Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
Mitch Haley wrote: Jim Cathey wrote: Yes. This fellow had a 220V generator that did _not_ have a center tap, which meant that unless the two 110V sides of the home's wiring were _exactly_ balanced as to load (and they never, ever are) one side was going to see more than 110V, and one less. Up to and probably including 200+V on one side. So if I were to hook up a 100W light to one half of the 240 outlet on such a genny, I'd get 0v through the lamp and 240v on the open side? Now I understand why the motor repair guy told me to do that for a test. Yeah, although in that case no current would flow. With no center tap, everything on one side of the outlet is simply in series with everything on the other side. In series loads, the current is the same but the voltage varies. So if you put two 100W bulbs in, one on each side, they'd split the voltage 50/50 and each would get 120V. But if you put in one 100W bulb and one 60W bulb, the 100W bulb will see 90V and the 60W bulb will see 150V. The greater the imbalance gets, the higher the voltage difference will become. And in a household this would vary as stuff was turned on and off, making matters worse.
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
I have a question about these non center tapped generators. How do the 110-120v outlets work on these, or do they even have 120v outlets? Mitch.
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
I have a question about these non center tapped generators. How do the 110-120v outlets work on these, or do they even have 120v outlets? They wouldn't/couldn't. But the lack of a center tap could be because it's broken, not because it shouldn't have one. Best to check! And of course your self-made cable-of-death could be wrong, and fry your house goodies. -- Jim
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
Follow up: It's been nearly a week and we're still without power. The nice folks all around me have power, but for some reason I live on a cursed circuit, which is tied to the worst of the storm damage nearly a mile from here. I'm already thinking of ways to create alternatives for powering all my low amperage needs off of solar and wind with battery backup and storage, so that this unfortunate stuff doesn't happen in the future. I have a 3700 watt generator, but don't quite know of a simple means to tie into my home circuitry to run all my essentials (well, h2o heater, dishwasher, etc.). Does anyone make a retro-kit to tie directly into a preexisting fuse box? Of course, this includes turning off the main breaker, so the power doesn't feed back and torch those dudes who will eventually get to fixing my service when they're damned good and ready. I've had exactly one shower in that time, which brings the fragrance level up a few notches around here. The kids are going stir crazy, and I'd like to just lock them outside for a few hours to quiet them down, but apparently the killjoys at DSHS wouldn't take too kindly to my parental/logistical philosophy. I purchased another battery for running the modem and puter, which I swap out with the ones in my two MBs from time to time. On 12/16/06, Zeitgeist [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm presently without power, and may be for some time, due to recent wind storm activity. My generator blew up my surge protector, so I'm running my DSL modem off of the battery from my van, and using our laptop w/wireless. I strongly suspect our generator is malfunctioning and pumping an unregulated voltage supply, which unfortunately blows stuff up. Is there an external voltage rectifying unit I can purchase which will avoid this situation so it doesn't keep happening every time I fire up the generator? -- Casey Olympia, WA Biodiesel: I drive in a persistent vegetative state '87 300TD intercooler/propane #22 0-60mph 7.3sec (220k) '84 300D (218k) Gashuffer: '89 Vanagon Wolfsburg Edition (187K) http://users.zhonka.net/zeitgeist/Misc/IMG_0171.JPG
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
Zeitgeist wrote: I have a 3700 watt generator, but don't quite know of a simple means to tie into my home circuitry to run all my essentials (well, h2o heater, dishwasher, etc.). What I do (not NEC approved) is wire up a patch cord with a dryer plug on one end, and a plug that fits the 240v socket on the generator on the other end. Turn off all the breakers, especially the main. Plug the generator into your dryer outlet and turn on the dryer breaker. Then turn on your well pump. Once your tank is full, turn on the fridge, and maybe the coffee pot and some lights. I do not think you will want to turn on the electric water heater. I ended up cooking breakfast on the propane grill because I could not run a single burner on the stove to cook pancakes with a 5600w generator. I had two freezers and the fridge going, you might be able to run a stove burner or water heater if its the only thing you have on. The main breaker stays off until the generator is detached from the house, you don't want to light up the guy trying to fix your power line, and you don't want anybody else messing with your breakers, because they might turn the main on. Mitch.
