Powering a Car Lift with a Generator

[blakeb1969]

I bought a used like new Atlas 9000 two post Car lift I am installing in my garage. The lift requires 220 wiring and I don't have enough voltage running to the garage to hook up the lift to 220. As a result I have decided to try running it off my portable generator. It looks as though my generator has an outlet that supports 240V/120V. See photos. My question to the group is will this work, and has anyone ever tried this. The pictures attached are of the lift motor plate and the generator plug outlet.

 

[mm08822]

What's the gen output watts?

 

[blakeb1969]

What's the gen output watts?

• 13 HP OHV Engine
• 5500 Surge Watts, 5000 Running Watts
• Four 120 Volt Receptacles
• One 240/120 V NEMA L14-30 Receptacle

 

[mm08822]

It should be ok. I'm struggling with the nameplate amperage......seems very high. Even if correct, nothing says the motor will draw full load amps.

Ask Admin to move this thread to the Electrical Forum.

 

[The Cobbler]

it seems to me that name plate is wrong . the amperage should be less @ higher voltage not more than .
so it should read 15 amps @ 230 volts I think.
having said that , 15 amps @ 240 volts is 3500 watts , but that's not including the start up draw which is a lot higher, at least double I think

 

[wyliesdiesels]

that nameplate is wacked

not only should the amperage be lower @ higher voltage but a 3HP motor has a 17a rating in the FLC tables which means the FLA should be lower than that. yet the nameplate says this is a 2HP motor but has a torque rating equivalent to 3.5HP???.... ummm why not just rate motor at 3.5HP which is what it would be with 18a FLA

 

[ToolsRCool]

It will work.

 

[dave*99]

You will need a 3 wire cable to make the connection. Ground, X and Y. Neutral is not used on your lift, so it can be left unconnected. This photo represents the receptacle on your generator. Purchase a matching L14-30P plug. 12 gauge cord will work. I can't say if the generator will handle the inrush (startup current of the motor.) I expect that will be hotly debated in this thread.
YMMV

 

[mike93lx]

Wow, only 5kw from a 13hp engine? That's rough.

I also expect it will work

 

[blakeb1969]

You will need a 3 wire cable to make the connection. Ground, X and Y. Neutral is not used on your lift, so it can be left unconnected. This photo represents the receptacle on your generator. Purchase a matching L14-30P plug. 12 gauge cord will work. I can't say if the generator will handle the inrush (startup current of the motor.) I expect that will be hotly debated in this thread.
YMMV

Great Thanks!!

 

[Jack_K]

I don't think it will work, at least not for long. The generator is under sized especially for when the hoist has a load. Generators are an annoying way to run electric motors due to having to allow for startup current.

I've tested a 3hp compressor on a generator the same size and it just managed to start it and that was with the compressor unloaded.

 

[RPH]

I’ve run my lift off the generator. 115 vac motor that’s a hydraulic pump. I relive the pumps output by pushing the down valve. This allows the motor to spin up with minimal load. I also have a 10 k generator.

 

[mrVanagon]

It might be worth looking into getting a 120v power unit for the lift in the future. Most lift companies offer 240 and 120 options so it should be straight forward to source and install.

 

[minytrker]

I have ran a couple lifts on generator over the years, zero issues.

 

[blakeb1969]

I want to say thanks to the Garage members for helping me get my lift up and powered with my 13hp generator. Dave*99 for telling me exactly what plug to buy and how to wire it. Worked perfectly. The attached video shows the lift lifting my jeep plugged into my Generator. The generator revs up a bit when the jeep leaves the floor, but does the job pretty easily.

 

[dave*99]

If you are ever battling inrush current on a generator driving a hydraulic lift try this:
Hold down the hydraulic lowering valve on the lift. Press the power button. Slowly close the hydraulic valve. This loads the pump motor gradually. Lowers inrush current etc.