Wiring generator hour meter

[Mark Laurnen]

Hello. I have a question that I am sure some of you can answer easily for me. I have a Albin 31 with a factory installed Northern Lights 5 kw generator. It appears as though it has seen very minimal usage. Strangely, the controls (start/stop & preheat/oil pressure override) do not include an hour meter. Even the NL guys are surprised by this. I have mounted an hour meter in my panel, but Im not sure how to connect it. I presume the black lead goes to ground. Where should I attach the hot lead? I should think it would go to a pole that is energized only while the set is running, but which one would that be. I guess I can sleuth it out with a test lamp, but I know that for many of you this is elementary. Im not anxious to go back to NL because I felt an implication that I was an idiot for not knowing. I assume that I want to stay on the 12 volt side of this thing. Your knowledge is always appreciated!

 

[Ski in NC]

You can simply tie the HM hot lead to the fuel solenoid wire. Round thing screwed onto the back of the injection pump with one blade connector on it.

Only time that wire is hot is when engine is running.

 

[Mark Laurnen]

Thank you Ski! Would that wire be coming all the way back to the panel? To the start/run switch? The generator is a fair distance from the panel (HM) itself. The wires are all harnessed so not certain I could trace it back to the panel, maybe a new solitary run makes the most sense. Thanks again.

 

[Ventana]

Many of the NL panels have a light on the start/stop switch. If yours does, you can just piggyback off that light, as it will only be on when the unit is running.

 

[Mark Laurnen]

Great suggestion Ventana! I believe I do recall seeing such an indicator lamp and it will be close at hand. Thank you for your help..

 

[High Wire]

Odd there is no hourmeter. Did you look on the genset itself and around back out of sight? Does the manual show one?
And yes the hm should be 12vdc powered.

 

[Mark Laurnen]

Thank you High Wire. Yes, I searched high and low without success. The customer service rep at NL said it is highly unusual as the HM is the basis for their warranty coverage. I thought it would certainly be at the unit itself. Thanks for your reply.