Re: [MV] Generator wattage?.. more

From: J. Forster (jfor@quik.com)
Date: Thu Nov 06 2003 - 17:18:43 PST


J. Forster wrote:

'A simple way to do this would be to get a string of lights, such as are typically used in construction, and a dozen ordinary 50 watt bulbs '

I forgot to say there is nothing magic about 50 watt bulbs. You could use any convenient size that are on hand and just total up the wattage at the end. 10 x 25s, 5 x 50s;
2 x 100s + 1 x 50 ..... all the same thing.

Also, you can get a nasty shock from 120 V DC, just as from AC. Be careful.

Finally, DC has a much greater tendency to arc when a circuit is broken. Do NOT reduce the load by unscrewing a bulb or you may get a nasty arc in the socket. If there is
no switch on the generator, stop it before disconnecting the load. If you use an external switch or circuit breaker, make SURE it is rated for AC/DC service. Otherwise it
may arc also.

The DC arcs much more because the voltage does not reverse 120 (twice 60) times per second. Think arc welders.

-John



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