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
Mitch Haley wrote: What I do (not NEC approved) is wire up a patch cord with a dryer plug on one end, and a plug that fits the 240v socket on the generator on the other end. Boy, did I forget something. First test the genny, to make sure it has two good 120v sides on the 240v circuit. A light bulb will do for testing. I start by turning on the well pump with my genny, but I already know my genny won't kill the well pump. If you use the wrong genny (maybe Jim Cathey can tell us why) the well pump is the most expensive thing you could fry, so it's a bad place to start.
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
I have a 3700 watt generator, but don't quite know of a simple means to tie into my home circuitry to run all my essentials (well, h2o heater, A male-to-male 'pins-o-death' (as I call it) cable you make up yourself. I usually just pick up a dryer plug that mates with a handy one and flange on a 30A twist-lock 220V plug that mates with the genny. If yours has one of those. If all it has is two regular 115V outlets things get more interesting, especially if it isn't built as a center-tapped 220V generator! dishwasher, etc.). Does anyone make a retro-kit to tie directly into a preexisting fuse box? Of course, this includes turning off the main No, it's extremely against the electrical code so you'll never be able to buy one pre-built. breaker, so the power doesn't feed back and torch those dudes who will eventually get to fixing my service when they're damned good and ready. Crucial. Absolutely crucial. Besides, your hard-earned power would run down the line to the neighbors, and probably all be spent where you can't get any benefit from it. to turn on the electric water heater. I ended up cooking breakfast on the propane grill because I could not run a single burner on the stove to cook pancakes with a 5600w generator. I had two freezers and the fridge going, you might be able to run a stove burner or water heater _One_ 220V heating appliance is the limit for this class of generator. Maybe none, depends on the appliance. (Single burner, or oven, etc.) Hot water heater is usually about 4000-4500W. Every 220V genny I know of is built as two 115V generators of half rating. You _cannot_ take the maximum rating from only one side, but only half. So, you must monitor the current draw on both legs of the 220V output to make sure that neither side is drawing more than half the rated value. Or your generator will die. 220V loads are inherently symmetrical, it's all the 110V stuff you have to watch out for. -- Jim
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
I already know my genny won't kill the well pump. If you use the wrong genny (maybe Jim Cathey can tell us why) the well pump is the most expensive thing you could fry, so it's a bad place to start. Undervoltage will kill motors, though well pumps these days usually have some solid-state protection circuitry located at the bore head. -- Jim
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
Jim Cathey wrote: Undervoltage will kill motors, though well pumps these days usually have some solid-state protection circuitry located at the bore head. I had a motor/generator repairman tell me of the time a contractor killed every appliance in the house when he had a non-center tapped genny and hooked it up like I do through the dryer outlet of a new home. He told me to see if I could run a light bulb off each side of the 240v outlet to test if it was safe. Do you know what he was talking about? I found I could run a trouble light off either side of my old Coleman, so I've been going whole house (minus resistance heating stuff) ever since.
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
Jim Cathey wrote: Yes. This fellow had a 220V generator that did _not_ have a center tap, which meant that unless the two 110V sides of the home's wiring were _exactly_ balanced as to load (and they never, ever are) one side was going to see more than 110V, and one less. Up to and probably including 200+V on one side. So if I were to hook up a 100W light to one half of the 240 outlet on such a genny, I'd get 0v through the lamp and 240v on the open side? Now I understand why the motor repair guy told me to do that for a test. Mitch.
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
Jim Cathey wrote: I'd been impressed with it up 'til that point. The load bar was only on 2 or 3 out of 6 at that time, though there were four computers on, with monitors, and the network gear. So what do you have there, a kw or so of ocmputers? Adds a whole new meaning to electric home heating system.
