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donaldstacy · May 10, 2007, 06:11 PM

I have a DeVilbiss electric generator 5000 watt 120/240 volt @ 41.7/20.8 amp- it has a switch that connects the 240 volt . It has one 120 volt outlet and one 120 volt 4 prong receptacle. As stated , it has a switch to connect the 240 volt capability.
What I want to do is make a new pannel for this generator with 120 volt 30 amp capability for operating my RV . It also should be capable of another 120 volt outlet @ 10 amp to utalize the maximum output of 41 amps.
My question --Is this possible ? And, how would I wire this new pannel ? The generator has four wires going to it --orange , red , black and green .
Opinions and answers would be appreciated..
Thanks,
Don

hvac1000 · May 11, 2007, 03:14 PM

Use a meter and determine which wires do what and wire accordingly. That means you will have to have the generator running for this test. Easy does it.
Take all safety precautions.

donaldstacy · May 11, 2007, 03:53 PM

Thanks for your response -- do you see any reason why this change would not work ?Like the generator wiring being intended not having the capability of producing this amperage for a single receptacle :) .Safety is always important--thanks. Don

hvac1000 · May 11, 2007, 04:32 PM

Originally Posted by donaldstacy

Thanks for your response -- do you see any reason why this change would not work ?Like the generator wiring being intended not having the capability of producing this amperage for a single recepticle :) .Safety is always important--thanks. don

You can only get out of a generator what it is capable of producing. NOTE I never run a generator past 80% of load capability. The manufactures rate these units but I have no real faith in there estimates. I try to live in the real world and all the testing is done in a temperature controlled chamber or they just use the engineer calculations. Most of the time the calculations are fudged to alow for a better looking sped on paper. Run the generator a little easy and it will last a long time. BTW I always use synthetic oil to help the motor last longer. Less wear and better heat control. Generators can run very hot at any load rate.