generator missing the 115/240 volt recepticle

[bobodu]

I'm familiar with wiring....even the schematic clearly show FOUR recips...
I have several "pigtails" that I made that allow me to run two 125v circuits off the 230v recip in order to use one heavy ( expensive...) cord.
But I still don't recall seeing a 115/230 volt receptacle...

[KE4AVB]

Bob,

What they are doing is is paralleling the two transformer windings. Actually when properly you can double the 120 vac current output. It been a long time since U seen this done but it was quite common in high current DC power supplies before the switching regulators came into existence.

Here is an example of what getting at.

You just to be careful of the phasing.

[bobodu]

Like I said...I understand the wiring.Before I was offered a job managing the routes, I was full time maintenance at the plant. I said I have never seen a 115/230 volt receptacle...

[KE4AVB]

Simply because you have never seen a plug labeled for for dual voltage doesn't it is possible to wire that way. I have seen three prong 240 receptacles producing 120 and 120 receptacles producing 240 in offices where electricians had miss-wired them. I had several pieces of equipment that I serviced destroyed because of this.

That 4 prong twist-lock is perfectly capable of producing only 120v without any 240v output when used with generator alternator that has two independent 120 windings. You just reverse the phase of one the 120 windings so when you measure the voltage across what normally would be the 240v connection you get nothing. You can't normally do this on most home electrical systems as the transformer supplying the AC is a center tap version.

[bobodu]

My point is...how can the guy be missing something that doesn't exist?

[KE4AVB]

Hopefully this can make this as clear as mud.

Bob, You already done exactly what is required when wiring these dual voltage outlets for 120 operation.

All Honda did was to have both Hot legs be positive or negative at the same time thus disabling the 240 output (both Hot legs are of the same polarity at any given time). Only 120 can drawn from either Hot to Neutral. Connections to both Hot to Hot (true 240 operation) produces no voltage in 120 only mode due to the reverse phasing of one winding.

Here is examples of the L14-30 that A and P Dan mentions:
Female plug version


Female Recepticle Version
30A 125/250VAC 3-POLE 4-WIRE NEMA L14-30

[bobodu]

The picture helps....I see that one terminal is NOT USED...So you would need a pigtail to plug in a drill...
Every genset I have seen had a couple of 115 taps plus the four prong.....that's where I was getting lost

[plotthound]

this old baby has 2-115 volt,2- 220 volt and 1- 220/115 volt receptacle which is missing.if I ever want to power up the whole house through a transfer switch I need the receptacle. thanks for everyones input,now I gotta get my ass to the wholesale and order the part.

[KE4AVB]

this old baby has 2-115 volt,2- 220 volt and 1- 220/115 volt receptacle which is missing.if I ever want to power up the whole house through a transfer switch I need the receptacle. thanks for everyones input,now I gotta get my ass to the wholesale and order the part.

Your really going pushing the limits on this one for household usage it is only rate 3.8 Kw.

[AandPDan]

Your really going pushing the limits on this one for household usage it is only rate 3.8 Kw.

I disagree.

I have a 3kw generator that I use as a backup generator. I can easily run the boiler (propane), fridge, lighting, tv, etc. without any issues. Best of all I only use about 1/2 gallon of propane/hour. I average 1500-1800 watts with everything running.

It's all in your needs.