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
run the UPS side fully isolated from the line via the inverter, so no surprises, because the system is always running via the batteries, That's supposedly what this unit does. It won't even power up anything unless the batteries are good. So what do you have there, a kw or so of ocmputers? Adds a whole new meaning to electric home heating system. I just measured it, 650W to the UPS on the old Maytag wattmeter. Should have handled it fine, and it did when moving the plug to and from the Maytag. Something about the nature of the power spiking the other day really PO'd it, and me too. -- Jim
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
Would Boeing Surplus be a good source for these? Where can one locate the new gel cells? Can these be purchased new at a computer supply place, like Office Depot? On 12/16/06, David Brodbeck [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Higher-end computer UPS units will do it. Look for one with buck/boost capability. APC's SmartUPS line has this, for example, but their cheaper BackUPS line does not. A UPS would also let you keep loads running while you shut the generator down to refuel. Used or surplus UPSs are often a good deal because a lot of people discard them when the batteries fail. The batteries are usually easy-to-replace, standard-size gel cells. I recently picked up three APC BackUPS units for $1 each at a computer surplus place, and all of them just needed new batteries. Casey Olympia, WA Biodiesel: I drive in a persistent vegetative state '87 300TD intercooler/propane #22 0-60mph 7.3sec (220k) '84 300D (218k) Gashuffer: '89 Vanagon Wolfsburg Edition (187K) http://users.zhonka.net/zeitgeist/Misc/IMG_0171.JPG
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
Zeitgeist wrote: Would Boeing Surplus be a good source for these? Where can one locate the new gel cells? For used UPS units, RePC is often a good bet. Check out the AS IS aisle, particularly -- that's where I got three of them for $1 each. I don't usually see them at Boeing. Gel cells can be gotten from battery dealers (like Batteries Plus) or from mail-order electronic houses. Last time I bought some, Mouser Electronics (http://www.mouser.com/) had a decent price. The disadvantage with mail order is you're paying to ship all that lead. ;) APC also sells replacement batteries for all their units, but I find they're usually cheaper elsewhere.
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
OK Don wrote: I just replaced the batteries in my APC Smart UPS 2200. It uses 8 12 volt batteries, series parallel at 24V. The batteries are Panasonic LC-R127R2P. The best deal I found was at Portable Power Systems, Inc. - http://www.gotbatteries.com/ 12v, 7AH, $20.50x8. I wonder what two trolling motor batteries of 40+AH would cost? And if wet cells would enjoy the charging regime of the UPS?
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
Mitch Haley wrote: 12v, 7AH, $20.50x8. I wonder what two trolling motor batteries of 40+AH would cost? And if wet cells would enjoy the charging regime of the UPS? Should be OK. You'd have all the usual disadvantages of wet cells, though -- acid drips, flammable vapors that have to be vented outside, etc.
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
I think that gel cells require a more gentle charging than wet cells. If this is true, the trolling motor batteries should do fine. On 12/17/06, Mitch Haley [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: OK Don wrote: I just replaced the batteries in my APC Smart UPS 2200. It uses 8 12 volt batteries, series parallel at 24V. The batteries are Panasonic LC-R127R2P. The best deal I found was at Portable Power Systems, Inc. - http://www.gotbatteries.com/ 12v, 7AH, $20.50x8. I wonder what two trolling motor batteries of 40+AH would cost? And if wet cells would enjoy the charging regime of the UPS? -- OK Don, KD5NRO Norman, OK The Americans will always do the right thing... after they've exhausted all the alternatives. Sir Winston Churchill '90 300D, '87 300SDL, '81 240D, '78 450SLC, '97 Ply Grand Voyager
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
On Sun, 17 Dec 2006 10:41:18 -0500 Mitch Haley [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: If it's twelve volt, you can just put a spare group 49 from your mbz next to it and wire it up. That'll really extend your runtime. Yes, but you can't use your runtime very many times. Automotive batteries are not meant to be discharged significantly. They'll only take that about a dozen times. Craig
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
