Generator Question

super99 · Aug 11, 2020

Our power is out, I heard it might be 3 days. I hooked the new to me, 25k generator to the 1850 and fired it up. This is the first time using it for the house. It has 3 lights, 2 red and a green. Increase rpm’s till the green light comes on. I checked the voltage and it said 263 volts. When I slow the tractor down to get 220 volts then the red light comes back on.Can I run it at 260 volts without hurting anything inside the house, tv, refrigerator, air conditioner? I am using the small generator right now, but have to refuel every 5 hours. Thanks, Chris

dzc3 · Aug 11, 2020

Make and Model would be nice to know

Blue Jay · Aug 11, 2020

Hasn't been 220 for several years Standard now is 240 + so 240 - 254 would be good. A better way is with a frequency meter and adjust speed to 60 -62 Hz.

super99 · Aug 11, 2020

It's a Katolight 25K. I don't know the model number, I'll have to look.

Billy Shafer · Aug 11, 2020

That is correct 220 went out long ago.Now it is 240. I would set it at 63 no load. It will drop some as the load comes in. Model and serial number will help. I do not understand the three lights. This should be a single phase set.

Philip d · Aug 11, 2020

I second the 240-250 ish.

Billy Shafer · Aug 11, 2020

I looked at it again.The green light is most likely operating range light. Comes on when you are in the proper hertz.

Billy Shafer · Aug 11, 2020

Katolight is a very good brand.But I don't think they are in operation anymore.You have a very good unit. Take care if it.

super99 · Aug 11, 2020

Okay, if it’s putting out 260 is it okay to run the house on it?

super99 · Aug 11, 2020

Model 25LR1, serial 80642-8,type LR, PF. 1%, 1 phase,3 wire,Kw 25,KVA 25, volts 120/240, amps/term 104, 1800 rpm. 60 cycles. That’s everything on the name plate

Billy Shafer · Aug 11, 2020

I will check my manuals.

guido · Aug 11, 2020

Hello super99,

It's a bit much @260V. The generator specs is your guide. @1800 generator R. P. M. 'S
it produces the right voltage and cycles. Simlpy slow the engine down to get the voltage you need.

I would limit the voltage 5% above the 120/240 voltage if you need it.
With that size generator? Probably not!

Guido.

buickanddeere · Aug 11, 2020

Frequency is important .Is there an adjustment pot on the voltage regulator ?

super99 · Aug 11, 2020

Where can you get a frequency meter and where do you hook it up?? I changed the 30 amp breaker for the small generator out and put in a 60 amp breaker that I had here and used what I think is #8 wire to hook to the tractor generator. I picked up a 1000 to 540 pto shaft reducer and put it on the other 1850 and it's setting out there running right now. Fingers crossed!!

David G · Aug 11, 2020

Does your tractor have a mark on it for 540 RPM PTO settings, it should be just a smidge above that with no load so the governor droop brings it right in on speed. I would say something not right if you have to run much above that.

wore out · Aug 11, 2020

Are you measuring "open circuit voltage", or do you have a load on it?

I would load it with a couple of "milk house heaters" (as an example) and check the voltage again.

Also, it would be interesting to double check with a different meter.

Oliver 500 Wa · Aug 11, 2020

I agree with wore out. Put some load on it and I bet the voltage will drop right into the 240 range. You do want to keep it near to 60Hz. Bad advice to drop RPM to get voltage because that slows the AC frequency. When frequency is low, motors draw more current. That could be hard on the compressor in a fridge or freezer.

Check Break · Aug 12, 2020

(quoted from post at 18:33:04 08/11/20) I picked up a 1000 to 540 pto shaft reducer and put it on the other 1850 and it's setting out there running right now.

If you don't need 25Kw, why run the reducer. Set tractor pto at 1000 rpm and run engine at reduced rpm. It will turn the 540 generator pto with enough torque to give you 12Kw. Saves fuel and still generates all the power you need to run the house.

buickanddeere · Aug 12, 2020

(quoted from post at 17:29:50 08/11/20) Hello super99,

It's a bit much @260V. The generator specs is your guide. @1800 generator R. P. M. 'S
it produces the right voltage and cycles. Simlpy slow the engine down to get the voltage you need.

I would limit the voltage 5% above the 120/240 voltage if you need it.
With that size generator? Probably not!

Guido.

If the rpm is reduced in order to drop the output voltage . The frequency will drop below 60Hz . This is an AC not a DC machine .

buickanddeere · Aug 12, 2020

How many thousands of dollars in fuel and hundreds of hours of wear saved on the tractor ? To do the throttled back 1000rpm to 540 rpm thing ? It enough to make a lick of difference . This is a temporary power supply not a 24/7 365 generator set on a ship .
For a few days a year it is not worth hobbling the tractor and generator . Governor response on the diesel is less effective to pickup load at 1/2 throttle vs full throttle .
The diesel is also more likely to wet stack at reduced rpm vs rated rpm .

Billy Shafer · Aug 12, 2020

You can pick up a Kill-0-Watt meter at Lowes or Home Depot. For around $25.00 dollars. Just plug it in and it will. Show Hertz and voltage.

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