Generator Selection?

[grsthegreat]

get a meter on the 2 generator fed wires on transfer switch while gen is running to verify 240. then check each one against neutral and grouns for 120V.

then shed load and see what happens.

im off to service 2 generators now

 

[Diggin It]

Had a couple of glitches. Went to the activate site and entered everything, but it never gave me a passcode. Got the confirmation email, but no code. Had to call to get that. Once entered, I did an auto start (killed utility power to the ATS) and it fired right up and transferred power. Shut down once I restored utility power.

WiFi won't set up though. Books all seem to say you should be able to so that activation would happen automatically. When I had TS on the phone, they said no, it had to be activated first.

So, now I'm not sure. Books also say a steady green LED indicates the WiFi module is locked up and mine is steady. It was flashing for a while.

I may try that again later, but it isn't necessary for standby operation as far as I can tell.

 

[grsthegreat]

i can walk you thru wifi setup later. not to hard to do.

the green light flashes when power is lost and generator is running. it may also flash during exercise or when running manually, but i never pay attention to the led so cant tell you for sure. The led should be solid green if gen is ready to run state. it has nothing to do with wifi status.

im off to another generator service

wifi does NOT have to ever be activated to use generator

 

[Diggin It]

I've been through the steps a few times. I get the right SSID and enter the PW for my router. After a while the controller screen shows connected to my router with the proper SSID listed, then goes to a signal strength meter. For some reason, that only shows about 20% even though the router is about 5' away (through a wall).

But the phone screen with the website never shows a successful connection. It shows 'Trying to connect', then unsuccessful.

The MobileLink site shows 'not connected'.

The LED I'm talking about is in the end of the unit (not the one on the controller). It goes to Red while I'm in setup, then changes to green. But the discussion in the WiFi setup guide doesn't match what I'm seeing.

 

[BrkMstr]

I think you addressed your own disappointment - I have 22K Generac - it was installed by the seller / electrical contractors - decent size business, they have their own factory trained service techs, I have a maintenance agreement with them, the unit was bought with a 10 yr warranty - they show up once a year for maintenance - and for emergency call out - no issues with their install or service - so I believe you are correct it's basically not the brand it's who you buy from, what type of service they offer vs what you expect, and most importantly do they do what they say they will.

 

[grsthegreat]

thats the light im talking about also.

The first app you use should be "mobile link setup" . in this app you link this generator to your wifi in the house. you need to go into setrtings on phone or ipad and pick the MLGxxxx address and connect to it. Then the ap[p will show you possible wifis and you pick one and ask to join with that wifi password. i take it youve gortten this far.

Next step is to go to the website https://www.mobilelinkgen.com/default.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 . Click into "Signup". Here you tell mobile link your specific generator. you will see 2 boxes open up, the first one you enter the serial number of the generator. The next one you enter the mac address ( XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX: ). After this is entered a 3rd box should populate that allows you to enter the ssid (MLGXXXXX). here you set up your account.

then download the app "Mobilelink for generator" on phone or whatever to access your account.

 

[Diggin It]

I've been there. This is the screen I see:

There was something weird about the PlayStore ... it was telling me the ML thing wasn't available for my devices for some reason. But I can get there on a PC.

 

[grsthegreat]

that is weird. im not sure why it says not connected. you could try calling mobile link tech support. sometimes wait times are long, but they have always solved my issues.

why does it say its ready to run, but not connected. odd.

 

[grsthegreat]

is your wifi 2.4GZ or 5.2GZ. mobile link cant connect to 5.2GZ units

 

[Diggin It]

2.4

Thing is, I'm not sure I eally even need this. I just like to make sure everything is working, even if I decide not to use it. I want to look into that other GitHub thing.

Exercise is set for 8AM tomorrow, so I guess we'll see if that works.

 

[grsthegreat]

if you can see the side LED green/yellow and red light from a convenient position while walking...you dont need wifi.

 

[ultrarunner]

grethegreat... I tip my hat to you for the service you generously provide.

Your posts are always educational.

 

[grsthegreat]

grethegreat... I tip my hat to you for the service you generously provide.

Your posts are always educational.

Thank you..glad to post my 2 cents

 

[Diggin It]

Yeah, he's been a big help for sure. Lots of insight.


I'll be moving some of this over to a place focused on generators, but will keep this updated as needed.

 

[Diggin It]

Exercise run started and ran normally this morning. I kicked the furnace on while it was running and didn't notice any stumble in the sound of the engine.

 

[grsthegreat]

When generator exercises, it does not transfer load to house. best way to test it loaded is to switch off main power and let generator power house.

 

[Diggin It]

This cable looks to be the same thing, but in black instead of orange. They're running under $8/ft shipped: 30 ft COIL- Generac Generator Standby Power Cable 3C#3+#6+6C18 XHHW/PVC 9C UL | eBay

I didn't want to say anything about this over there being a different company. I had a couple of questions for this company on another matter. In the process, they told me they had designed and commissioned this cable in conjunction with Generac for a special project. When they got done with the project, they had some left over and decided to sell it by the foot. It sold so well that they ordered another 10,000 feet and are planning on buying more when this stock runs out.

 

[grsthegreat]

I didn't want to say anything about this over there being a different company. I had a couple of questions for this company on another matter. In the process, they told me they had designed and commissioned this cable in conjunction with Generac for a special project. When they got done with the project, they had some left over and decided to sell it by the foot. It sold so well that they ordered another 10,000 feet and are planning on buying more when this stock runs out.

That’s a good price. I was buying 500 foot spools of it when i was installing. I could not ship 30 feet of that heavy stuff for that price. I Used to buy direct from manufacturer. I did just purchase a 1,000’ spool of the 7 conductor trey cable from the same company. I’m going to use it for my new sprinkler project. Its better and cheaper than rated direct bury sprinkler wire.

 

[Diggin It]

Is there any reason to trust something like this?

Amazon.com

Rated for 100A and can be used for Manual switchover.

Like so many other things, conventional manual transfers are not readily available right now. I'd still have to get a weatherproof box and 30A plug, so the cost goes up.

Plan is to provide an option for a second, smaller generator. In longer outage, LP supply could be an issue and I may have gasoline on hand.

I can tap a manual TS between the standby generator and the ATS.

Generator >> Manual switch >> ATS >> House.

This is a future plan, not urgent at the moment, so I might wait for the Reliance type units to be available again.

 

[LouNY]

From what little I read on the link to that switch it is set for European 220 which is 220 to ground on one leg,
not the US 220/240 with 120 on each leg to ground and 220/240 between the legs. As the 2 pole model is L1 and N.