Generator problem

[Saleen836]

I have bught myself a new generator to replace my old one written off in the accident I was involved in, this is what I bought... http://www.seddonplant.co.uk/generators/honda-gene...

All it has to power at work is a 110v mixing drill and a drywal sander and hoover (both 110v), it is powered by the same engine as my old generator (Honda EC2200). Both generators are 5.5hp and 2200w. My old generator powered the sander/hoover with no problems but the new one wont, if I plug just the hoover direct to the generator it trips the genny within 10secs, have borrowed a friends hoover which is identical and that also trips the genny within 10 seconds! Now, if I plug my mains transformer into the 240v socket on the genny and run the hoover through that it works perfectly, any ideas as to what is going on?

[Saleen836]

eliot said:

maybe you only get 1000w on 110v?

Edit - yes, only 1kw in 110v mode:
http://www.kelvinpowertools.com/honda-em2300-gener...

Edited by eliot on Friday 17th February 17:47

That would explain it thanks, anyone want to buy a generator?

[Saleen836]

eliot said:

I think you have reasonable grounds to return it based on the fact that they dont make it clear that it's only 1kw in 110v
I had a good search round including reading the user manual and specs and couldn't see it. It was just that listing i posted mentioned it in the title only and I only found that because i was specifically trying to search based on my theory that the power output is half on 110v
Hondas are a reputable brand and i would expect them to make it clear - you normally expect the clone chinese ones to pull that stunt.

Thanks, the reason I bought this model is because it was the closest output to my previous one, having the same engine etc, the website I purchased it from says nothing about it being only 1kw on 110v, anything with more KW output is a huge outlay and simply overkill for my needs, it isn't the end of the world though as it will only be 2-4 hours, one maybe two days a week for the sander/hoover to be used so will plug in my transformer and as the finished houses on the site get powered up I will be plugging into the mains. I've paid for it out of my own pocket, as my insurance claim is still ongoing i don't know if they will replace my damaged genny or pay me for it.

[Saleen836]

I made the call yesterday to the company where I purchased the generator, explained the problem to the lady on the telephone and I guess she is an expert in all things magical, apparently as I am wanting to run something with a motor off the generator the output needs to be a minimum of 3 times the output of what I want to run!

I'm waiting for a call back from someone higher up the food chain!

[Saleen836]

guindilias said:

Plenty of hoovers around the 2kW range - that would give you a far bigger starting current than the genny is rated for.

My drywall sander is 700w and my hoover is 1200w

[Saleen836]

guindilias said:

And you only have 1000w available at 110v - so the hoover could very easily trip the genny breaker. My best guess is that the inductance provided by the windings of the transformer is softening some of that peak starting current, hence why it works with the transformer but pops the breaker without.

Correct and this is the problem, I bought the generator in the belief it was 2.2kw output from either outlet not just the 240v outlet as discovered!

(starting amps on the hoover is 12 FYI)

[Saleen836]

guindilias said:

Also, chances are that is a "Surge" rating of 2300 - likely to be 2000w for full time use, or around that. Different genny or different hoover time?

2000w full time use is still 100w more than my sander/hover combined, if this generator was putting out the 2.2kw from both sockets there would be no problem, the fact I have to plug in a transformer when i shouldn't have to is the problem.

[Saleen836]

guindilias said:

Yes, but is a new hoover not likely to be a lot cheaper than a genny that can put out the full 2000w on 110v?

Of course a new hoover will be cheaper, but it wont make the output from the 110v socket more than the 1kw that it currently is!

[Saleen836]

guindilias said:

I meant a new hoover under 1000 watts... unless you really need the extra suction.

Considering the drywall sander is 700w a 200-300w hoover isn't going to suck much dust

Used the sander/hoover Wednesday via transformer plugged to the 240v socket and it worked perfectly, If I don't hear anything back by Monday I will be giving the company another call.

[Saleen836]

Have now had a response from the seller, they have said they have found out a little more about the generator (didn't say what) but will accept the return of the generator for a full refund! just waiting for them to confirm they will be paying return postage costs.

Just going to get a Wolf generator for £210 to use until everything is settled, I will however triple check the output is from EITHER socket

[Saleen836]

eliot said:

Saleen836 said:

Just going to get a Wolf generator for £210 to use until everything is settled, I will however triple check the output is from EITHER socket

Wolf is just a cheap Chinese generator, significantly poorer quality than the Honda.

I know, I just need something temporary until the insurance claim is sorted where I will either be paid out to replace my damaged one or they will replace it. If it lasts 12 months it will be worth the £200 cost.

[Saleen836]

The seller has informed me they will arrange for the generator to be collected from the delivery address, I now need to arrange a day off and tie up collection with delivery of a new one, decided to avoid the Wolf models and going for this instead... http://www.sgs-engineering.com/se2700-super-econom...

[Saleen836]

eliot said:

Saleen836 said:

The seller has informed me they will arrange for the generator to be collected from the delivery address, I now need to arrange a day off and tie up collection with delivery of a new one, decided to avoid the Wolf models and going for this instead... http://www.sgs-engineering.com/se2700-super-econom...

Stephill are a recognised manufacturer.
Dare I ask,as it's not specifically listed - whats the output on the 110v output?
(dont say 16A - that's just the rating of the socket)

Collection of the generator is this Friday, they have however specified it MUST be in a box or the courier will not accept it! (on a small pallet wrapped in bubblewrap isn't acceptable)
have just ordered the Stephill generator and after explaining the problem I had with the Honda generator with the sales guy he phoned Stephill to confirm both sockets provide 2.2kw output, he also said they had the same problem with another make which like Honda they never specified on their website.

[Saleen836]

The easiest way to p*ss a person off is to arrange a courier to collect a generator and tell said person.."the courier works all day so we can't give a time slot" said person waits in all day for the damn courier to not even turn up!

Shi**y email sent at 7pm this evening (which seller will get Monday) asking for an explanation why the courier didn't turn up!

[Saleen836]

After my 'polite' email I sent last Friday evening I was expecting either a reply or phone call yesterday with an explanation, I had neither! Today however, I had an email sent this morning at 11.30 just saying "sorry, we did raise this, the courier has informed us it will be collected today!" (thanks for the heads up!) I have been out most of the day and didn't check my emails until I got home aound 3pm, no card or anthing left to say anyone had been so I thought ok, if they don't turn up by 4.30 I will have to ring and rearrange, luckily I had only been in around 30mins and the courier turned up.

On a happier note, the Stephill generator I purchased works perfectly well with both sander/hoover plugged in to the 110v socket