Normally, our fridge works. We liv

[TomInTunis1]

Normally, our fridge works. We live in a rural area where there are power interruptions. We have to use a generator sometimes for several hours. When the genset is proving power the fridge (rated 230 V - 2.7 A) will not start. But ... if we plug in the electric kettle (2000 W) in the adjacent socket, presto, the fridge miraculously comes on . I tried this in the other 3 dual sockets in the kitchen and like the first socket, the fridge wouldn't start until I glipped the 'on' switch of the kettle. With each of these tests, the fridge would stop running a few seconds after the kettle stopped boiling. The house is old and for an immediate fix, where would you expect the problem to be?

 

[waross]

It is very hard to diagnose what mistakes were made connecting the generator transfer panel or main panel.
First, try plugging the fridge into another socket.
Second, try plugging the kettle into the socket that the fridge is in now.
IF the fridge works when on the grid, then the problem is in the installation of the new generator panel.
Can you post good pictures of the installation.

The first thing that comes to mind is that the unloaded generator has a problem with the block loading of the fridge starting inrush.
BUT then I read this; "With each of these tests, the fridge would stop running a few seconds after the kettle stopped boiling."
I have seen too many variations of transfer schemes with standby sets to suggest more without more information.

--------------------
Ohm's law
Not just a good idea;
It's the LAW!

 

[TomInTunis1]

Thanks for your reply.
I tried 4 different sockets. Each socket had 2 separate outlets. i plugged the fridge into one outlet and waited 10 minutes for it to come on. It never did in each of the 4 test cases. Then, after the 10 minutes of each test i plugged in the kettle into the adjoining socket and left the fridge plugged in. I turnef the kettle on and then a few seconds later the fridge started. When the kettle shut off, a few seconds later the fridge went off. All the above is for when the genset is on.

I was thinking that the kettle draws current gradually. The fridge motor needs a surge to start, maybe 3 times the operating power which is what the kettle draws. But this does not explain to me why the fridge goes off when the kettle goes off.
I can take pics tomorrow when its light outside but nothing is labled.

 

[che12345]

"...I tried 4 different sockets. Each socket had 2 separate outlets. i plugged the fridge into one outlet..."
1. Each socket has 2 separate outlets say A and B. i) plug fridge into outlet A, kettle into B and report the observation. Then ii) plug kettle into outlet A, fridge into B and report the observation.
2. Switch of the mains. Remove the socket front plate and take a picture showing how the wires are terminated. BTW : there should be only three connection terminals for three wires i.e. Line, Neutral and Earth. The connections between outlet A and B are prewired (factory built).
Che Kuan Yau (Singapore)

 

[TomInTunis1]

Thanks to you both for your replies.
I followed the suggestion re switching the kettle and fridge plugs between socket A and B for one of the outlets. The result was the same in both tests: some 30-50 seconds after the kettle was turned on the fridge started. When the kettle stopped boiling, less than 10 seconds later the fridge shut off. The same characteristic for both A and B sockets.

And in fact, the same characteristic applies when I leave the fridge plugged into its customary socket while I move the kettle to any of the other 3 available sockets located in the kitchen area: turn on the kettle and before the is oiling the fridge comes on. And the fridge stops running just after the kettle shuts off.

I will send a picture a little later.

Thanks

 

[cranky108]

Would the generator be an inverter type? Some inverters don't like reactive loads (motors). Sort of depends on the software of that type of inverter.
A non-inverter type should not have that issue.
I am speculating on what it could be, but there could be something else.

 

[3DDave]

Are there only 4 outlets with 2 sockets (duplex) each in the house?
Are only these outlets supplied by the genset?
Do you have any filament lamps? If so, what happens to the brightness of a filament lamp when it is the only item plugged in and then the kettle is plugged in?

Have you called Ghost Busters?

What I am waiting for is that the voltage is unregulated and there is a circuit that is in the refrigerator that is protecting the motor, but when the kettle is running that stabilizes the voltage to a range that the refrigerator can tolerate.

 

[cranky108]

Most people don't have filament lamps, as the government in the US has made most of them illegal to sell. Maybe try a volt meter.

 

[3DDave]

They are still sufficiently available for testing purposes in the US. They will provide a load on a circuit that a volt meter will not. Also, the OP is apparently in Zambia and therefore safe from the US regulations.

 

[TomInTunis1]

Thanks for your inputs.
Indeed we are in Zambia and I believe i can get a filament bulb from the market.
I have no current meter or other electrical testers.
How do i determine if the generator voltage is regulated? Pics to follow.

 

[TomInTunis1]

Pic #1

 

[TomInTunis1]

#2

 

[TomInTunis1]

#3

 

[TomInTunis1]

#4

 

[TomInTunis1]

Last pic until i can remove the socket cover.

Good skills and capacity to diagnose and repair electrical stuff where we are, are "hit and miss" but mostly 'miss', Thus my recourse to eng-tips. Thanks

 

[TomInTunis1]

The filament bulb can be tomorrow.

 

[3DDave]

First photo shows there is a voltmeter on the generator.

 

[waross]

Does the generator have auto-start?
The fridge may not be drawing enough current to activate auto-start.
Try it with the switch on the generator in the RUN position rather than the AUTO position.
Don't worry about filament lamps.
Look at the voltmeter instead.

--------------------
Ohm's law
Not just a good idea;
It's the LAW!

 

[TomInTunis1]

Autostart isn't used. The genset is started manually when the power goes out.
I can record the volt meter for when the fridge is plugged in and not operating, the kettle plugged in and the fridge starts and stops. Do you think that will indicate what to do next?

 

[davidbeach]

Does the fridge have internal overvoltage protection that keeps it from running until the kettle pulls the voltage down?

When one this sentence into the German to translate wanted, would one the fact exploit, that the word order and the punctuation already with the German conventions agree.

-- Douglas Hofstadter, Jan 1982