Generator Problem

[Lucid Moments]

We had a little thunderstorm here this evening that knocked power out for several hours. Long enough for me to fire up my generator. The generator is a Predator 9kw starting and 7250 running watts. Unfortunately when I fired it up and plugged in the 240 to the house there was no joy. It was running fine, and I plugged a heat gun into the 120 outlet and that worked, but no 240. I didn't try to diagnose it tonight since it was dark in the shop so where can I start looking tomorrow?

 

[nadogail]

Do you have another 120 outlet on that same generator? If both of the outlets have power then the trouble may be in your interconnection.

 

[Lucid Moments]

There are actually 4 120 outlets on the generator. I did not think to check any more than one though. Power is back on now of course so I will check that tomorrow.

 

[mm08822]

1. Stop gen.
2. Unplug cable.
3. Make sure all cb's on gen are reset. Check voltages at gen, 120-Neutral, 120-grd, 240-> L1 - L2. Plug in any loads at gen to confirm ok.
4. Plug in cable at gen and check for voltages at receptacle end....120-Neutral, 120-grd, 240-> L1 - L2.
5. Plug in cable at Power Inlet box (PIB). Start gen.
6. Flip cb interlock so panel is running on gen power.
7. Check voltages at backfed interlock cb. 120-Neutral, 120-grd, 240-> L1 - L2.

Edit: OP replied while typing.

First off - is the gen rated for - 120/240 output?
What recept on the gen is your cable plugged into? Is it 120/240V L14-30R twist-lock outlet?
Is this first use of gen with this connection or has it worked before now?

 

[Lucid Moments]

1. Stop gen.
2. Unplug cable.
3. Make sure all cb's on gen are reset. Check voltages at gen, 120-Neutral, 120-grd, 240-> L1 - L2. Plug in any loads at gen to confirm ok.
4. Plug in cable at gen and check for voltages at receptacle end....120-Neutral, 120-grd, 240-> L1 - L2.
5. Plug in cable at Power Inlet box (PIB). Start gen.
6. Flip cb interlock so panel is running on gen power.
7. Check voltages at backfed interlock cb. 120-Neutral, 120-grd, 240-> L1 - L2.

Edit: OP replied while typing.

First off - is the gen rated for - 120/240 output?
What recept on the gen is your cable plugged into? Is it 120/240V L14-30R twist-lock outlet?
Is this first use of gen with this connection or has it worked before now?

The generator has both 120 and 240 outlets so I guess it is rated for both. I plug the cable into the single 240 outlet and yes it is a twist lock outlet. I have had the generator for a few years and used it previously with everything the same as it is now and had no issues.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Did you use a multi-meter to check for voltage at the 240v receptacle?

How are you connecting the generator to the house?

 

[Lucid Moments]

Did you use a multi-meter to check for voltage at the 240v receptacle?

How are you connecting the generator to the house?

I did not use a multi-meter. I have a tree that is blocking my driveway to clear this morning and then I will trouble shoot the generator.