Generator Question

[Mud Dr.]

Need help. I have a Porter Cable generator model # BS1525-W. It starts fine and runs fine. When I put a meter on it, it shows 120 V and 240 V in it's respective outlets, yet it will not start my small air compressor or my washing machine. I have tried the air compressor on an identical generator at my local lawn mower dealer and it pulls the load with no problems.

 

[dayvkl]

Your generator has to be big enough to put out enough watts to run these applaiances. Forget voltage, how big is the generator in terms of watts?

 

[Mud Dr.]

Continuous is 5250 surge 6500 watts. The air compressor is rated at 14 amps. I found a generator identical to this one at a local lawn mower shop. It started the air compressor just fine.

 

[aerostar]

Check the RPM of your generator to make sure it is producing the proper 60Hz. Motors will draw substantially more than their rated current if the frequency of the power applied is low. (even by a small amount)

If that's not it, does the engine labor and slow way down when you try to start the compressor? If so, it may be an issue with your engine. If not, your problem is more likely with electrical portion of the generator. It might be useful to check the voltage of the generator while it is loaded with a non-inductive load of a similar size such as a space heater. If the engine slows down, you definately have a engine/governor issue.

Good luck

 

[Travelover]

I have a Coleman generator that is about 15 years old, but with very low hours (emergency use only). It quit starting my well pump, so I took it into a generator repair place and they replaced a small electronic part - either a capacitor or a diode (forget which). My brother, who is an electrical engineer, said these parts die of old age not use.

So it may be a cheap fix.