Mobile guys -- Electric pressure washer running off of a Generator?

[SWETM]

Wonder if the electric induction motor in the AR is easier to start up since it's a start and stop. What if you would go with the non tss AR PW. Have a low pressure when starting the PW then turn it up as much as possible.
Seems strange to use a outlet that does'nt passes the start up amp? That would be setup as the minimum amp to start the PW at the highest water pressure and water flow.

It's a different thing for me with 230v outlets. The amps is just above 13a on the PW and the fuse outlet in the garage is 16a. The formula to calculate amp is watt/volts=amps. So as long you have the max power on the electric induction motor or any electric motor. You would be able to calculate the amp. Or am I missing something? On a polisher you would have to looking at the maximum watts. As it's rather lower than the working watts since it's have the ability to hold up the spinning at the same rpm. I think that the Rupes 75mm mini polisher is rated at 500w but maximum power is 750w. And believe it's so it can hold up the rpm. Note it's not the opm since that is free spinning. I think it's so anyways lol

Yeah it's alot of money to gamble with if you don't get to refund or replace them. And a gas PW is a little more versitale since you can have it anywhere and the electric PW just as long as the cords let you. You never know when that will be. Sure you have the water hose to think of also lol. Liked that setup on the cart with the tank on it.

If the noise is a problem I would really look into do a new manifold and muffler. To get the noise level down a bit. Or look at the gas PW that has the lowest noise level.

 

[JCDetails]

Wonder if the electric induction motor in the AR is easier to start up since it's a start and stop. What if you would go with the non tss AR PW. Have a low pressure when starting the PW then turn it up as much as possible.
Seems strange to use a outlet that does'nt passes the start up amp? That would be setup as the minimum amp to start the PW at the highest water pressure and water flow.

The reason I want the TSS is that it allows you to leave the washer on with the trigger not squeezed for a longer period. This is important when doing an engine bay, door jambs, wheels etc. before moving onto washing the car. Without the TSS the water temp inside the pump would get too high and damage the pump if it's left on for too long. I don't want to have to deal with constantly turning it on and off to avoid that.

Gas units it's not an issue because when the water temp goes up they just bypass the water out onto the ground.

Yeah it's alot of money to gamble with if you don't get to refund or replace them. And a gas PW is a little more versitale since you can have it anywhere and the electric PW just as long as the cords let you. You never know when that will be. Sure you have the water hose to think of also lol.

That's the part I'm really struggling with. I'm trying to figure out what my desired end state is. I think that eventually, I'd like to be totally mobile and totally independent. Generator, 80-100gal water tank, PW all self contained either in my current pickup or eventually a dedicated business van.

I could spend ~$600 and get a really good gas pressure washer and just use customer's power for polishers and use customer's water. Deal with a little extra noise, another gas engine to take care of, and possibly more important when mobile is lugging the thing around in and out of my vehicle. In order to reach the end goal, I need a tank plus a smaller generator for power tools, battery chargers and 12v supply to the pump for the tank.

Or, I spend $1500 between a generator, the AR630TSS, not need customer power and just use customer water until I get to a point where I can set up my own mobile water supply. Much more portable, much less noise, but no 100% guarantee that the PW will work on that generator. In the event the PW doesn't work on the generator, I could easily return the generator but it looks like returning the PW may be tougher. So I have to relegate the $700 PW to only being used in my garage at home, and find another solution for mobile jobs.



Another thought I've been having: gas pressure washer making noise in the neighborhood would at least draw attention to what's going on, neighbors see car getting done, maybe end up wanting to get theirs done as well. Not really sure, might need to sleep on this one for a bit.

 

[Mantilgh]

I guess I might be the odd one out, but personally I don’t feel the need for a pressure washer.

To me it’s just excess. I do use customers water but I rinseless wash everything but wheels and tires.

Just a thought.

 

[JCDetails]

I guess I might be the odd one out, but personally I don’t feel the need for a pressure washer.

To me it’s just excess. I do use customers water but I rinseless wash everything but wheels and tires.

Just a thought.

I try to do rinseless on everything I can as well, easier and saves some time and money for sure.

However, for wheels and tires it's hard to beat a pressure washer for speed and convenience. Also, you can make one heck of an impression on customers that don't know a ton about detailing (and potential customers in the neighborhood) with a good foam wash and the associated dramatic effect.

There's also the possibility of getting a car that's a lot more dirty than you expect. I am going to try to be much better about inspecting beforehand but it's inevitable to end up in that situation. When it does happen, a pressure washer is a godsend.

 

[FrankS]

...I could easily return the generator but it looks like returning the PW may be tougher...

You may want to double check with Harbor Freight about returning the generator.

I bought one before from another place and they said once you put gas in it you can't return it. HF may have a different policy though.

 

[B5visser]

The AR630 is very quiet- used it again today to power wash some grimy floor mats. I was right next to the machine and all I could hear was the "whoosh" of that pressurized water against the mat. I'm also super glad I got the TSS system- cleaned those mats, hit the doorjambs, pre-blasted the tires all within about 5 minutes without sprinting to and fro turning the machine on/off!

