6
OPM-151/A
UNIT CAPABILITIES
GENERATOR CONNECTIONS
WL16000HE: 120 Volt and 240 Volt receptacles are
provided for connection to various loads. The diagram
below represents this 15,000 watt (rated output) generator.
A & B represent the 120 volt output legs of this generator.
Up to 7,500 watts at 120 volts (125 Amps) can be drawn
from the receptacles attached to either A or B output legs.
This generator is capable of producing 125 Amps of 240
volt current at C. Check the appliance or tool nameplates
for the current and voltage to insure compatibility.
Remember that power taken from C reduces the power
available at equally both A and B and vice versa.
STARTING ELECTRIC MOTORS
Electric motors require much more current (amps) to
start them than to run them. Some motors, particularly
low cost split-phase motors, are very hard to start and
require 5 to 7 times as much starting current as running
current. Capacitor motors are easier to start and usually
require 2 to 4 times as much starting current as running
current. Repulsion Induction motors are the easiest to start
and require only 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 times as much starting as
running current.
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.
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-exciting generators respond to severe overloading
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 by overloading or operating
at very low speeds may result in damage to the
generator stator as well as the motor winding.
The heavy surge of current required for starting motors
is required for only an instant. The generator will not be
damaged if it can bring the motor up to speed in a few
seconds of time. If difficulty is experienced in starting
motors, turn all other electrical loads off and if possible
reduce the load on the electric motor.
