some older generac units are quite involved with charging. Using relays, transformers and charging modules. Others have a simple trickle charger. The new ones are built into controller and have near zero issues that i have seen.

The only destroyed batteries ive seen on newer evolution 1&2 units are caused by battery heater malfunctioning.

coobie · Aug 27, 2020

grsthegreat said:
Let me check into it. I can see if theres a work around. Pm me the model and serial number And ill do some research.

17 kw LP with the 2 cly.gt 990 engine. Purchased in 2010.I will try to find the serial number.Been running the wife back and forth for a few medical appts.Thanks..

coobie · Aug 27, 2020

John_Mc said:
I have no idea what model generator you have, or the design of the system. If I had a built in charger that that was routinely boiling the electrolyte out of the battery, I would disable it and just attach a good quality smart charger to the battery (such as one of the BatteryMinder units). NOCO makes some good units as well.

Since it's likely going to be connected all of the time and keep the battery topped off continuously, you don't need a high-amperage unit - it's not as though you are trying to recharge an accidentally discharged car battery in a short amount of time. Something like a BatteryMinder 1500 for less than $50 (or a model 1510, which is electricaly identical to the 1500) with the ring terminals, rather than the battery clips would work. (If you need something more weatherproof, get the model 1215C for about $70).

Disabling the built-in charger is more involved, but I'm sure is doable if you have a schematic.

It also may be that your charger is simply charging at too high a voltage. I'm not sure if there is an adjustment available on that, but something to look in to. Not as good a solution as connecting a smart charger, but might help.

I believe I stated in my previous post I have a generac 17kw with lp.It would be a cold day in H-ll before I would run a extension cord to it to feed a battery minder.Easier to keep the water filled up in the battery.My battery is 3 years old and I will replace it this year before winter.

grsthegreat · Aug 27, 2020

coobie said:
I believe I stated in my previous post I have a generac 17kw with lp.It would be a cold day in H-ll before I would run a extension cord to it to feed a battery minder.Easier to keep the water filled up in the battery.This. battery is 3 years old and I will replace it this year before winter.

with the serial number and model number, i can find out which charge system you have. i can find out if there is a new trickle minder option from generac available.

coobie · Aug 27, 2020

grsthegreat said:
with the serial number and model number, i can find out which charge system you have. i can find out if there is a new trickle minder option from generac available.

Thanks will try to get that today or tomorrow busier than all get out at the current moment.Thanks again..

grsthegreat · Aug 27, 2020

coobie said:
Thanks will try to get that today or tomorrow busier than all get out at the current moment.Thanks again..

no problem. they should be on a placard on side of firewall. i dont need the engine serial number, but i need the complete unit

Diggin It · Aug 27, 2020

I know you said you don't like the HomeFlex gas pipe, but that's my best option for right now considering copper prices. I'm not ready to buy the generator yet, but I am ready to open the trench for the gas line for other reasons. As I said, I plan on moving the LP tank once it's close to empty and light enough to move. I need to dig this trench to the new location sooner so I can bury some other conduits for other uses. The new tank location would be somewhere between 80 and 100' from the genset location.

I currently have 1/2" copper to the existing tank location in the back yard. I have to check ... it may even be 3/8" and it's a pretty good distance ... 150' or so. That line runs the LP forced air furnace and stove. I know I'll need another regulator though for the genset.

This is all future planning so I really NEED to know if I need 1/2" or 3/4" HomeFlex pipe because I don't want to dig again later.

Charts attached are from HomeFlex and the 13K install manual.