I have no clue how many actual amps it draws, but yeah, it had a standard 15A plug. Bought mine from pwmall.com.

No quantifiable data here, but I used my 160cc Honda GX 2700psi, 2.6gpm troy built washer this weekend and in all honesty, it doesn't have a crap ton more power than my AR. I'd say 30-40% more at best. I can tell it pushes more water, but PSI? Well IDK. Using the "stick your hand 6" in front of the spray stream" test, they both feel similar (don't try this at home!!) Also, with the same foam lance (amazon special, dusichin (?)), the gas unit does generate a tad thicker foam. 1.1mm orifice is on the boat for my AR.

That little AR packs a pretty good punch IMO.

When looking for a electric washer, I also considered the northern tool "northstar" unit with a Leeson motor and CAT pump. I think it was around $670 and was 1500psi/2.0gpm.

 

[JCDetails]

You may want to double check with Harbor Freight about returning the generator.

I bought one before from another place and they said once you put gas in it you can't return it. HF may have a different policy though.

True. I’d have to call, though I can’t imagine I’d have a hard time letting it go on Craigslist by that point.


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[JCDetails]

The AR630 is very quiet- used it again today to power wash some grimy floor mats. I was right next to the machine and all I could hear was the "whoosh" of that pressurized water against the mat. I'm also super glad I got the TSS system- cleaned those mats, hit the doorjambs, pre-blasted the tires all within about 5 minutes without sprinting to and fro turning the machine on/off!

I have no clue how many actual amps it draws, but yeah, it had a standard 15A plug. Bought mine from pwmall.com.

No quantifiable data here, but I used my 160cc Honda GX 2700psi, 2.6gpm troy built washer this weekend and in all honesty, it doesn't have a crap ton more power than my AR. I'd say 30-40% more at best. I can tell it pushes more water, but PSI? Well IDK. Using the "stick your hand 6" in front of the spray stream" test, they both feel similar (don't try this at home!!) Also, with the same foam lance (amazon special, dusichin (?)), the gas unit does generate a tad thicker foam. 1.1mm orifice is on the boat for my AR.

That little AR packs a pretty good punch IMO.

When looking for a electric washer, I also considered the northern tool "northstar" unit with a Leeson motor and CAT pump. I think it was around $670 and was 1500psi/2.0gpm.

I really want to do it. But now I got another email from AR North America saying their engineer doesn’t recommend any kind of generator for the 600 series washers, due to needing ‘a clean 20 amp circuit’.

I can’t imagine an inverter generator is that much dirtier than house power...especially if it’s adapted to a 30amp circuit...


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[FrankS]

I can’t imagine an inverter generator being much dirtier than house power either. I thought inverter power was supposed to be pretty clean.

I wonder if the engineer considered the inverter when he made that statement?

 

[JCDetails]

I can’t imagine an inverter generator being much dirtier than house power either. I thought inverter power was supposed to be pretty clean.

I wonder if the engineer considered the inverter when he made that statement?

I replied and tried to clarify that it was an inverter generator so I guess we'll see what they say.

After reading this, about HAM radio equipment which I have to assume is largely consistent of sensitive electronics along with computers etc, it seems like there should be no reason the AR wouldn't work off inverter. I guess my only concern might be whether they'll cover it under warranty if they somehow find out I used it that way:

Inverter Generators: What You Need To Know. - Off Grid Ham

 

[JCDetails]

Another response. We're beginning to get to the root of things here, I think:

You certainly can do it but understand that using any type of generator voids the warranty.



These industrial strength pressure washers require a 120V current with a stable 20 amp delivery that does not fluctuate. Anything else can cause the pressure washer’s electrical system including the motor to overheat and fail prematurely.

So, I sent one final response with the understanding that the warranty would be void under generator usage. That asked the question of, with a standard 120v 20a household circuit, the breaker **SHOULD NOT** trip. Also, if for some reason the unit was adapted to a standard 120v 30a househould circuit, it would still only draw what it needs and said circuit should not overload the unit.

We'll see what they say to those two questions. If the answer is that it should not trip the breaker on a 20a circuit, an inverter generator should run the unit. After all, it creates power in the exact same way that the grid makes it for our houses: 3 phase AC rectified to DC then inverted to standard single-wave 60hz AC again. Albeit in a smaller quantity.

I'm really hoping I'm on to something here. That HF 3500 and AR630TSS would be a really nice, small package. Those two plus a water tank would fit no problem along with my big Husky rolling job box in my 5'8" bed of my 1500 Denali, and I'd be 100% truly mobile.

 

[FrankS]

Interesting information! This is something I've been wanting to know myself. Thanks for sharing.

I've looked at some other commercial/industrial grade electric PWs that run at 12A or 13A with a maximum pressure of about 1200 psi and 2 gpm. That would be enough for detailing cars. That would be another option.

You can also dial down the pressure on the AR630TSS which would draw less amperage.

It would be interesting to see if other manufacturers say the same thing about using a generator with their PWs.

