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Gene Davis
08-23-2003 20:35:29
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Re: Northstar generators from Northern tool in reply to KURT (mi), 08-20-2003 02:41:19
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With a generator you need to figure on having almost 2 H.P. engine size per K.W. of generator size. That will give you some reserve for loading the engine with overworking it. The 13 H.P. would pull 5-6 K.W. of generator output the Nothern Tool units usually carry a good warranty. I assembled my generator some years ago with an 8kw generator and a 20 hp Onan engine,(see my post abouve titled " has anybody had any experience with these generators"). I have had very good sercice with the belt driven generator setup, I used 2 Dayco BX series belts and set them up for a 2 to 1 overdrive ratio and this lets the engine run slower, quiter and still within a decent power range for a long life, fuel efficent set up, and also the engine doesn't shake itself to pieces. The spec. sheet on the units you are indicating looks good,and seem to have a capacity for good voltage regulation. I personally think it is better to be overpowered than to be under powered, You need to add up the totals of all you need to power and factor in some reserve and also know that motor driven appliances, like refrigerators, freezers, well pumps and heat/air units pull approx 2-3 times their normal amps for start up before dropping back to running loads. Too little voltage burns up appliances and motors. I cut off every thing before I cut my transfer switch over to the generator and then stagger the startups and cut the water heater on last. A good quick way to judge the voltage is the color of a t.v. screen, when voltage drops, the color will fade away. It is best to have a volt meter on the generator and one plugged in thr house, I use a digital V.O.M. plugged into a wall outlet inside and don't have to go outside to read the useable voltage in the house(will be somewhat lower due to line losses). It is also nice to have a frequency meter, but since my generator does not have one I look to see if the lights flicker, and if they don't flicker, t.v. screen has good color and VOM shows enough voltage, I feel O.K. Gene Davis
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