Generator problem

[Barry]

I have a 2004 29 bhS I bought new I try to hook up a 2500 generator lights went on fridge raider went on but my tv caught on fire anybody know why or what I did wrong

[mike837go]

My guess is that you used the wrong adapter and sent 220V into your RV.

Double-check that the converter is still intact.

Have you tried plugging ito shore power since?

[33 RLDS]

If by 2500 generator he means 2500 watts, I never seen a generator that small offer 220V.

[John H]

I would check the output voltage of the generator.

[Barry]

My r v. Run on. 30a. 110. So a 2500w generator should be good ?

[Bassdogs]

Originally Posted by Barry

My r v. Run on. 30a. 110. So a 2500w generator should be good ?

Several people trying to help but you don't seem to want to follow any of their suggestions. ?? What is the brand and model of your 2500w generator? Do you have a multi meter that you can use to check the voltage output from your generator? After the event you described, does anything work when it is plugged into shore power [power post at cG or regular 110outlet at home?

Lets start with answers to these questions and we might be able to get to the bottom of your problem.

[Barry]

Yes I got it plugged in to my home power source and everything works fine lights air-conditioner refrigerator

[Barry]

Coleman PowerMate 5 hp and I don't have a meter

[ALJO]

Try a ground from the generator to the chassis

[Barry]

But I'm just mystified that it didn't burn up the DVD player that was hooked up to the TV if it was too much power or anything else like the lights or the refrigerator course the TV came with the RV time to buy a new one anywayjust don't want to burn up a new one

[Bassdogs]

Get a meter they're cheap. It is critical to nail down the voltage coming off the generator. Was it a new led flat screen or an older lcd type? I burned up an lcd a few years ago on my houseboat because of low voltage. The power capacitors don't like low voltage and can over heat and catch fire.

Your generator doesn't sound like an inverter type but I've used the older contractor type and didn't have a problem. Try this, bypass the TT and plug an old tv directly into the generator with an extension cord and see what happens. Just a wild stab but were you trying to start up the ac when all this happened?

[ALJO]

If you start under load conditions or shutdown under load conditions is not an good idea.

[Bassdogs]

You said the lights and fridge worked but the tv got fried. The lights run on 12v and the fridge could have been running on propane. There is really not a lot in a TT that runs exclusively on 110 except the AC and anything that is plugged into the outlets. I'd love to know if 110 stuff like a old tv, table light, or plug in electric heater will power up if plugged into the generator thru an extension cord.

[Bassdogs]

Originally Posted by Barry

My r v. Run on. 30a. 110. So a 2500w generator should be good ?

Any generator producing clean 110v power should be good. That's why until you prove otherwise I'm suspecting the generator is bogging down under too heavy a load and the result is a big voltage drop that can fry many electronics.

[Bassdogs]

Originally Posted by Barry

But I'm just mystified that it didn't burn up the DVD player that was hooked up to the TV if it was too much power or anything else like the lights or the refrigerator course the TV came with the RV time to buy a new one anywayjust don't want to burn up a new one

Did the tv actually catch fire or start smoking heavily or did it just pop and stop working?

[Barry]

Just started smoking then I unplugged it and did not hear a pop

[Barry]

It was plugged in but not turned on when it started to smoke

[Bassdogs]

Originally Posted by Barry

It was plugged in but not turned on when it started to smoke

How long did the generator run before the tv started smoking? TVs are never totally off as long as they are plugged in to an outlet with power. My tv that got fried was off as well. In my case I noticed lights (110v) were very dim. Went out to fuss with the power cord and looked inside the boat and the cabin was full of smoke.

TVs stayed powered up to maintain the memory (channels, preferences etc]. The incoming power goes thru a capacitor. They don't like low voltage.

Until you get a meter and test the output from the generator, I'm out of ideas.

[Barry]

Thanks for everybody's help yeah the TV was plugged in when I started the generator