Problem running compressor with generator - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

RedsRR · 05-12-2008, 09:08 PM

Ive got a 3250w generator runnin my lil compressor. Gene is rated for 14A @ 120v, compressor pulls 13.5A @ 120v LOL

anyhow, i havent had a problem running it woth the gene till a week ago when it kept poppin the breaker on the gene. I plugged into wall in my garage thats on a 20A breaker and no prob.

today I pulled gene outta trailer and tilted it back & forth to coat the
crank & rod in oil and it ran just fine on gene.

temp round here has been in the 80s and 90s so i dont think its the viscosity causin a strain on the motor. Only thing i could think is that since the compressor is not run daily that maybe enough oil settled in the bottom of the crank case to cause enough of an extra load to pop breaker?

whew! thats alot of typing for me.

Joining_heads@c · 05-12-2008, 10:30 PM

What is the current draw for starting the compressor. I assume the stats you listed are for running.

RedsRR · 05-13-2008, 11:51 AM

not sure. compressor manual just says it draws max 13.5Amps.

painterman · 05-13-2008, 05:16 PM

try changing the breaker,they do get weak with age.

RedsRR · 05-13-2008, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by painterman

try changing the breaker,they do get weak with age.

generator is 2 months old.

Bill · 05-13-2008, 05:34 PM

most generator manufacturers say not to run compressors on their generators. I have a 5,000 watt generator and one day mine quit running my compressor. I bought a new compressor as the old one was about 12 years old and figured its time for a new one. Then one day I tried using the old one pluged into my house current and it blew the breaker. After checking it out I found the unloader linkage came off and was not dumping the head pressure off the cylender. Fixed it and now it runs again on my generator.

nywoodwizard · 05-13-2008, 05:41 PM

Sounds maxed out to me, are you running it with an extension cord ? Sounds like you are under the assumption that 1/2 of amp difference is your savior. Its not a coincedence it does not blow the 20 amp. I have a portable emglow suppose to draw under 15amps but it still blows 15's

MALCO.New.York · 05-13-2008, 05:46 PM

Try an inline surge suppressor.

XanadooLTD · 05-13-2008, 06:00 PM

Sounds like the compressor is the problem. What kind of compressor? Brand? I have never had a problem running a DeWalt emglo on my 5k Honda. Runs fine for hours. I can run paint sprayers, saws, compressors. No problem.

XanadooLTD · 05-13-2008, 06:01 PM

i mean generator is the problem.

Joining_heads@c · 05-13-2008, 09:41 PM

1. 5000 watts has more juice. 2. its a Honda. 3 its a Honda.

boman47k · 05-14-2008, 05:45 AM

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but some electric motors may pull up to 3 times the rated amperage on start up. Maybe the start capacitor is bad. It/they give the motor the extra umph to start.
May be a $5 fix.
I would think if the tank fills the first time and then blows the breaker when it treis to refill with some pressure already in the tank, it would point toward an undrsized gen or a bad capacitor. But, I really think you are expecting too much out of that little gen.

RedsRR · 05-15-2008, 06:00 PM

Gen is a troy bilt with a B&S motor. compressor is harbor freight brand

XanadooLTD · 05-16-2008, 09:11 AM

Ouch. I have had nothing but horrible luck with anything Troy-bilt. Snowblowers stopped working after 3 times of use. Weedeaters suck. I guess it costs more to replace the parts than it does to replace the unit. Start with the generator. The Harbor Freight generator might also be the problem though.

mtp · 05-16-2008, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XanadooLTD

Ouch. I have had nothing but horrible luck with anything Troy-bilt. Snowblowers stopped working after 3 times of use. Weedeaters suck. I guess it costs more to replace the parts than it does to replace the unit. Start with the generator. The Harbor Freight generator might also be the problem though.

budget price......budget performance......

jiffy · 05-16-2008, 02:32 PM

Tools and equipment have a startup watt output that is more than they are rated. You must take this figure into consideration when you are running anything off of a generator. 3 X the load is needed on startup for power tools.

Borrowed From Honda Website:
LOADS
In the previous example, the light bulbs are the LOAD of the generator. The EM2500 generator can handle a LOAD of no more than 2000 watts maximum.The light bulb example is called a RESISTIVE type load and the POWER it requires is pretty easy to understand. Other RESISTIVE types of LOAD are things like toasters, convection ovens, hot plates, curling irons, coffee makers, stereos and TV's. RESISTIVE LOADS are usually those that do not have electric motors.
Another load is the REACTIVE type and is a little more confusing. Typically, a REACTIVE load contains an electric motor. This type of load may require up to three times as much power (wattage) to START as it does to keep it running. Examples of REACTIVE type loads are air conditioners, refrigerators / freezers, furnace fans, well pumps, bench grinders and air compressors.
Loads
Resistive Reactive

boman47k · 05-16-2008, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jiffy

Tools and equipment have a startup watt output that is more than they are rated. You must take this figure into consideration when you are running anything off of a generator. 3 X the load is needed on startup for power tools.

Borrowed From Honda Website:
LOADS
In the previous example, the light bulbs are the LOAD of the generator. The EM2500 generator can handle a LOAD of no more than 2000 watts maximum.The light bulb example is called a RESISTIVE type load and the POWER it requires is pretty easy to understand. Other RESISTIVE types of LOAD are things like toasters, convection ovens, hot plates, curling irons, coffee makers, stereos and TV's. RESISTIVE LOADS are usually those that do not have electric motors.
Another load is the REACTIVE type and is a little more confusing. Typically, a REACTIVE load contains an electric motor. This type of load may require up to three times as much power (wattage) to START as it does to keep it running. Examples of REACTIVE type loads are air conditioners, refrigerators / freezers, furnace fans, well pumps, bench grinders and air compressors.
Loads
Resistive Reactive

Yeah, what he said

. I thought I remembered that from working on kitchen and laundry appliances.

Disco Stu · 05-21-2008, 01:25 PM

I would suspect that it is a Harbor Frieght Compressor that is the problem. I tried one of those and had nothing but problems, complete junk. It constantantly leaked oil and would trip the internal thermal switch. While it cooled, I would be shut down for a while. Then my wife would come in and give me the business until I fired her down the stairs.

comp · 05-21-2008, 05:23 PM

have you tried better oil in the compressor ?? as it slicker

RedsRR · 05-24-2008, 04:10 PM

I was on a tight budget with gen & compressor. I dont use compressor alot because I have all cordless tools and the gen runs the chargers, drill press & bench grinder just fine. I'm looking into getting a much larger compressor and larger compressor when money allows.....larger trailer & toolbox also LOL

I'll try a lighter weight oil. Have 10w30 now. maybe 5w20?