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Post by FJ40Fran on Jan 15, 2011 11:09:23 GMT -5
Ok, need some help in researching what the power draw is for my 2000 Ford 7.3 diesel engine block heater. Some forums "estimate" around 1000watts/8amps, others say there are two models, a 1000 and 1500 watt version. Anyway, trying to figure out why my new ETQ 1800/1600 watt digital inverter generator circuit breaks after being plugged in only 20 seconds.
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Post by ex-tbd85hilux on Jan 15, 2011 11:25:09 GMT -5
How are you attaching it Fran? Cigarette lighter or direct to battery? And what do you have plugged into it? If you don't have anything plugged in it shouldn't be converting any power yet. do you have the specific model so I can do some research on?
Paul G.
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Post by ex-tbd85hilux on Jan 15, 2011 12:48:29 GMT -5
got it all here at NAPA... part number 6051555 www.napaonline.com/Search/Detail.aspx?R=BK_6051555_0170518934I think you're exceeding the rating on the inverter/generator. Those aren't really rated for long term power draw. It's the Amps that's killing you. That and bad math concerning these block heaters. Everyone says they are 1000 w and draw 8 to 8.3 amps but this is using best case math. P=IxE P= Power (Watts) I= Current (Amps) E= Voltage(volts) The question that I have is are these power ratings (watts) based on the input voltage or the coil resistance. 1000 W with a 125V input will equal 8 amps of draw. BUT... I've never seen measured wall power at 125V... I usually see about 117V +/- 2V. So 1000W at 115V would equal 8.7A which should be in tune with your 1600w/1800w generator/inverter except that's a lot of current draw for one of those inverters. This is also for 1 freeze plug block heater. How many do you have on your truck and how are they wired? If there's one there's little problem but if there's 1 per freeze plug... Well that could be an issue if it's wired in series vs parallel. I would be interested to see what the max Current is on your inverter/generator. I'm willing to bet it's no more then 5Amps in which case you are exceeding the capability of yours even with a single block heater. To summarize I believe that your inverter/generator is to fault. Not that it's bad just incapable of keeping up with the current draw required to heat your block. Paul G. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 15, 2011 13:36:16 GMT -5
Fran if you plug it into a gfci house receptacle does it kick the gfi? If it does then its time for a new cord and/or heater. If it doesn't then obviously it doesn't play nice with your generator. It draws around 9 amps or so unless its shorted somewhere.
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Post by ex-tbd85hilux on Jan 15, 2011 20:27:17 GMT -5
Easy check with a Multi-Meter... Go across the two flat terminals on Ohms... should read above 100 ohms If it reads less it's bad (shorted)
I don't believe its shorted though because the breaker would pop almost instantly if it was but since it's taking 20 seconds or so for it to kick off I think it's just drawing more current then your inverter/generator can handle.
Paul G.
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Post by FJ40Fran on Jan 15, 2011 22:41:56 GMT -5
The heater works just fine when plugged into the house. I think I'm just at the max point with this generator. They do make a size larger.... may have to trade up..
Fran
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Post by FJ40Fran on Jan 16, 2011 10:01:39 GMT -5
Paul, thanks for all your suggestions; definitely the electronics tech side of you coming out...! Bottomline here though is that I believe I'm right at the threshold of what this little generator can handle. I tried again last evening using a new short extension cord and I got about a minutes worth. You could hear the generator motor not able to settle on a constant load and the unit finally shut down.
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Post by toynrnd on Jan 16, 2011 10:35:27 GMT -5
Have you tried letting the generator run for a couple minutes before you plug the heater in? I believe Erick has a generator for his popup that will kick off if you start the AC soon after starting the generator.
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