Generator Output Amps.. Is this as expected?

[Old_Skewler]

Got a clamp meter and went happily to measure the output current out of my 240V generator and this is what I got:

- RED: 11.77A
- BLACK: 11.87A
- WHITE: 6.86A

Is this as expected? I just don't understand why the neutral line would 6.86A and not 22A.

Could someone please explain me the science behind these numbers?

Thanks in advance!

 

[timselectric]

In a split-phase system. The neutral only carries the unbalanced load. Whatever is on L1 and L2 are canceled out by each other. And the remainder is returned on the neutral.

- RED: 11.77A
- BLACK: 11.87A
- WHITE: 6.86A

Although this math doesn't seem right.
I would expect only 0.10a on the neutral. (Approximately)

 

[timselectric]

Either way I wouldn't worry about it as long as everything works.

 

[Old_Skewler]

Although this math doesn't seem right.
I would expect only 0.10a on the neutral. (Approximately)

Everything seems to be running fine, but if you expected 0.10a and I am reading 6.86A, how is everything fine?

 

[Zapper77]

Everything seems to be running fine, but if you expected 0.10a and I am reading 6.86A, how is everything fine?

Because you have 120v items running

 

[timselectric]

It could be an efficiency thing.

 

[Old_Skewler]

Because you have 120v items running

So if I isolated the cabin, which is wired in split-phase, and only ran the inverter charger (240V) then i should see a reduced Neutral leg delta?

I'lll try it.

Thanks!

 

[Lt.Dan]

Could the current be varying while you are going from wire to the next?

 

[Old_Skewler]

Could the current be varying while you are going from wire to the next?

Absolutely, but I doubt that is the reason in my case because I went around a few times.

 

[wme]

No load, static load (restive), different load (W) on each leg?

 

[rcrracer]

Got a clamp meter and went happily to measure the output current out of my 240V generator and this is what I got:

- RED: 11.77A
- BLACK: 11.87A
- WHITE: 6.86A

Is this as expected? I just don't understand why the neutral line would 6.86A and not 22A.

Could someone please explain me the science behind these numbers?

Thanks in advance!

View attachment 155920View attachment 155921View attachment 155922

If 3 phase is an option. https://calculator.academy/neutral-current-calculator/ A 11.87, B 11.77, C 9.202 = 6.86 neutral