 

[SWETM]

Never heard that the warrenty is void when useing a generator. Would'nt be the generator that takes the hit if to close to max amp. Is the outlets and fitting different between 16a and 20a and 30a on 120v? As long as the max amp on the PW is what it is. Then a higher than that working amp on the generator would be fine.

I think that the setup with the hf3500 and ar630tss would work great. As long as the temps on the generator is acceptable in the truck setup. Since they are air cooled generator you could ad a little 12v fan to blow out the heated air from the truck. If you where to have the generator in the truck running?

 

[FrankS]

I've been doing a little research on my own. I contacted Pressure Washers Direct and asked to see if the Pressure Pro Electric PW (1200psi, 2gpm, 13A) could be run using an inverter generator and they responded:

"You should be just fine as long as you are using an inverter that has enough power. I would suggest reaching out to Pressure Pro directly for sizing."

So I contacted Pressure Pro and spoke with someone in their technical department and they basically said the same thing...that it should be fine as long as the inverter has enough power.

 

[JCDetails]

I've been doing a little research on my own. I contacted Pressure Washers Direct and asked to see if the Pressure Pro Electric PW (1200psi, 2gpm, 13A) could be run using an inverter generator and they responded:

"You should be just fine as long as you are using an inverter that has enough power. I would suggest reaching out to Pressure Pro directly for sizing."

So I contacted Pressure Pro and spoke with someone in their technical department and they basically said the same thing...that it should be fine as long as the inverter has enough power.

That's essentially what PWD told me and the first tech from AR North America. The engineer then stepped in and didn't say that it wouldn't work, only that it would void the warranty.

Never heard that the warrenty is void when useing a generator. Would'nt be the generator that takes the hit if to close to max amp. Is the outlets and fitting different between 16a and 20a and 30a on 120v? As long as the max amp on the PW is what it is. Then a higher than that working amp on the generator would be fine.

I think that the setup with the hf3500 and ar630tss would work great. As long as the temps on the generator is acceptable in the truck setup. Since they are air cooled generator you could ad a little 12v fan to blow out the heated air from the truck. If you where to have the generator in the truck running?

The bed of the truck is open, so it shouldn't be an issue. I could always use my tonneau cover to shade it, or like you said a small fan might do.

The outlets and fittings can be different from 15a to 20a to 30a, and from 110v to 120v. In this case the limiting factor is that the generator has 2x outlets that would accept NEMA 5-15p or 5-20p plugs, but only have 20 amp breakers on them. The other has an L5-30 twist lock with a 30 amp breaker. So, if there happened to be a starting load that was tripping the 20a breaker, I could get the same 120v output with the higher 30a breaker just needing an adapter to get from the 5-15 or 5-20 plug on the machine side to the L5-30 twist lock at the generator side.

I also forgot that my FD (i'm a volunteer) Has a honda EU3000is that I could hook it up to and test it out. That should be enough proof of concept for me before I go out and buy the generator, at least. That way if the Honda won't run it, I know the HF probably won't either, and I'll either have to relegate it to my garage or try and trade it out for a gas unit or something.

 

[JCDetails]

2 more responses, I definitely think it's worth trying:

You certainly have researched the generator-side of electricity production.



However it does not change our position as it relates to the use of generators. If a generator, in any form, is used to power a Blue Clean power washer, any and all warranties are null and void.



If you decide to use an electric power washer with a generator, I would be very interested to hear how it works out for you.

And finally:

A dedicated 20 amp circuit, without any other electrical draws, is required to allow the 630TSS to perform as specified.



One final note, make sure you are delivering at least 5 gpm of clean water to the power washer through the end of the garden hose, where it attaches to the unit.



With both of the above specifications met, the 630TSS should perform admirably for many, ,many hours of service.

 

[JCDetails]

What’s even more interesting....

Nowhere in the warranty documentation nor the operating manual does it say anything about a generator. Just to use a properly grounded 3 prong plug.


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[JCDetails]

Another reply from a reseller (best price I’ve found so far) who went directly to the manufacturer:

"The start-up AMP is 19amps and backs off from that point. If customer is having issues, we tell them to hold trigger gun during start-up which well lessen the surge to the motor."

So that answers that question more directly. It *should* Work just fine on the 5-20p, but I’ll validate that with the eu3000is at the FD prior to buying the hf 3500.


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[215Detailing]

I have (GARRY DEAN) AR Eco Rinse Machine and HONDA EU 2000i and a 35 gallon tractor supply tank. this unit is electric and through AR NORTH AMERICA
YouTube

 

[FrankS]

I have (GARRY DEAN) AR Eco Rinse Machine and HONDA EU 2000i and a 35 gallon tractor supply tank. this unit is electric and through AR NORTH AMERICA
YouTube

This unit looks interesting. I like the fact that it’s only 6.3 amps, 0.5 gpm (not much water usage if mobile) and 1100 psi.

A few questions:

1. Have you tried using it with a foam cannon? At 0.5 gpm & 1100 psi, wouldn’t think foam would be that thick.

2. Is it quiet?

3. No problem running it with the Honda EU2000?

4. How’s the cleaning ability with such low gpm?