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Thread: Generator test load suggestions?
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6th December 2016, 11:18 AM #1
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Generator test load suggestions?
Hello, it is that time of year again in NQ, so we get the old generator out and test run it for 1/2 hr regularly each week until the cyclone season is over. It keeps the starter battery charged up too, doing this, and cleans out the carby, so it starts first thing when really needed.
I normally run a fan ( to blow the exhaust fumes away from the house) , and a 2kW jug of boiling water, but the jug switches off when it boils. I need something that will last longer.
Can anyone please suggest a suitable test load that will draw about 10 amps at 240V, that will run for 1/2 hr without cooking, and is relatively quiet? And doesn't belch out too much heat
regards,
Dengy
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6th December 2016, 11:25 AM #2
Timber Hoarder
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Do you have any 500 watt flood lights or a small bar heater? 4 of the floodlights would make a good load.
Cliff.
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6th December 2016, 11:35 AM #3
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Thanks Cliff. don't have a strip heater, and no-one is stocking them at the moment. Tried our fan heater, but the thermostat cuts out quickly, pretty hot up here already. Will chase some floods
regards,
Dengy
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6th December 2016, 11:38 AM #4
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To charge the battery and blow the gunk out of the motor you only need to run it without any load. The load only uses more petrol and generates some exhaust and heat.
If it is a smart generator that goes to idle or shuts down with no load then a lightbulb should be enougth to keep it running (the fan should be enougth).
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7th December 2016, 03:58 PM #5
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Hi Dengue
If you have on a fan heater it draws about 2200w, probably not in NQ, but a hot air gun about 2000w.
Hope this is of help.
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7th December 2016, 08:48 PM #6
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Couple of 500W worklamps do the trick. $14 at bunnings apparently https://www.bunnings.com.au/arlec-50...light_p7070598
EDIT: Also, you really only need to fully load up diesel generators to stop them coking up. Petrol will be fine unless you are only wanting to test that it will run at full load.
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17th December 2016, 02:41 PM #7
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A spare hot water system can be a decent 2kw load...
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