Generator Mod
Generator Mod
(OP)
I've got an old Coleman 5K (6250 surge) backup generator with with two 120 outlets (double-blade & ground) and two 240 outlets (same but one blade turned 90 degrees.)
My electrician say I can't use it in my new house. I need 240 for my well pump, and 120 for the rest of the house.
He recommended a Generac 7K (12250 surge, electric start) with 2 120VAC 20 amp outlets, one NEMA L-5 30amp 120 VAC (3 blades in circle) and one NEMA L-14 30 amp 120/240VAC (4 blades in circle.) (see http://feastinc.net/new_page_17.htm - see halfway down near "rescue knife." - a nice generator, but a little tight on cash.)
Question: Can I use the old generator? If not, can I modify the old generator to accept a NEMA l-14 120/240VAC plug? Is there an 'adaptor' or 'converter' that I could use between the 'backup' breaker panel and the old generator? Please use simple terms, I'm way over my head here. Any help appreciated.
My electrician say I can't use it in my new house. I need 240 for my well pump, and 120 for the rest of the house.
He recommended a Generac 7K (12250 surge, electric start) with 2 120VAC 20 amp outlets, one NEMA L-5 30amp 120 VAC (3 blades in circle) and one NEMA L-14 30 amp 120/240VAC (4 blades in circle.) (see http://feastinc.net/new_page_17.htm - see halfway down near "rescue knife." - a nice generator, but a little tight on cash.)
Question: Can I use the old generator? If not, can I modify the old generator to accept a NEMA l-14 120/240VAC plug? Is there an 'adaptor' or 'converter' that I could use between the 'backup' breaker panel and the old generator? Please use simple terms, I'm way over my head here. Any help appreciated.





RE: Generator Mod
RE: Generator Mod
RE: Generator Mod
The four blades on the NEMA L-14 would be red, black, yellow & white, representing 240, 240, 120 & common/gound respectively. If I ran the wires through a box, or made an "adaptor," the red, black & white (common) could plug into the 240 outlet on the generator, and the yellow, white & bare/ground (?) to the 120 outlet.
I'm confusing myself. HELP! I KNOW it can be done, but can't quite figure how.
RE: Generator Mod
The smaller generator has three leads: red, black and white, the frame is electrically isolated from the generator windings. You're supposed to attach a properly sized grounding wire from the lug on the frame to a solid ground in your home system, but this depends on your local regulations.
The larger generator automatically extends this safety grounding connection into your (properly wired)wiring system. The difference is subtle, but will determine if GFI's or CB's operate properly or at all.