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Tech Forum => Tech Forum => Topic started by: bigray on September 11, 2004, 05:48:05 PM

Title: Baffled by Electrical Problem
Post by: bigray on September 11, 2004, 05:48:05 PM
Hi All,

When I'm connected to shore power my outlets work fine; however, when I disconnect shore and run the generator my small digital clock does not come on but my 120 v electric fan comes on but goes very very slow.

I had a blown GFI fuse which I replaced. How do I trouble shoot this? I just finished installing a new frig so I hope my converter isn't shot.
Title: electrical problem
Post by: Conrad on September 12, 2004, 11:03:07 AM
You didn't mention what the voltage is when on the generator.  Check that first.  A GFI "fuse".  Never heard of that before.  

GFI's on 120VAC line usually have a 'test' and 'reset' button.  A GFI outlet should be the first one in the circuit.  All other outlets 'on that circuit' should be downstream.  In other words, when any device 'on that circuit' causes a trip condition ALL devices on the circuit will be without power.  A trip condition is observed when the 'reset' button is pushed out from the faceplate.  

GFI's open the circuit within a few cycles of a second.  Circuit breakers and fuses require a heat buildup before openning.  The heating due to current overload can (and will) take substantially longer than the few cycles that a GFI operates on.  Usually less than 1 second but then there are 60 of those cycles in one second.
Title: Baffled by Electrical Problem
Post by: bigray on September 12, 2004, 11:31:19 AM
Thanks for the reply Corad. I cranked the genny this morning and everything is fine. I had a few appliances own when I fired the genny up yesterday so perhaps that's what caused the problem.

I don't know how it is that some 120v power was getting to the fan when the GFI fuse was blown. Well as long as she working now.

I just bought a volt meter to make sure I'm getting the right voltage.
Title: Baffled by Electrical Problem
Post by: handyman on September 12, 2004, 03:27:09 PM
Hay Ray I know this sounds dumb but do you have you power cord pluged into the box where the cord comes out thats the way mine works to run off the gen I have to plug the cord into the elec plug but mines a after market job so don't no about yours
Title: Baffled by Electrical Problem
Post by: bigray on September 13, 2004, 07:02:42 AM
Yea mine was plugged in. I think because I had a radio, clock and refrig plugged in when I fired up the genny things went bonkers.

It seems to work fine now. Keep your fingers crossed for me!