Generators ????

jimricho · Guru

RE: Generators ????

KFT · Guru

jimricho wrote:
oldtrack123 wrote:

[d]Have the generator pertmanently fitted & WIRED into the van wiring in accordance with the standards AS/NZS3001 [requires correct change over switching.]

Peter

-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Sunday 20th of January 2013 11:41:56 PM
I bet there's very few (if any) vans/RVs wired to that configuration!

If the genset is permanently fitted such as in a bin or locker then it must be done that way to comply at the construction stage.

oldtrack123 · Guru

jimricho wrote:
oldtrack123 wrote:

[d]Have the generator pertmanently fitted & WIRED into the van wiring in accordance with the standards AS/NZS3001 [requires correct change over switching.]

Peter

-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Sunday 20th of January 2013 11:41:56 PM
I bet there's very few (if any) vans/RVs wired to that configuration!

Hi Jim

YOU may be surprised. wink especialy with motor homes

But many are going for option [c] above, simply changing the van RCD for a RVD combo, where the generator is simply plugged in with an approved 15A <15A lead [ no modifcation to the generator , or changeover switching required]

A VERY SAFE method of protecting from shocks to "Earth " no matter what the supply source is.[mains ,generator ]

But the change over must be done by a licenced elecrician!

The choice is up to the individual

Peter

Wheelchair Nana · Veteran Member

Thank you all for the advise.

Wheelchair Nana

neilnruth · Guru

Pleased to see another XTrail doing the job!

Bucko · Senior Member

Be aware that the Honda 2KVA is not 2 KVA but rated to 1.6 KVA, I had one and found that it was short on power for a few things, I thought 2KVA meant 2KVA but when you read the fine print it says rated @ 1.6KVA, surprise!!! considering that it often requires almost double the Watt rating of an appliance to start them, it becomes a problem.

Kevin.

way2gokev · Senior Member

G'day I to have been looking at purchasing a generator and there are many cheap and nasties gen sets and sellers who flog em off.

I have come to the conclusion after testing some generators with a couple of different conditioners in caravans that any thing smaller than 3kva will struggle to start up I have a GMC 2.3 kva, oldy but a goody, heavy and in a frame I bought for camping and welding but tested it on new van air conditioner struggled to start a/c, then it was running pretty close to max once going. So if this heavy (95k) struggles makes me think about these little gen wrapped in plastic, how do they do it?????. Ebay has with reputable sellers Fuji Micro 4.4 kva for just under a grand, or Fuji Micro 7.5kva deisel with pure sine wave inverter for $1500.00. I think you are better to have more capacity than you need, that will do what you want with ease. I would like to hear from folks who have big vans or motor homes how they go about charging up or using a/c when free camping. I dont think it would be possible to have enough solar panels with inverter to run your a/c, I would like to hear if it is possible and at what cost.

thanks in advance for your input. Kev

JayDee · Guru

We purchased a Mammoth Generator second hand for $300 approx. some 3 years ago. It is supposed to have similar parts as the Honda etc. ???

We have used the gennie extensively on our trip to Longreach and then to Tassie and then to Cooktown. Only proble we experienced was that we by - passed the primer as it was leaking fuel, and my fault that I burnt out the gennie battery. Best bit is that the battery is self charging. We run our A/C and portable washing machine and other electric components off the gennie. Also charges the van battery.

We use the gas for (Toasting and in lieu of electic jug for cuppa.)

Also have 2x60 portable solar for van battery.

Honda or yamaha have the reputation and they also have the reputation for being the dearest price.

jay&Dee

beiffe · Guru

Waytogokev

Depends on how long you want to run the aircon and how much you want to spend on your batteries and then the type of batteries makes a difference.

A couple of quick questions

1. Do you want to run the aircon 24/7
2. Do you just want to have a nanny nap for a couple of hours during the day and perhaps cool the bus before going to bed at night.
3. Do you want to spend the money that you would spend on a good generator on batteries.

If 1 is no and 2 and 3 are yes then it can be done with a little bit of thought.

