Running Engine with Generator Disconnected, Harmful?

[ashyers]

I was wondering if it harms the generator to have it spinning without any connection to the regulator. We're pretty close to having a roller and it would be nice if we didn't have to push it around the shop while I wait for some harness bits to arrive! We should have the M back on its own wheels tomorrow .

Andy

[w30bob]

Hi Andy,

I'm no electrical expert, but I'd say you won't be harming anything. Generators typically have very little output at idle and high rpm, and are usually optimized for some intermediate speed the engine is supposed to operate at most of the time. Without being connected there's also no load on the generator, so there's no need to regulate anything. Just make sure no one sticks their fingers in the generator connector while it's turning......like I said, it won't be making much at idle, but just a few amps will knock you on your arse real good.

Sounds like you guys are making great progress!

regards,
bob

[PoW]

If you unscrew the Bendix cable from the generator, it is dead. No harm from spinning it all you want.

Don't do it under load, as an arc could mess up the pins in the connector.

DDG