New generator. Wiring up an hour meter

R Wyler

Member
I use a generator at the farm because I don"t have electric out there. Anyhow I just bought a new 3500 watt Briggs generator. It has 2 regular outlets and also a 120v RV plug outlet. I don"t load it heavy just a single power tool and sometimes the well pump. I have a new 120V Hobbs meter on the way. I plant to get a plug for the RV outlet and run a cord to the meter. Is there a better way? I don"t want to take the outlet box apart on a new generator and cobble it up. I do want an hour meter though. Any thing wrong with doing it like this?
 
I am not sure what to look for. But there is an hour meter that runs on the engine ignition, check with the lawn mower people.
 
Thanks. I found some about them online it looks like they have a long lived battery in them and I think that they use a wire that wraps around the plug wire. Maybe that I should have used that instead. I plan to put meters on the tractors also. They are a good thing to have.
 
You certain your generator has a 120 volt RV (TT-30) receptacle? If yes, you can safely power your Hobbs 120 volt meter with a suitable plug and cord as you propose.

However if the generator receptacle is the somewhat similar-looking NEMA 6-30R (240 volt with no neutral) it won't work.
 
I will make certain but if I understand right it is a 120 Volt outlet for a big power cord. I think the model above mine has a 240 Volt outlet. I will make sure though before hooking it up. Thanks for the response.
 
Thanks for the link that is great info. I will make sure of what that outlet is. If it is 120 Volt I might put a small 110 standard plug in the cord so that I could run the meter off one of the small receptacles if I ever wanted to use the big plug in. Thanks again for the help!!
 
There are hour meters out there that dont use a battery.They get their power from the running engine.Respond to this post if you would like the brand name.(got to out to the garage to find it) Bill
 
Billy, I purchased one like you described on ebay, China. It only lasted about 10 hrs. The battery inside went dead. Battery was soldered in too. Got a full refund and kept the tack/hr meter.
George
 

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