I recently had the voltage monitoring relay control fail. It monitors the output of the
generator (Fisher-Panda 11kw) and only allows it to connect to the boat's AC system if it is 230V +/-. If the voltage varies above or below a certain point (30%?) the control is supposed to shut off the relay that connects the genset. It failed, and the
monitor was flipping in and out, even though the voltage varied by 1% or so.
It got me to thinking... how important is this voltage
monitor? It seems to have a fairly wide operating range (when it works) -- maybe 30% or so. I don't see much variation at all in the
generator output. I suppose it could cause a problem with the
appliances if they were under/over voltage, but I've never had a problem with that and there is a voltage gauge.
Do others have a over/under-voltage monitoring control on their genset? If so, or if not, have you needed it? Ever hear of a genset running wild and ruining
appliances (watermaker, washer/dryer, A/C, dishwasher,
battery charger, ...)?
Thanks in advance.