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orest402

Generator connection problem

orest402
12 years ago

My question concerns my portable generator and how to make a connection between it and the house (transfer switch). My generator has 2/ 220V outlets (20A).3 blade type with one horizontal and one vertical blade and one grd. pin. The transfer switch has an inlet box with the 4 prong (twist lock/ L14-30 male plug. Thre is NO adapter to make a cord set work between the 2 different outlets. What do I do to make this project work? Some generators have the L14-30 already on the generator...don't know why this one doesn't. Thanks for any input...

Comments (11)

  • petey_racer
    12 years ago

    You CANNOT use this generator to power a 120/240v service. It is either 120v or 240v. NOT both, which is required to use with a house panel and transfer switch with an L14-30P.

  • orest402
    Original Author
    12 years ago

    Thanks Petey Racer for the response. Isn't it the work of the transfer switch and how it's wired to deliver either 120v / 240v to the appropriate circuits? and not to the entire panel and all it's circuits.? All the transfer switch panels seem to come with that 4 prong "twist lock" receptical. What am I missing here? thanks again

  • bus_driver
    12 years ago

    The transfer switch does not change the voltage. What is the nameplate voltage on that generator? That is all that available from that generator, period.

  • brickeyee
    12 years ago

    The generator output will require alteration to connect to 120/240 V, if it is even capable (some are).

    There is no "NO adapter to make a cord set work between the 2 different outlets" since you do not have the required neutral for a 120 V load available.

  • orest402
    Original Author
    12 years ago

    So, in the end what can I do with my 5000W generator that has both (2) 120v/20A...(2) and (2) 240v 20A outlets to get a transfer switch to work in my case when and if power goes out? I want to be able to power up "essential" circuits for furnace, fridge, and kitchen outlets if possible. This is becomming very complicated for me...thanks

  • bus_driver
    12 years ago

    I believe that the two 120 volt outlets will provide the desired 120/240. But that needs to be verified. Until this post, needed information was scarce. Don't be stingy with details when asking for advice. Can you post the make and model or a website that has the technical information about your generator?

  • orest402
    Original Author
    12 years ago

    http://yodermachinery.net/54447/ (link to make and model)

    I hope the additional info as to make and model will help some..........thank you.

  • petey_racer
    12 years ago

    That is a Devilbiss clone unit. It was sold under several names.
    Linked is the wiring diagram. If you had to, you could replace the 120v receptacle, or add a new one with an L14-20R.
    Or you could home make and adapter cable that plugs into both halves and leads to an external L14-20R.

    The 120v receptacle IS actually split into two separate circuits.

    Here is a link that might be useful:

  • brickeyee
    12 years ago

    If you have 120 V receptacles you would need to measure between the 120 V hots and make sure you have 240 V.

    Then you could make a Y cord to use the 120 V receptacles AND their neutrals to feed 120/240 V into a transfer switch.

    The neutrals are connected together on the generator side, and each hot feeds one leg of the 240 V input.

  • orest402
    Original Author
    12 years ago

    thanks for all the suggestions / answers to my problem. We'll have to try that now....

  • brickeyee
    12 years ago

    It sounds like it has a 240 V output from the actual windings with a center tape to make a pair of 120 V outputs (a pretty normal setup).

    Make sure there is not voltage between the two neutral on the 120 V outputs (or at most a very small voltage) before connecting them together.

    You may need to load down both 120 V outputs to get a good measurement.
    A 100 W light bulb should be more than adequate on each output.