5
1204-00
60706-221
STARTING ELECTRIC MOTORS
Electric motors require much more current (amps) to
start them than to run them. Some motors, par-
ticularly low cost split-phase motors, are very hard
to start and require 5 to 7 times as much current
to start them as to run them. Capacitor motors are
easier to start and usually require 2 to 4 times as
much current to start them as to run them. Repul-
sion Induction motors are the easiest to start and
require 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 times as much to start them as
to run them.
Most fractional horsepower motors take about the
same amount of current to run them whether they
are Repulsion Induction (RI), Capacitor (Cap), or
Split-Phase (SP) type. The chart below shows the
approximate current required to start and run various
types and sizes of 120 volt 60 cycle electric motors
under average load conditions.
HP
AMPS
RUNNING
STARTING AMPS
SP
CAP
RI
1/6
3.2
16 to 22
6 to 13
5 to 8
1/4
4.5
22 to 32
9 to 18
7 to 12
1/3
5.2
26 to 35
10 to 21
8 to 17
1/2
7.2
not made
14 to 29
11 to 18
1
13.0
not made
26 to 52
20 to 33
The fi gures given above are an average load such
as a blower or fan. If the electric motor is connected
to a hard starting load such as an air compressor, it
will require more starting current. If it is connected
to a light load, or no load such as a power saw, it will
require less starting current. The exact requirement
will also vary with the brand or design of the motor.
Self-exiting generators respond to severe overload-
ing differently than utility power. When overloaded,
the engine is not able to supply enough power to
bring the electric motor up to operating speed. The
generator responds with high initial starting current,
but the engine speed drops sharply. The overload
may stall the engine. If allowed to operate at very
low speeds, the electric motor starting winding will
burn out in a short time. The generator winding
might also be damaged.
CAUTION: EQUIPMENT DAMAGE
RUNNING THE GENERATOR SET UNDER
THESE CONDITIONS MAY RESULT IN DAMAGING
THE GENERATOR STATOR AS WELL AS THE MO-
TOR WINDING.
The heavy surge of current required for starting
motors is required for only an instant. The genera-
tor will not be damaged if it can bring the motor up
to speed in a few seconds of time. If diffi culty is
experienced in starting motors, turn all other electri-
cal loads off and if possible reduce the load on the
electric motor.
PREPARING THE UNIT
UNPACKING
CAUTION: EQUIPMENT DAMAGE
THIS UNIT HAS BEEN SHIPPED WITHOUT OIL.
Failure to maintain the engine oil at the proper level
will result in serious engine damage.
When you unpack your new engine-generator set be
sure to remove all the information sheets and manu-
als from the carton.
1. This generator-set was in good order when
shipped. Inspect the generator-set promptly after
receiving it. If any damage is noted, notify the trans-
portation company immediately; request proper pro-
cedures for fi ling a “concealed damage” claim. Title
to the equipment and responsibility for fi ling a claim
rests with you when a generator-set is sent F.O.B.
shipping point. Only you can legally fi le a claim.
2. Before proceeding with the preparations of your
new generator-set for operation, take a couple of
minutes to insure the unit you have received is the
correct model and review the specifi cation pages in
this manual to insure that this unit meets your job
requirements.
UNIT PREPARATION
Before your generator-set was shipped from our
factory it was fully checked for performance. The
generator was load tested to its full capacity, and the
voltage and frequency were carefully checked and
adjusted.
LUBRICATION
Before starting the engine, fi ll the crankcase to the
proper level with a good quality oil. The recom-
mended grade of oil and quantity of oil required is
listed in the engine operator’s manual. The neces-
sity of using the correct oil, and keeping the crank-
case full cannot be overemphasized. Engine failures
resulting from inadequate or improper lubricant are
considered abuse and not covered by the the gen-
erator or engine manufacturer’s warranty.