I am 7mtrs and I can and do run mine as 2 and 3 as well as I normally have hot water at the end of the days charging if I don't use the power with the aircon etc.

I use all 240v equipment such as an induction stove for cooking and a 240v 260ltr fridge as well as an aldi coffee machine, and often use the pie maker and slow cooker for meals.

If you are serious I can give you info via PM as to discuss it on an open forum will just create a bum fight as it always does as many here and on other forums say it cant be done but I am nearly 2 years into using my setup and we now have many users doing similar. All are not running aircons but all have greatly increased their capacity to enjoy life using more power and not worrying about if they get fully charged etc.

With the same panels you now have you will get a greater charge into the batteries as they take all the panels throw at them till they are full or at least 98%.

Regards
Brian

oldtrack123 · Guru

Hi
way2gokev
If you have the real estate for enough solar anything is possible

Some seem to infer that lifepo4 batteries have magical properties

They are good batteries ,
light weight per amphr capacity
fast charge acceptance rate
can be discharged to a much lower state of charge than lead acids with out damage or seriously affecting life cycles
do not suffer from suplhation if left in a low state of charge
Claimed very high life cycles

BUT
you cannot get more out of them than you put in
You need the real estate for sufficient panels to replace what you take out
If you use 2000Whrs perday average , you need to have around 2200Whrs of energy average per day to replace what you have used
Then you need an allowance for bad weather

they are high initial cost
they need monitoring so as not to overcharge or over discharge individual cellls

PeterQ

alwon · Member

Good info Jim. Had a look at the site and happy with that price. Does this unit allow you to run air and microwave?????????????

Regards alwon.

oldtrack123 · Guru

jimtulloch wrote:
Make sure the generator is connected to a ground (generator has a terminal for this) stake that in turn earths the van

HiJim

BUT NO

DO NOT USE A GROUND STAKE OR diliberately earth the generator frame in any way to the general mass of EARTH

IT has NO advantage from an Electrical sasfety point AND in fact can ADD the potential for problems

The relevent Standard state "Earthing the generator frame is NEITHER REQUIRED OR RECOMMENDED "

This applies in AUS irrespective of ANY instructions to do otherwise in the makers manual!!!

PeterQ

oldtrack123 · Guru

HI
One point ALL generator or inverter users should KNOW
IT is recommended ,FOR ELECTRICAL SAFETY REASONS that only ONE Class1 appliance /devise be connected to such generators or inverters at anytime,{Class 1 MUST ALWAYS HAVE A 3PIN PLUG}
Mutiple Class2 can be connected at the same time with a very high safety leval froM shocks to earth{Class 2 generally only have a TWO pin plug}
IF you plug the generator into the van inlet socket ,THE VAN itself becomes that ONE class 1 devise
Each additional Class 1 device /appliance connected encreases the potential for a fault leading to an electric shock
Further the VAN RCD ,if FITTED, is not functional & gives NO PROTECTION

Use ALL PORTABLE GENERATORS & INVERTERS WITH GREAT CARE

PeterQ

Johanna · Veteran Member

Hi there, I am looking for a generator easy to handle. This one looks he one, but does it work for fridge, microwave, stove etc? Or do I take those things 1 at the time?

I also have a airconditioner, looks big but I do not know if i will use it. Just in case i would like what I am able to do with this little generator, how heavy is it? Thank you' Johanna

cry

Vanderee · Senior Member

I run an AG Baumr 3.7 kw EFI 4 stroke inverter which handles aircon and microwave like a breeze.

35db at 7 meters very quiet and I can buy "" three"" of these for the price of "one " over rated Honda.

It comes ready built on a trolley and pull out handle easy to handle . Easy start system.

The max output runs at 3.5 KW. Sine wave Continuous run 6 hours on 4 litres petrol.

I think your Honda's are just a very expensive tradition you pay for the name brand.

My friends in the outback use the same brand , it runs 12 hours daily for the past two years

without a problem. Reliability is not an issue.

-- Edited by Vanderee on Saturday 7th of October 2017 04:08:32 PM

-- Edited by Vanderee on Saturday 7th of October 2017 04:14:01 PM