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    JPaulT's Avatar
    JPaulT Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jul 25, 2010, 03:22 PM
    Portable Generator question
    My emergency portable generator circuit breaker trips (the 220/240v outlet) when I plug the house supply cord into it. I am wondering if the problem could be a less than ideal ground wire or if you can suggest something else to check out.
    The generator is reasonable new and works well on 120. This is the first attempt to use the 220 outlet.

    Paul
    Fr_Chuck's Avatar
    Fr_Chuck Posts: 81,301, Reputation: 7692
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    #2

    Jul 25, 2010, 03:32 PM

    How are you "plugging it in"
    JPaulT's Avatar
    JPaulT Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Jul 25, 2010, 06:01 PM

    I have a heavy gauge line with proper plug ends (provided by the electrician that put in the pony panel etc). The line plugs into a weather proof junction box on the outside of my house and into the generator. As mentioned the same setup worked well with my previous generator with a 120v input.
    Any ideas?

    Paul
    Fr_Chuck's Avatar
    Fr_Chuck Posts: 81,301, Reputation: 7692
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    #4

    Jul 25, 2010, 06:03 PM

    What is running on the line, is it tripping with no draw on it ?
    JPaulT's Avatar
    JPaulT Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Jul 26, 2010, 05:49 AM

    Yes, even if the "house end" is disconnected the breaker trips when the generator end of the cord is plugged in.
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #6

    Jul 26, 2010, 06:26 AM

    Sounds like the cord has a problem if it shorts out with cord unplugged from house.
    Once short is corrected, Be sure voltage is correct out of the cord end.
    JPaulT's Avatar
    JPaulT Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #7

    Jul 27, 2010, 02:20 PM

    Thanks, I will check the cord however it worked fine with 120v so the cord itself should be okay. The "new" 220v plug with put on by the electrician doing some other work at the time. I'll be disappointed if that turns out to be the problem.
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