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-   -   Electric generator wiring (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=91366)

  • May 10, 2007, 06:11 PM
    donaldstacy
    Electric generator wiring
    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
  • May 11, 2007, 03:14 PM
    hvac1000
    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.
  • May 11, 2007, 03:53 PM
    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 receptacle :) .Safety is always important--thanks. Don
  • May 11, 2007, 04:32 PM
    hvac1000
    Quote:

    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.

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