Hi, I bought a Generator recently to run a shop and when I plugged into it ,?

Question

it does not seem to have enough power coming from it. Its a single phase 220v 20kva generator. That should give me about 80amps. Now I'm thinking that there are two outlets..... does this mean that the ampage is split between each ? 40amps each ?

Answer 1

how many watts does it push.........if you exceed the maximum wattage than it wont work properly

Answer 2

Is the 20kvA a constant rating, a Surge rating, or a Motor stating rating, and at what power factor. All of these parameters will have an effect on what you can power with the generator. Any true 20kW unit that I know of would not offer plug in outlets to take full load. There should be a main buss or breaker to wire directly to.
Motors will draw several times their normal running current when they are trying to start something like an air compressor. My guess is that for a shop, you just have too small of a generator.
By the way, the generator's engine is designed to operate at a constant speed to provide 60 cycle current. If it is a 4 pole generator it will run at 1800 RPM, or 3600 RPM if it is a two pole. Make sure it is running at proper RPM. Also, look at the throttle, if the throttle is not opening almost to WOT when you think you have maxxed the load out, there is still more power in there and you have some sort of generator mal function.

Answer 3

Generators typically have power receptacles. But these do not supply the main power. They may be just plugs. Check to see if there is a power bus that will accept the line cables. Additionally there should be a Volt meter and amp meter. This will tell you the power you are making. You may want to get a licensed electrician in and properly wire your generator to the load.

Answer 4

You should be able to tell from the shape of the outlets - each amperage is assigned a particular shape. I would be very surprised if outlets were used for that much amperage (although you could add them) but would expect to find 220v 20 amp outlets (a U ground and two flat blades perpendicular to each other. http://www.elect-spec.com/acprot3.htm#6-15 ) and then find terminals for connecting to higher amps with or without an outlet.

Answer 5

Depends on what you're trying to power with it. Anything with a motor requires higher start up power. For example, a refrigerator that uses 1000 watts steady state may use 2000-3000 during start-up.

Answer 6

the outlets have a rating - generally the entire load is available from each outlet ( the engine will increase to max rpm with max load - that is the indicator that you are there )

perhaps your problem is capacitor start motors in the shop - they draw much more during start up that while running

Answer 7

it shouldn't be split, take the cover off and check if it's wired for 220 and each one. Didn't it come with a book? Oh, and it has to be running the proper RPM to put out the right power.