[OT] Generator testing

[Ben Scott]

  Bruce accidentally sent this off-list, but said I could forward it
here for benefit of all...

  Thanks again, Bruce, for the good info!

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Bruce Dawson <jbd at codemeta.com>
Date: Wed, Sep 9, 2009 at 10:14 PM
Subject: Re: [OT] Generator testing
To: Ben Scott <dragonhawk at gmail.com>

Ben Scott wrote:
>   I know many UPSes don't like the output from some generators, for
> example -- they stay on battery (which runs down and then drops the
> load).

My experience has been this is because the UPS doesn't like the phase
output of the generator. This can usually be resolved by using a
generator that has sine wave output. Another (probably easier to find)
solution is to use a generator that has a 220 socket. Some of the better
UPSs don't like the phases output by "single-coil" generators, and
getting a generator with a 220 socket tends to generate a better waveform.

Note that you don't have to use the 220 receptacle, just find a
generator that has the capability.

Keep in mind that generators will tend to raise or drop voltage whenever
the load changes, however, all of our UPSs (mostly APC) tend to cope
with that. They'll beep until the generator is able to come back up to
speed. If the generator doesn't come up to speed, then you're probably
loading it beyond its capacity - or have a really cheap one that doesn't
auto-throttle according to the load (or have a governor controlled
throttle).

--Bruce