samsimon63
java705
I have a new Generac 22K whole house automatic generator. Question is, does the battery charge when sitting idle as long as the house power is available, or does is only charge when the engine is running. Reason I ask is the bi-weekly exercise is only for 5 minutes and each time it does its exercise the battery voltage drops by .1 volts. Its gone from 14 volts to 13.5 so far and has exercised 5 times. Seems its not running long enough to replace the voltage it used to start. I'm thinking of putting a battery tender on it, any suggestions. Thanks
The battery in your Generac 22K whole house automatic generator should charge when the generator is running and supplying power to your home. The generator's engine drives an alternator that produces the electrical current needed to charge the battery. When the generator is not running, the battery is not being charged. Therefore, it's possible that the bi-weekly exercise is not providing enough time to fully recharge the battery after starting the generator.
Using a battery tender is a good solution to ensure that your battery remains fully charged. A battery tender is a charger that automatically maintains the battery's charge level and prevents overcharging.
I came across this post and had to make an account before you destroy your $800+ control panel.
I hate to say this but this is NOT correct. First off, do you have an ATS? I'm assuming so from your post.
There are 3 circuits that run 120 volts from the ATS to the generator; N1, N2, T1.
The N1 and N2 are signal wires that tell the ATS whether you have utility power. The T1 fuse sends constant power to the generator/control panel. The control panel then converts that to DC voltage and charges the battery.
When the generator is off, the 120V on the T1 comes from utility power. When the generator is running it sends power to the ATS to power your house and the T1 circuit sends power back to it to charge the battery.
There is no alternator on air cooled generators. The engine spins the 'generator' part and makes 120V AC power.
Usual battery voltage is ~13.3-13.8V DC. Your 13.5V is fine on the battery. Do NOT add a battery tender in addition to the built in charger from the control panel, you will fry it. If your battery wasnt charging, your battery will die quick with the engine running. Your battery was probably originally at 14 volts and the voltage is dropping to the normal range.
TLDR: Do NOT add a battery tender. Your battery voltage is fine. Power to charge comes from the ATS through either utility power or through generator power.