mep-003a no output at lugs

[TucsonVTXF]

multi meter shows mep-003a no output at lugs but on the dashboard shows 240V and 60HZ. any ideas? i still need to recheck with my trusted meter. any ideas out the gate?? i have a feeling since it shows its making power that it could be the main breaker.... it feels easy when switching on and its been sleeping for a bit... Thanks...

 

[Scoobyshep]

You likely are already on the right path. it sounds like you are in single phase 240 mode. If it were me I would switch to 3 phase mode and meter at the lugs with a known good meter. I had a bad breaker once tested in single 240 and got some really wonky readings, turned out I had a bad pile in the breaker.

 

[TucsonVTXF]

You likely are already on the right path. it sounds like you are in single phase 240 mode. If it were me I would switch to 3 phase mode and meter at the lugs with a known good meter. I had a bad breaker once tested in single 240 and got some really wonky readings, turned out I had a bad pile in the breaker.

i am set at single phase 240 mode.. I am assuming in 3 phase mode it doesn't use the breaker?

 

[Scoobyshep]

i am set at single phase 240 mode.. I am assuming in 3 phase mode it doesn't use the breaker?

All 3 modes use the breaker, in this instance it puts a known voltage across all 3 poles, and has more reading options for the on set meter.

After this is the fun and joy of reading them at breaker lineside or at the reconnection switch. either way its a tight space and hard to probe around in (read as be careful and maybe have a helper nearby to prevent severe shock)

 

[Guyfang]

i am set at single phase 240 mode.. I am assuming in 3 phase mode it doesn't use the breaker?

Assuming will always bite you on the butt. Read the TM's

Have you downloaded the TM's?
Have you ever seen this gen set work right?
Have you measured from LO to all three Phases?
Do you have 120 volts at the at the 120 volt plug?
Have you measured at the CB1, (Output Contactor) at both input and output sides?

 

[TucsonVTXF]

i am set at single phase 240 mode.. I am assuming in 3 phase mode it doesn't use the breaker?

Assuming will always bite you on the butt. Read the TM's

Have you downloaded the TM's? yes I have the printed out…
Have you ever seen this gen set work right? Yes I have powered my home before with it to load test in in the past….
Have you measured from LO to all three Phases? TBD this weekend when I am off work
Do you have 120 volts at the at the 120 volt plug? TBD this weekend—-
Have you measured at the CB1, (Output Contactor) at both input and output sides? TBD this weekend…

 

[Ray70]

The AC selector switch shouldn't bee too easy to turn, it should be pretty stiff and as you rotate it BEYOND the setting you want, it will suddenly snap into position.
You can work the switch a bit ( with the machine off ) to scrape any oxidation off the internal contacts,
Also work the breaker a bit.
Then take the cover off the AC reconnect box and look for rodent damage.
If all looks good but still no output at the lugs, safely probe the back of the breaker as Scoobyshep said.
Perhaps you can get a pair of alligator leads on it before starting it to make things slightly safer.
If nothing at the breaker, that means there is an issue with either the AC select switch or an issue with the connector on the back of the box where your 12 leads come in from the gen.

 

[TucsonVTXF]

My goal this week is to gather info to form a plan where to start testing…. This unit has been sleeping for a bit between relocating across country and now it’s being temperamental like an aircraft coming out of long term storage..

 

[Ray70]

Humm.... relocated across country.... I wonder if anything could have come loose in transit??
I've seen some amazing amounts of vibration damage caused by over the road transportation.

 

[Tinstar]

Don’t forget at least two cans of Deoxit spray.

 

[TucsonVTXF]

Don’t forget at least two cans of Deoxit spray.

Ordered!! Should be here by the weekend!!

 

[TucsonVTXF]

Well…. Just used MY fluke that I know is good and it’s producing power just as I thought…. Don’t trust any one else who thinks they know how to use a cheap harbor freight meter..or has a buddy that is a so called mechanic…. Lessons learned diesel and time waisted….

 

[Mullaney]

Well…. Just used MY fluke that I know is good and it’s producing power just as I thought…. Don’t trust any one else who thinks they know how to use a cheap harbor freight meter..or has a buddy that is a so called mechanic…. Lessons learned diesel and time waisted….

.
Yessir... A cheap meter will give you cheap results - unless it explodes in your hands.
In that case, again you get what you paid for + Medical Bills.

 

[Ray70]

Well…. Just used MY fluke that I know is good and it’s producing power just as I thought…. Don’t trust any one else who thinks they know how to use a cheap harbor freight meter..or has a buddy that is a so called mechanic…. Lessons learned diesel and time waisted….

Well look at it this way... the time and diesel wasted was still probably cheaper than getting and installing a replacement breaker or worse yet, a replacement AC select switch! I still call it a WIN despite a little embarrassment and time wasted...

 

[Guyfang]

Be happy. And think how it was much better to use a good Fluke, then, say, your hand. I worked with a guy who was too lazy to go get his meter. he would lick two finger and reach right in there. There is not enough gold in Ft. Knox, to get me to do that.

 

[Scoobyshep]

Be happy. And think how it was much better to use a good Fluke, then, say, your hand. I worked with a guy who was too lazy to go get his meter. he would lick two finger and reach right in there. There is not enough gold in Ft. Knox, to get me to do that.

when I was an apprentice one of my old timer journeymen would lick 2 fingers and touch it. and he could tell you the voltage within 5 volts.

 

[TucsonVTXF]

I will be cleaning all of the switches and breakers with the 2 cans of cleaner I ordered last night…. lol

 

[TucsonVTXF]

Well look at it this way... the time and diesel wasted was still probably cheaper than getting and installing a replacement breaker or worse yet, a replacement AC select switch! I still call it a WIN despite a little embarrassment and time wasted...

Add in the 100.00 dinner tab to make momma happy because I asked her to go with me on the trip!!

 

[Guyfang]

Keepin Momma happy? Cheap, at any price!

 

[Scoobyshep]

This is a prime example of why Live Dead Live is so important (test meter on known live source, test object, test on known source again). Personally i carry a Fluke PRV240 in my tool bag. just for such an occasion.