003A running fine but amp load meter failed

[reybo]

While using the gen last month, I switched on the house AC. The load meter was close to zero at the time, as we weren't running anything that drew amperage. It overloaded the gen and kicked off the breaker. I turned off the AC, reset the breaker, and all was fine except that the current meter was dead.

It appears there are two transformers in the circuit as well as the meter which may have blown. I learned this morning that the voltage to the meter should be 240 so I'll check that.

But in addition to clearing the meter problem I need to know why it happened. It's a medium size whole house AC which my calculations 4 years ago showed were within the capabilities of an 003. Are modifications needed? Does the distributor box need a special control for amperage-sucking AC?

The meter is a 6625-01-038-6839 (35.7001) On line I found this picture of a replacement to mine made by A&M Instruments as 366-043. May need one.

Regards to old friends here who 4 years ago helped me choose a gen and set it up. Wife and I need med machines whether the grid is up or down, and Mr. Libby makes it happen.

 

[jamawieb]

Is your voltage gauge working? Are you reading 120 at each leg? It may just be the gauge, they are known to fail. I would take some electrical cleaner and spray the reconnection switch while turning it from 240 single phase to 208 3 phase several dozen times. Sometimes the connections get dirty that will cause your problem.

 

[reybo]

Is your voltage gauge working? Are you reading 120 at each leg? It may just be the gauge, they are known to fail. I would take some electrical cleaner and spray the reconnection switch while turning it from 240 single phase to 208 3 phase several dozen times. Sometimes the connections get dirty that will cause your problem.

Interesting consideration. Thanks.

 

[69birdman]

I have an extra phasotron gauge I purchased to replace one on my 803a as I thought mine quit working. After spraying electrical cleaner and working the switches, it began to work again.

 

[reybo]

I have an extra phasotron gauge I purchased to replace one on my 803a as I thought mine quit working. After spraying electrical cleaner and working the switches, it began to work again.

Since Radio Shack dissolved, I haven't bought contact cleaner. Any brand recommendation?

 

[69birdman]

All I could find locally @ auto parts store was a CRC brand marine grade, electronics connection cleaner. I've heard "Dexoit" is best, but have to order online.

 

[Ray70]

Hey Reybo, if all else fails, and the meter checks out ok, check the CVT down in the bottom of the AC re-connection box. The TM tells you how to test it by measuring the resistance between a series of terminals.

 

[reybo]

All I could find locally @ auto parts store was a CRC brand marine grade, electronics connection cleaner. I've heard "Dexoit" is best, but have to order online. View attachment 737105View attachment 737104

Just now ordered CRC QD from Amazon. Back in our boating days, CRC was the brand we relied on for every purpose intended.

 

[reybo]

Hey Reybo, if all else fails, and the meter checks out ok, check the CVT down in the bottom of the AC re-connection box. The TM tells you how to test it by measuring the resistance between a series of terminals.

Page 4-42 in my manual. Thanks.

 

[jamawieb]

I buy the electronic cleaner at Wal-mart. It has always worked for me.

 

[Light in the Dark]

All I could find locally @ auto parts store was a CRC brand marine grade, electronics connection cleaner. I've heard "Dexoit" is best, but have to order online. View attachment 737105View attachment 737104

I was able to find Deoxit on the shelf at my local Guitar Center.

 

[csheath]

The load gauge was dead on my 803 when I got it.

I rigged a couple of these in it's place.


Can be had off ebay for around 10 bucks apiece but they come from across the pond so delivery time is slow.

 

[reybo]

The load gauge was dead on my 803 when I got it. I rigged a couple of these in it's place.Can be had off ebay for around 10 bucks apiece but they come from across the pond so delivery time is slow.

I'd need details how to hook it up.

 

[reybo]

AC compressor plate - too much for an 003A?

For power need, the AC circulator fan draws 7.5 amps. The condenser plate shows this:

 

[155mm]

The aftermarket gauge cluster that I use is about 20 on a mazon. I use 2 of them on our camper generator, and I use 3 of them on my load tester. About 20 a piece, I like having one on each leg to see how each one is loaded or not loaded. It does have a kwh counter that keeps running tabs on how many kwh is used.




its very simple to hook up, red wire goes to the leg you are testing, black to neutral, the circuit transformer (CT) goes over one of the wires that goes to the house, there is an arrow on the CT that points the direction of electricity flow

If you need, I can go mock up a setup from a 3k genny so you can 'see' how its done, just let me know.