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First, I'm not a Coleman Tech.
* First check the generator for a wire(s) output description. This will confirm what each wire is producing and where it should be connected to.
* The specs will also give you an idea of what to expect from a particular generator. (Don't expect 220Volts from a 120 Volt small generator.. Hence the 120 VAC generator will only have 3 wires instead of 4 wires for a 220-240 Volt generator. DC/AC generator will have 5-6 wires.)
* In general, on/off switch on the electrical part of the generator (the actual electric source) is on once the engine is up and running. Electricity is being produced at this time. The on/off switch is usually the main electrical breaker that is rated for the full output of the generator. This is very similar to your house breakers except for a modification of the hook up terminals used to wire in this safety component. Like most breakers there is an input(s) then output(s). Usually the input lines will be black, white, with an additional green wire that is also connected to the frame of the generator. These three wires will hook up to one side of the breaker or the "Line In" side or "L1,L2" The other side of the breaker should have been hooked up directly to the 1 or 2 duplex (120VAC) outlet panel.
* on larger generators that produce 120/240 VAC 1PH (two 120 volt AC outputs with alternative 220-240 volt AC) There will be an additional wire that may be the same or different color IE; 2 Blacks, Reds, or Blues. This is hooked up in similar fashion to the breaker except there will be an additional section to the breaker or even two single breakers stuck together with a bar across both switches. (again similar to a 220 VAC breaker used in a house panel.) The extra wire will go to the 2nd section of the breaker. The other side or "output" of the breaker will be wired directly to a set of Duplex outlets (a pair or 4 outlets) AND a 4 pronged 120/240 1PH outlet "Twist Lock" style. (though you may find specialized outlets for single purpose generators.)
* Larger generators may also have a DC (12 or 24 VDC) wire which is of a different color from the AC wires. Expect it to be Black, Red, or White. (Black or white is probably the negative with the Red as positive.) If you do have DC wires then it's more than likely the AC wires are of different colors to avoid getting the DC mixed up with the AC side.
* Final; check your warranty. Have your vendor or MFR perform a service and annual maintenance check which is a good idea as they can change out your air and fuel filters. Check and clean the spark plug. Make sure everything is working properly. The peace of mind is worth it.
Aloha, ukeboy57
Hi Kimber:
Check to see if there is a circuit breaker that has tripped.
Can you tell us what happened immediately before the "no power" situation occurred?
Are both the test breakers the same size (15A or 20A, etc)? Perhaps the breaker in the RV has a lower amp rating then the other one you are testing it on? If that's the case your test doesn't really tell you anything, they both need to be the same size to know where the problem may be.
Make sure it isn't trying to start the HVAC with a locked compressor (IE it just turned off and is now trying to cycle on again) If it is shutting down due to low freq there is too much load for the HP the engine can deliver. That will cause too much current to flow and trip the breaker. Also be aware it takes 6 times current to start HVAC than to run it. How old is the generator? it may have normal engine wear and can no longer generate HP, Also when was it tunes up
You will have more available power (and use a different larger breaker already on your generator) if you use the 220 plug instead of the 115v plugs. Have an electrician make you an breakout box separating the 220v plug into two 115v outlets. Or your can replace the push button breakers with better quality 25 amp. Problem is that the 115v receptacles are probably 15 amp. Other solution is to try a 220v pump instead of 115v (more efficient draws less amps). Good luck
Do you have a Square D "QO" panel - or a Square D "Homeline" panel (or a different brand panel completely)? If possible, please provide the catalog number of the circuit breaker.
Nearly all circuit breakers that are TRIPPED (handle is at the midpoint between ON and OFF) must be RESET by pushing the handle to the OFF position - then pushed the other way to the ON position. A circuit breaker that is in the OFF position, does not need to be RESET, and need only be pushed to the ON position.
It is advisable to shut off ALL the other circuit breakers in the panel, then turn on the 200 amp breaker. After the 200 amp breaker is on, turn on the largest value (in amps) double pole breakers and finally all the single pole breakers largest values down to 15 amps. This prevents switching one very large load all at once.
the 1 and 3 poles, the 2nd is used for more a 3phase system, hooking up say 1 and 2 wont give you 120v. test with a volt meter to confirm but if your looking for 240 you need to use 1 and 3
You must find the reason the main breaker is popping ...
I'd start by unplugging everything and remove all breakers. Turn the main on ... does it pop? If it pops here look between the breaker panel and the end of your cord. Turn the power off - reinstall the first breaker - turn power back on. What happens ... keep doing this until the main or individual breaker pops - investigate that circuit to find your short.
If you get all breakers back in with out popping anything ... start plugging stuff back in. Something is shorting somewhere.
A couple of questions come to mind.
1. Has this always happen or is this just recent?
If its always happen you might be running the a/c on a breaker not strong enough.
On the a/c unit on the back there should be a metal plate with the Volts, Amps required to run the unit. Make sure the breaker is rated higher then whats required.
If that all checks out you could very well have a malfunctioning breaker. Its a cheap fix to try to replace. If that doesnt work then one can only assume the a/c unit or your generator is malfuntioning.
OK, by talking about a plug, I am assuming you have made a double male plug to hook the generator to the electric panel. This is not really advised, because it is so easy for it to be plugged into an outlet by someone not knowing what it is far, and getting electricuted. Now, away from preaching, and to helping.
It is best to hook it to the generator and then crank it, so you are not dealing with a load when you plug the systems together. When your power is restored, it would be good to install a plug to your electrical box and have it go to a disconnect like is on your outside A/C unit. It moves you away from the hot wires.
Hope your power is on soon!
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