webboc
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Once a MEP-802A has started and is operating, can the batteries be disconnected from it or must they be left connected? Any advice would be deeply appreciated.
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MEP-802A Battery advice
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Evvy Fesler
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If the alternator is working properly, the machine should continue to run as expected. With that said, I would advise against doing so.
webboc
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Hi Evvy. the batteries were removed and stolen.
webboc
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Hi Light in the Dark, thanks for your advice. I do not wish to disrupt the generator if the batteries are required to be connected to it in order to properly run.
Evvy Fesler
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Yikes! Is the generator not running at the moment and you want to lend it batteries to start it and then take them away to put them back in their original use (or maybe jump it w/a 24v system)?
webboc
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I have since purchased two new batteries for the generator and did not want suffer the same fate. I could use my 24v power start to get it going but I am unsure as to whether some damage may occur if the generator is run without batteries.
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Put a float / trickle charger on them with a minimum of 1 Amp max current for 24V System on them to keep them fat and happy
webboc
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Thanks for the advice peapvp.
Evvy Fesler
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It's just me, @webboc, so please forgive my dense head...! If you bought batteries are you not wanting to leave them in the generator?
webboc
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Hi Evvy, yes I would like to install them in the generator but I fear they will be stolen even if the machine is running, hence I asked if it is possible to run the generator in the absence of the batteries (i.e after it is started I would remove the batteries for safe-keeping).
Evvy Fesler
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Gotcha! I suppose I would be afraid that they would steal the generator next. Can you lock down the batteries? You can remove them live, but be careful. There's going to be charging current during operation so even with the negative disconnected the positive will make sparks when/if your wrench touches the cabinet and positive connector at the same time. Go slowly and carefully.
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webboc
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They would have to make a heck of lot of noise to run off with the generator as it is anchored. I believe the thieves would smash their way through any battery locking mechanism, and possibly cause damage to the generator itself, which would outweigh the cost of a couple of batteries. It is just the inconvenience of finding that the batteries are not there when a power outage occurs. Regardless, many thanks for your advice Evvy.
dav5
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You have the numbers transposed in your heading
Dewie38
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Tape up the battery cables in the set and use the slave connector on the outside of the set.
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batteries will help smooth out any fluctuations with the alternator output as loads are applied and dropped from the unit (this shouldn't be an issue on a properly operating set, but figured it should be stated anyway)
Personally I don't particularly like putting my hands or tools inside of an operating generator any more than I absolutely have to for testing/repairs. Disconnecting and removing batteries with unit operating seems like it would be loud and dangerous to do.
My advice would be buy a cheap set of batteries that won't be as painful if they are stolen, like lawnmower batteries, and then keep your good set available to jump start it through the slave port or something like that if it gets really cold and the unit needs additional power to crank.
Personally I don't particularly like putting my hands or tools inside of an operating generator any more than I absolutely have to for testing/repairs. Disconnecting and removing batteries with unit operating seems like it would be loud and dangerous to do.
My advice would be buy a cheap set of batteries that won't be as painful if they are stolen, like lawnmower batteries, and then keep your good set available to jump start it through the slave port or something like that if it gets really cold and the unit needs additional power to crank.
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Yes a very good idea, even better if you have this genset close to a dwelling. You could plumb some conduit underground from the machine to the dwelling. Use a NATO fitting and appropriately sized wires at the machine, underground, into the dwelling direct to (2) 12V batteries. That way even if they undid this connection, they would then have to hunt out the other end.
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This was SOP with us, when we could not get batteries. Simply tape up the leads, and make a short set of jumper cables to hook to your batteries and the NATO recpt.
webboc
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Many thanks for your advice Dewie38.
webboc
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Thanks Coug for your advice. I will look to making a battery start pack with Anderson connectors which I can remove when the generator is not in use.