How do I determine how many RPM'S my generator motor is turning? Is there a device to check it myself?

Answer 1

The easiest way is to use a Digital Tachometer that will sense from the spark plug wire. A generator that runs at 3600 RPM is a 2-pole generator which is most common for smaller, gas powered generators under 10kw. If it is in fact a 2-pole generator at 3600 RPM, you should set the motor governor to run it at 3660 RPM with no load.

Answer 2

No kidding its called a "Hand held tac generator". You put it on the end of your motor shaft . In other words while holding it you put the end up against the end of the shaft and it spins with the motor shaft and will give you a digital readout of the RPM's it is turning.

But your nameplate on your generator motor should tell you what your motor RPM rating is. 1850 or 3600 RPM motors are both common to generators. If I knew what you were trying to find out I could probably help you with that too.

Hope this helps

Answer 3

There are 3 main types of tachometer

1. Electronic pulse counting fitted to the electrics/electronics of the engine system
2 Hand held, mechanical, which is carefully pushed onto the end of a rotating shaft
3 Hand held, optical, used to optically count the shaft rotations. You need to put a white chalk/paint/tape mark on the shaft and it will count the number of times per minute the shaft rotates

Answer 4

The frequency of the AC output voltage is directly related to the engine speed. For most small generators, 60Hz AC output will be equivalent to 3600RPM engine speed. 60Hz (cycles per second) x 60 seconds = 3600 cycles per minute or 3600RPM.

Most large generators, usually in excess of 25kW and diesel powered will operate at 1800 RPM.

Many digital multimeters have frequency counters built in. Measure the output voltage, and switch to frequency counter mode.

You can also purchase an AC monitor such as Kill A Watt which will show the frequency of the AC. I purchased mine in eBay. Check these links for info.
http://www.p3international.com/products/special/P4400/P4400-CE.html
http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/review/kill_a_watt_electric_usage_monitor_review

Check my generator page for other generator related safety and installation ideas.
http://members.rennlist.org/warren/generator.html

Answer 5

question 1,,,get a rpm guage ack tach
question 2.... refer to answer one

Answer 6

there may be a device that you attach to the spak plug wire..maybe available at auto parts store...