Calling Mr Shafer

[Bob Bancroft]

Messing around with a neighbors old Dayton 12 Kw PTO alternator, 3600 RPM unit. It has a 60 amp breaker on it. It will run a 120 V
tool off either side of the breaker, but it won't run a 240V motor. Voltmeter will show 240V [approximately, depending on speed]
everywhere- going into breaker, on output side of breaker, and at 240V receptacle.

 

[JMOR]

(quoted from post at 10:00:47 10/01/21) Messing around with a neighbors old Dayton 12 Kw PTO alternator, 3600 RPM unit. It has a 60 amp breaker on it. It will run a 120 V
tool off either side of the breaker, but it won't run a 240V motor. Voltmeter will show 240V [approximately, depending on speed]
everywhere- going into breaker, on output side of breaker, and at 240V receptacle.

m obviously not Billy, nor claim his experience/expertise, by a question I and he will likely ask: does that 240 motor run plugged into wall outlet ? Name plate hp and current numbers on motor?

 

[Billy Shafer]

JMOR
I would ask the same.Will the motor run off a standard plug.

What is the model and serial number of the unit.
What size motor and wiring print.

What is the surge amps and running amps. Of the motor.By that I mean.
Amps surge to get started. Say 25 to started and runs on 10.
1-903-536-2816

 

[Bob Bancroft]

Absolutely. The motor I'm referring to is a 3 HP in line centrifugal fan on a grain bin which gets frequent use. It's the most convenient load I could think of to check out this alternator. I wouldn't be trying out this unknown alternator with an unknown load. The data tag on the control unit on the fan shows full load amps of 15. I run it off a 20 amp circuit. When trying to start it off the alternator I get the slightest hum when I press the start button. I would expect the fan to try to start, and the alternator/tractor to growl a little. But nothing happens!
The alternator is a Dayton model 1W728B, serial 73744J6 52.1 amps @ 230 V.

My old Winpower 25/15 will start and run a 10 HP centrifugal fan, which starts hard. It grunts to do it, but as long as I have enough HP in front of it, it will do it. By my calculations, I was expecting this Dayton to have no problem starting the 3 HP fan. It baffles me that it seems like I have the volts, but not the amps! But this is a farmer talking, not an electrician!

 

[Janicholson]

Measuring the voltage as it is trying to start the motor is the only way to do it reliable. Open circuit voltage represents only enough power to drive the meter. Put two 200 watt 120v light bulbs in series and see if it will light them. Jim

 

[Bob Bancroft]

I can't remember if I checked voltage while trying to start the 3 HP motor, but I don't think so. I tried an angle grinder, and a chop saw off the 120 outlet. Both came to life handily, with the outlet hooked to either side of the 60 amp breaker. So it sure seems like the 3 HP motor should have at least tried to start. But again, I'm just guessing.

 

[Billy Shafer]

Let me check some numbers.I am up late tonight. Should have you something in the morning.

 

[Billy Shafer]

If the Dayton unit is humming and not starting. Then there is something wrong with it. From what I can find Dayton is shut down. No support arround for them. 1W728B 73744G6 must be an old unit.
Because it is not showing up.