gen won't pow'r deep freeze

[Richard P]

 What we refer to as a ''generator'' is an alternator. It creates ac-----alternating current.   True generators create  ''dc'' -------direct current.   Direct current is what we get from batteries.  We build in diodes to change ac to dc in order to charge batteries.  We use an Inverter to change dc to ac in order to run small electronics such as from a 12v or other battery source.
   Motors pull three times their run current rating while starting.  The Capacitor (capacitor start)  helps get the motor turning.  Be very careful around capacitors.  They can bite you if they arent discharged and you get on the contacts.

[SHOOTALL]

What we refer to as a ''generator'' is an alternator. It creates ac-----alternating current.   True generators create  ''dc'' -------direct current.   Direct current is what we get from batteries.  We build in diodes to change ac to dc in order to charge batteries.  We use an Inverter to change dc to ac in order to run small electronics such as from a 12v or other battery source.
   Motors pull three times their run current rating while starting.  The Capacitor (capacitor start)  helps get the motor turning.  Be very careful around capacitors.  They can bite you if they arent discharged and you get on the contacts.

OK then explain why 12 volt DC systems on most vehicles in the USA have alternators not generators anymore .

[Glanceblamm]

Motors pull three times their run current rating while starting

And the main reason that if you fire up the likes of a big Primary exhauster to pull wetcake through a drying system, or even the smaller one that pulls dried particles on up to the cooling line cyclone, the dampers are always put in the closed position to avoid the high amp kick-out.

There is something about this that is in direct violation of (Ohms Law) but I am not prepared to discuss it right now.

My 5500 watt generator brags of producing 8400 watts for a short time during the startup, I do not think that it is related to the above but dont know exactly how this happens.

[PowPow]

Alternator, electric motor, generator are all the same basic hunks of metal; rotor, stator, shaft, housing.
Spin the shaft, they create alternating current at some voltage that is proportional to their speed.
Hit them with some voltage, they start spinning.
Add a few safety controls to give it a definite purpose to make it a little more reliable; circuit breakers on a gen, thermal overloads on a motor.


Cornbelt - did you get your deep freeze crunk up?

[Cornbelt]

  When I got back from town looking in vain for dry ice, they were out there with their yellow pole getting ready to turn the power back on to this loop. So I shut off the generator and threw the rigamorole back to the grid and the freezer started; been running fine ever since.
 
   Tonight I plugged in a clock as was suggested and it kept time for 10 minutes corresponding with another which indicated its putting out 60 hz.
   So now I've eliminated the generator as a bug.
  I didn't have any trouble with a capicator start 240 volt submersible well pump.
 
  Can anybody tell me how to check to see if a capicator is leaking off?  (I had a model T that did that.)

[PowPow]

Leaking...
A simple way to describe a capacitor is alternating layers of aluminum foil (charge plate) and wax paper (separating insulator) in an oil bath in a sealed can.
If its leaking oil, there is a crack in the can; replace it.
If its leaking its charge, there is some degradation of the insulation; replace it.
You will probably spend more money and time trying to figure that out than hunting down a replacement.
Search Grainger.com for a match. (match volts and microfarads) Can't be more than $15.

Listen to the freezer start. I think if it hums a while before it turns, might be going bad, just not there yet, except it won't start off the weaker signal of the gen.

Now if you have a lot of motors running on gen when the freezer cycles, the voltage may drop below what will start the freezer, even though its enough to keep the other stuff running.

[Cornbelt]

  It hums for 2 or 3 seconds before it starts, but with the generator, it will hum as long as I let it; even with nothing else drawing juice.
  Its over 30 yrs old. There might just be a simple cure. A newer one would most likely use less energy anyhow.

[PowPow]

Hmmm...

It hums for 2 or 3 seconds before it starts

Yeah...might be a compressor bearing going bad (takes a while). more and more bearing friction means more and more starting resistance.

[SHOOTALL]

Some generators have a short time they build up power as the motor revs up. Your freezer may not be pulling enough to start it , like I offered before use a drill motor to start and regulate

[Cornbelt]

 The generator is either on "choke" or "run", so its up to power as soon as it cranks up. Output is good. There is no governer to rev it up when it gets under a load.

[Cornbelt]

I just hate to think of an "old mate "not having any way to keep the beer cold. ;

  Now there is a real emergency. (I keep a couple CO2 bottles for "emergencies".)