I'm presently without power, and may be for some time, due to recent wind storm activity. My generator blew up my surge protector, so I'm running my DSL modem off of the battery from my van, and using our laptop w/wireless. I strongly suspect our generator is malfunctioning and pumping an unregulated voltage supply, which unfortunately blows stuff up. Is there an external voltage rectifying unit I can purchase which will avoid this situation so it doesn't keep happening every time I fire up the generator? You may find that all your gear runs just fine 'unprotected'. I use an APC 2kW smart-UPS on the computer bank. Got it at auction for $35 with another 400W back-UPS. Both obviously in need of batteries. I put four 75AH gell cells on the 2kW unit as it uses a 48V battery bank. $300. Works great when you yank the plug out of the wall, but in the recent windstorm the power yo-yo'd a couple of times, and the APC killed power to the computers for a second, then came on steadily. Of course, they'd all lost it by then. I was not happy. It is not easy, apparently, to design a backup power supply system that can properly handle all the ills that power lines are subject to. -- Jim
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
I would anticipate that this one has one 12V gel cell or two smaller 6V ones since it's about 11x13 and 7 or 8 deep. It's gotten to where it won't hold a charge at all, so they (or it) must be bad. Kevin in Hillsboro, OR 1983 300SD 265K miles, Ursula
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
That doesn't sound like it's working right - my APC 2200 unit handles everything the power company dishes out (or doesn't dish out) just fine. Two PCs, printer, all the network gear, amateur radio, sound system, all run without a hiccup while the lights are flickering off, going off for half an hour, etc. Wind induced power events are common here. I use an APC 2kW smart-UPS on the computer bank. Got it at auction for $35 with another 400W back-UPS. Both obviously in need of batteries. I put four 75AH gell cells on the 2kW unit as it uses a 48V battery bank. $300. Works great when you yank the plug out of the wall, but in the recent windstorm the power yo-yo'd a couple of times, and the APC killed power to the computers for a second, then came on steadily. Of course, they'd all lost it by then. I was not happy. It is not easy, apparently, to design a backup power supply system that can properly handle all the ills that power lines are subject to. -- Jim -- OK Don, KD5NRO Norman, OK The Americans will always do the right thing... after they've exhausted all the alternatives. Sir Winston Churchill '90 300D, '87 300SDL, '81 240D, '78 450SLC, '97 Ply Grand Voyager
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
That doesn't sound like it's working right - my APC 2200 unit handles everything the power company dishes out (or doesn't dish out) just fine. Two PCs, printer, all the network gear, amateur radio, sound system, all run without a hiccup while the lights are flickering off, going off for half an hour, etc. Wind induced power events are common here. I'd been impressed with it up 'til that point. The load bar was only on 2 or 3 out of 6 at that time, though there were four computers on, with monitors, and the network gear. -- Jim
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
A while back I picked up a 2Kwa and 1Kwa HP powerwise UPS. These fine UPS made by HP before that division was bought out by APC run the UPS side fully isolated from the line via the inverter, so no surprises, because the system is always running via the batteries, which is why I picked them up from a hospital for $100 because the batteries were dead. I think the purchase cost was $3000 With the optional extra battery pack they required 24 gell batteries to restore. On Dec 17, 2006, at 10:01 PM, Jim Cathey wrote: You may find that all your gear runs just fine 'unprotected'. I use an APC 2kW smart-UPS on the computer bank. Got it at auction for $35 with another 400W back-UPS. Both obviously in need of batteries. John 1983 300TDt 374k Kilometers (mobil 1 Delvac) 1990's 300TDt 174k Kilometers (mobil 1 Delvac) 1993 500SEL 184k Kilometers (mobil 1 Delvac)
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
John M McIntosh wrote: A while back I picked up a 2Kwa and 1Kwa HP powerwise UPS. These fine UPS made by HP before that division was bought out by APC run the UPS side fully isolated from the line via the inverter... Those are the ultimate in power stability. I've heard that type of unit referred to as an on-line UPS. No spikes from the line side get through, and there are no switchover transients when going on battery. They do tend to be noisier, though. I had one for a while (different brand, not HP) but got rid of it because I didn't like the constant noise from the inverter and fan.
