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Topic: Microwave shuts down on generator (Read 173 times) previous topic - next topic
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Microwave shuts down on generator
Been on the forum for a couple of years but this is my first post. I am having an issue with the microwave in my 2007 23.5 FD.  When running off the generator, everything else works fine, the air conditioner. the converter, the refrigerator, etc. except for the microwave.  It runs for 5 to 15 seconds and then an internal circuit breaker of some kind shuts it down.  Display, inside light, everything.  After a minute or so it resets.  I checked voltage and it is running at 120v, dropping to 119v when the microwave starts up.  I tried plugging it into a different outlet with the same result.  But when I am connected to shore power the microwave works without any problem.  I am thinking there is something about the generator output that the microwave doesn't like.  Any thoughts on where the problem is?  In the microwave or the generator output?

Dave
Re: Microwave shuts down on generator
Reply #1 –
Could be the microwave is sensitive to frequency. See if the generator in showing fault codes, particularly 14 or 15. Your manual will show how to check those.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Microwave shuts down on generator
Reply #2 –
Quote from: Steve  - 
Could be the microwave is sensitive to frequency. See if the generator in showing fault codes, particularly 14 or 15. Your manual will show how to check those.

Steve
I was wondering about that but don't have a meter to check hertz. Poking around the internet it looks like a kill a watt may be in my future.
Re: Microwave shuts down on generator
Reply #3 –
Hi Dave;  Another consideration is commutator noise. The generator could be generating a lot of electrical 'noise' on the AC that won't show on a simple meter. High frequency harmonics and such. It could be just dirty brushes, and with more hours on it, the generator problem would go away. The air conditioner of 2007 would ignore glitches and most other items may also be less sensitive.  See if you can borrow a surge protector and plug the microwave into it temporarily, to see if the problem goes away.  I take it that this is a recent development?  How many hours do you have on the generator?   The microwave could be the 'canary' letting you know early on that there is an impending issue.
   I have a Kill-a-Watt meter that shows AC voltage, frequency, power factor.  Many DMM's will measure frequency also.
   In addition the frequency control (engine speed) in my old (noisy!) Emerald II is a mechanical linkage that benefits from a shot of lubricating grease once in a while. And of course that grease attracts more dirt in an air cooled engine.  That may not apply to the MicroQuiet that you have.    RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Microwave shuts down on generator
Reply #4 –
I had similar problems traced to the transfer switch. Replaced it and all is well. The new 301 transfer switch is totally different from my 2006 version and probably your 2007.

The transfer switch opens up. After a time delay it resets. Check to see if other AC outlets go dark at the same time.
Harry 2006RB
 
Re: Microwave shuts down on generator
Reply #5 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
Hi Dave;  Another consideration is commutator noise. The generator could be generating a lot of electrical 'noise' on the AC that won't show on a simple meter. High frequency harmonics and such. It could be just dirty brushes, and with more hours on it, the generator problem would go away. The air conditioner of 2007 would ignore glitches and most other items may also be less sensitive.  See if you can borrow a surge protector and plug the microwave into it temporarily, to see if the problem goes away.  I take it that this is a recent development?  How many hours do you have on the generator?   The microwave could be the 'canary' letting you know early on that there is an impending issue.
   I have a Kill-a-Watt meter that shows AC voltage, frequency, power factor.  Many DMM's will measure frequency also.
   In addition the frequency control (engine speed) in my old (noisy!) Emerald II is a mechanical linkage that benefits from a shot of lubricating grease once in a while. And of course that grease attracts more dirt in an air cooled engine.  That may not apply to the MicroQuiet that you have.    RonB
Thank you. I have only 77 hours on the generator but there were only 45 when I bought it 2 years ago and it was not running. I had the local Cummins shop do their level 2 maintenance including a carburetor replacement but I suspect they focused on the engine side.  This is a recent development so the electrical noise may be the issue. Will try the surge protector idea. I am pretty sure it is not the transfer switch as all outlets remain hot including the microwave outlet.
Dave