problems with generator for 28 foot balloon

moesgurlie · Post by **moesgurlie** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 12:01 pm

when i hook my blower for my 28 foot balloon to my generator my generator wont run it. looking at specs it says it should. any ideas out there guys, its so cool i hate to have to leave it at home. im debating to take it or not. any input? leave it at home or try other means for air? i need thoughts and ideas here guys, what would mikie do? thanks sharon

Dustdevil · Post by **Dustdevil** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 12:20 pm

There really is only two reasons why that happened. Either the genny does not have the output for the pump or the pump is drawing more current than it should, IE a motor with a high drag on it. Compressor binding up etc. Can you run the air pump off of wall current?

wedeliver · Post by **wedeliver** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 1:20 pm

In order for anyone to give you an accurate answer you will need to provide more info. Does the blower work when plugged into house power?" Can you plug a tqble lamp in to genny and have it work? There are a number of different variables.

Post by **Elderberry** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 2:48 pm

And remember, depending on the altitude where you live and are testing the generator, the higher up you get, the less efficient your generator is. We found that out last year when we wouldn't power the stuff we brought to BM even though everything worked great when we tested it back in L.A.

JK

Captain Goddammit · Post by **Captain Goddammit** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 9:14 pm

The only substantive info I can give is that most electric motors draw more current at startup then they do while running, and that might be the issue. And also, as mentioned already, the high altitude at BM will reduce your generator's output by roughly 20%.

But any real answer will require a hell of a lot more specific info than you've given.

Elliot · Post by **Elliot** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 10:25 pm

Wow, this is quite a coincidence. Just minutes ago, I was pondering if my Honda EU3000 would power my household refrigerator. The label in the refrigerator says 7.2 max amps. Times 110 Volts is 800 watts. And that, presumably, is only at startup. Should be fine, eh, Captain?

Sorry to highjack the thread, but there is learning to be done!

rodiponer · Post by **rodiponer** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 11:26 pm

Elliot wrote::D
Wow, this is quite a coincidence. Just minutes ago, I was pondering if my Honda EU3000 would power my household refrigerator. The label in the refrigerator says 7.2 max amps. Times 110 Volts is 800 watts. And that, presumably, is only at startup. Should be fine, eh, Captain?

I think it'll do-er. I've read RV people who run ginormous air conditioners off of an EU3000. The startup current on the fridge shouldn't be as large.

oneeyeddick · Post by **oneeyeddick** » Mon Aug 24, 2009 12:23 am

You will be fine Elliot, you will still have enough to run a whole nuther fridge like that, as long as you start them up seperately.

Captain Goddammit · Post by **Captain Goddammit** » Mon Aug 24, 2009 5:04 am

A friend and I just built another art car, and we were using a Honda EU3000 to power the welder. Fridge will be no problem!

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Mon Aug 24, 2009 9:29 am

A 28' balloon? How do you manage that on the playa anyway?

moesgurlie · Post by **moesgurlie** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 7:56 am

thanks guys. problem solved. got a honda gen. and it started up no problem. never have taken the balloon to the playa, so i guess it will either stay anchored or its off to see auntie em. we were inside it last night, sparked many new ideas. thanks for the help . if ya see the balloon then ya know we made it. stop by and say hi.