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
Message: 17 Date: Sat, 16 Dec 2006 14:35:21 -0800 From: David Brodbeck [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Zeitgeist wrote: I'm presently without power, and may be for some time, due to recent wind storm activity. My generator blew up my surge protector, so I'm running my DSL modem off of the battery from my van, and using our laptop w/wireless. I strongly suspect our generator is malfunctioning and pumping an unregulated voltage supply, which unfortunately blows stuff up. Is there an external voltage rectifying unit I can purchase which will avoid this situation so it doesn't keep happening every time I fire up the generator? The power just came on up here on Marrowstone. This is what I was looking at http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=LE1200#
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
On Sat, 16 Dec 2006 16:51:44 -0800 Van Cleve [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Zeitgeist wrote: I'm presently without power, and may be for some time, due to recent wind storm activity. My generator blew up my surge protector, so I'm running my DSL modem off of the battery from my van, and using our laptop w/wireless. I strongly suspect our generator is malfunctioning and pumping an unregulated voltage supply, which unfortunately blows stuff up. Is there an external voltage rectifying unit I can purchase which will avoid this situation so it doesn't keep happening every time I fire up the generator? The power just came on up here on Marrowstone. This is what I was looking at http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=LE1200# Lots of interesting specs, but they're missing the important ones. Like, what input voltage range gives what output voltage range? The idea is a good one, though. Craig
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
Craig McCluskey wrote: http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=LE1200# Lots of interesting specs, but they're missing the important ones. Like, what input voltage range gives what output voltage range? It sort of does here: http://sturgeon.apcc.com/techref.nsf/partnum/990-1286A/$FILE/990-1286A_EN_REV01.pdf
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
On Sat, 16 Dec 2006 20:31:26 -0800 David Brodbeck [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Craig McCluskey wrote: http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=LE1200# Lots of interesting specs, but they're missing the important ones. Like, what input voltage range gives what output voltage range? It sort of does here: http://sturgeon.apcc.com/techref.nsf/partnum/990-1286A/$FILE/990-1286A_EN_REV01.pdf Well, so it does: === Input Voltage Range 80 - 130V (Selector Switch set to 110V) 85 - 140V (Selector Switch set to 120V) 90 - 150V (Selector Switch set to 127V) Maximum Input Voltage 250V Output Regulation +6 to -12% === These sound pretty good. Something indeed worth looking at. Craig
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
kevin kraly wrote: My wife has one of these UPS systems with bad batteries, so it's a good thing we're still hangin' onto it. It looks like the unit will have to be split to get to the batteries. Look for #1 or #2 phillips head screws in the bottom of the case. Some of the APCs even have battery doors. If it's twelve volt, you can just put a spare group 49 from your mbz next to it and wire it up. That'll really extend your runtime. Mitch.
