generator/transfer switch connection

[geneP]

I considering a transfer switch installation for more convenience and versatility from the generator. The generator has a 240v 3 prong outlet and the transfer switch connectors are 4 prong. The generator schematic indicates the prongs are for hot, hot, and ground. Is there a practical way to get to the 4 wire cord with neutral and ground required for the transfer switch connection?

 

[Highbeam]

Dare I say you don't need one? Both of those lines, the white and ground, of the 4 prong plug go back to your main panel where they are joined together.

In an emergency I would gladly just not use the white wire. It would work. Just look at the power feed from the street, it only has three wires.

Instead I own a genset that has the 4 prong twistlok connector so I get to use all four wires. If you can, use all 4.

 

[tommu56]

I considering a transfer switch installation for more convenience and versatility from the generator. The generator has a 240v 3 prong outlet and the transfer switch connectors are 4 prong. The generator schematic indicates the prongs are for hot, hot, and ground. Is there a practical way to get to the 4 wire cord with neutral and ground required for the transfer switch connection?

We need more info it might be just 240v and ground with out neutral be careful.

tom

 

[tommu56]

In an emergency I would gladly just not use the white wire. It would work. Just look at the power feed from the street, it only has three wires.

The utility power has 2 hot lines and a neutral/ground combined = 3 wires 240v plus ground is different.

tom

 

[hitekcountry]

In an emergency I would gladly just not use the white wire. It would work. Just look at the power feed from the street, it only has three wires.

No this would be a bad idea. You must use the white wire; it is the current return for the 125v circuits.

Don't confuse the third wire (bare wire) power feed from the power pole for a ground wire, it is not a ground wire, it is the equivalent of the white wire in your main panel.

 

[geneP]

I can go into the panel and wire a pigtail out and pick up a neutral off the 120v circuits. I just don't understand their thinking when they put the 3-wire outlet on 240 volts. This is a Wacker Construction type unit, so maybe they are designed for straight 240 volt load.

I've gone to their website and asked the question. They look to be a German company, so I don't know if they will respond. I'll report their answer if I get one.

Gene

 

[GT2]

I can go into the panel and wire a pigtail out and pick up a neutral off the 120v circuits. I just don't understand their thinking when they put the 3-wire outlet on 240 volts. This is a Wacker Construction type unit, so maybe they are designed for straight 240 volt load.

I've gone to their website and asked the question. They look to be a German company, so I don't know if they will respond. I'll report their answer if I get one.

Gene

Could the generator "ground" actually be the neutral?
Couldn't you check this with a meter?

 

[tommu56]

I can go into the panel and wire a pigtail out and pick up a neutral off the 120v circuits. I just don't understand their thinking when they put the 3-wire outlet on 240 volts. This is a Wacker Construction type unit, so maybe they are designed for straight 240 volt load.

I've gone to their website and asked the question. They look to be a German company, so I don't know if they will respond. I'll report their answer if I get one.

Gene

They are European it might just be straight 240v because that is what they use over there for house power.

A friend of mine has a Coleman one like that 120v duplex is 2 separate circuits with a common neutral and the 240v is straight 240 and not connected to the neutral not good for much.

the correct receptical Should be like L14-20 20A 125/250VOLT 4 wire

tom

 

[hr3]

http://dma.mt.gov/DES/library/genbrochurev3.PDF Try this..

 

[hitekcountry]

If the schematic for your generator looks like the circuit #2 in the attachment then the center tap that is drawn as a ground would be your white wire which is the neutral and not a true ground wire.

If it is drawn different than that could you put up a drawing so we can see what you have.

 

[geneP]

Maybe you can read this

 

[hitekcountry]

Can't read the schematic, looks half faded out

Ref #10 120/240V 30A Kit
The note *W/B (extra wire included in kit, terminate at 120V 30A receptacle)

Clearly your generator supplies both 120V and 240V.

Questions:

In post #6 you stated -"I can go into the panel and wire a pigtail out and pick up a neutral off the 120v circuits."

Were you talking about the transfer switch or the generator?

 

[geneP]

Can't read the schematic, looks half faded out

Ref #10 120/240V 30A Kit
The note *W/B (extra wire included in kit, terminate at 120V 30A receptacle)

Clearly your generator supplies both 120V and 240V.

Questions:

In post #6 you stated -"I can go into the panel and wire a pigtail out and pick up a neutral off the 120v circuits."

Were you talking about the transfer switch or the generator?

I was talking about the generator. There are two 120v, 15 amp duplex recepticals, and 1 30 amp L5 120v receptical that have both neutral and ground connections. My thought is to utilize the 240 volt outlet wires and pick up the neutral from the 120v circuits and run a 4 wire receptical. Sound reasonable?

 

[hitekcountry]

I was talking about the generator. There are two 120v, 15 amp duplex recepticals, and 1 30 amp L5 120v receptical that have both neutral and ground connections. My thought is to utilize the 240 volt outlet wires and pick up the neutral from the 120v circuits and run a 4 wire receptical. Sound reasonable?

Yea sounds good.