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
My apologies for no signature, I must have been overwhelmed with joy to be shutting the generator down:-) Google turned up several of those units and that was one of the least expensive. I wanted one without the UPS, just something too make sure the power is cleaned up before getting to my transfer switch. Regards Steve 85 Euro 240D, 5 spd manual, 110K 79 240D, 5 spd manual, 20K on eng rebuild 94 Dodge/Cummins PU, 100K 64 VW Bug 65 D15, AC tractor Message: 12 Date: Sat, 16 Dec 2006 20:54:38 -0700 From: Craig McCluskey [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes To: Mercedes Discussion List mercedes@okiebenz.com Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII On Sat, 16 Dec 2006 16:51:44 -0800 Van Cleve [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Zeitgeist wrote: I'm presently without power, and may be for some time, due to recent wind storm activity. My generator blew up my surge protector, so I'm running my DSL modem off of the battery from my van, and using our laptop w/wireless. I strongly suspect our generator is malfunctioning and pumping an unregulated voltage supply, which unfortunately blows stuff up. Is there an external voltage rectifying unit I can purchase which will avoid this situation so it doesn't keep happening every time I fire up the generator? The power just came on up here on Marrowstone. This is what I was looking at http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=LE1200# Lots of interesting specs, but they're missing the important ones. Like, what input voltage range gives what output voltage range? The idea is a good one, though. Craig
[MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
I'm presently without power, and may be for some time, due to recent wind storm activity. My generator blew up my surge protector, so I'm running my DSL modem off of the battery from my van, and using our laptop w/wireless. I strongly suspect our generator is malfunctioning and pumping an unregulated voltage supply, which unfortunately blows stuff up. Is there an external voltage rectifying unit I can purchase which will avoid this situation so it doesn't keep happening every time I fire up the generator? TIA -- Casey Olympia, WA Biodiesel: I drive in a persistent vegetative state '87 300TD intercooler/propane #22 0-60mph 7.3sec (220k) '84 300D (218k) Gashuffer: '89 Vanagon Wolfsburg Edition (187K) http://users.zhonka.net/zeitgeist/Misc/IMG_0171.JPG
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
Zeitgeist wrote: I'm presently without power, and may be for some time, due to recent wind storm activity. My generator blew up my surge protector, so I'm running my DSL modem off of the battery from my van, and using our laptop w/wireless. I strongly suspect our generator is malfunctioning and pumping an unregulated voltage supply, which unfortunately blows stuff up. Is there an external voltage rectifying unit I can purchase which will avoid this situation so it doesn't keep happening every time I fire up the generator? Higher-end computer UPS units will do it. Look for one with buck/boost capability. APC's SmartUPS line has this, for example, but their cheaper BackUPS line does not. A UPS would also let you keep loads running while you shut the generator down to refuel. Used or surplus UPSs are often a good deal because a lot of people discard them when the batteries fail. The batteries are usually easy-to-replace, standard-size gel cells. I recently picked up three APC BackUPS units for $1 each at a computer surplus place, and all of them just needed new batteries.
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
On Sat, 16 Dec 2006 14:29:27 -0800 Zeitgeist [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm presently without power, and may be for some time, due to recent wind storm activity. My generator blew up my surge protector, so I'm running my DSL modem off of the battery from my van, and using our laptop w/wireless. I strongly suspect our generator is malfunctioning and pumping an unregulated voltage supply, which unfortunately blows stuff up. Is there an external voltage rectifying unit I can purchase which will avoid this situation so it doesn't keep happening every time I fire up the generator? You want a real UPS, something that will even out voltage levels. I think the Smart-UPS line from American Power Conversion is quite good. Take a look at, http://www.apc.com/products/configure/index.cfm?base_sku=SUA750full_sku=SUA750totalwatts=50lid=order_options_link_SUA750; If that's a little too expensive, try the Back-UPS choices offered at, http://www.apc.com/products/category.cfm?id=13subid=5 Craig
Re: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes
Casey - I would try and tame the generator, assuming that it and its governor are working properly. Make sure the load you're trying to carry does not exceed the generator capacity, and even preferably stays under 80% of that. Don't dump a big load on it all at once; also, don't run it unloaded. You can put a few lights on it to give it some work to do, then drop off the lights as you add other loads. What drives a small genset crazy is going from no load to 150% load (the surge of a motor, pump, etc) - unless there's a lot of super fast electronic regulation, there will be all kinds of surges. I'm not so sure that a UPS can handle that, as it also is susceptible to big spikes. Good luck in dealing with the elements! Werner - Original Message - From: Zeitgeist [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Mercedes Discussion List Mercedes@okiebenz.com Sent: Saturday, December 16, 2006 5:29 PM Subject: [MBZ] OT: Generator voltage spikes I'm presently without power, and may be for some time, due to recent wind storm activity. My generator blew up my surge protector, so I'm running my DSL modem off of the battery from my van, and using our laptop w/wireless. I strongly suspect our generator is malfunctioning and pumping an unregulated voltage supply, which unfortunately blows stuff up. Is there an external voltage rectifying unit I can purchase which will avoid this situation so it doesn't keep happening every time I fire up the generator? TIA -- Casey Olympia, WA
