Running 120v Generator to L14-30 rec options?

[Hip2u77]

Hey all,

I'm trying to figure out what options I have to use a couple new generators I bought.

Right now, when the power goes out at my house, I use a B&S 5500w non-inverter generator that I hook to a manual transfer switch with the typical 30a Reliance L14-30p on the back of my house using a 40ft cord. But, to get the generator in the back yard requires enough work that I never roll it out there until I know power is going to be off for at least 6+ hours

Over the last couple months, thanks to GJ deals, I ended up grabbing a couple of the 2000w Pulsar's from Aldi. They're small enough to where I can grab one and be in the back yard hooked up in 10 minutes.

The question is, what is the easiest option so I can use either or both of the gens (based on needs) with the already installed L14-30? I read Offroadsteve's post here, which I think applies, but I don't want to modify any outlets / cords since I want to be able to use my big gen also.

Am I covering all my basses with a parallel kit and this L5-30 to L14-30 adapter? My thought is, the parallel kit gives me a L5-30 outlet and then I use the above adapter and hook one gen to my transfer switch using the unaltered 40ft cord. If I need more power I'll add the second gen to the other side of the parallel kit. If I need even more power I'll go back to the B&S. What I don't know is. . . is it safe to use a parallel kit with only one gen hooked up? Doesn't hooking to 2 gens just double the amps?

For the record, I don't need 240v. We have a forced air NG furnace, NG water heater and I don't need the electric stove or central air when the power is off. During warmer weather, I only need enough to run the frig and a box fan to keep the wife happy when she sleeps. When it's colder I might need the second gen to run the blower on the furnace.

Thanks!

 

[wyliesdiesels]

You cannot just parallel any two generators.

You have to use generators that can sync together.

Also the parallel kit you linked to is for a different brand of generator.

You need to use this one ONLY when using the pulsars.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011NNI126/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[theoldwizard1]

Most inverter generator parallel kits have nothing "special" inside the box. The wires are simply joined. I do not know what magic is used so that the 2 generators figure out who is the master and who is the slave when it comes to synchronizing their output.

Lot's of video on home brew Honda parallel kits.

The question is, what is the easiest option so I can use either or both of the gens (based on needs) with the already installed L14-30? I read Offroadsteve's post here, which I think applies, but I don't want to modify any outlets / cords since I want to be able to use my big gen also.

Am I covering all my basses with a parallel kit and this L5-30 to L14-30 adapter? My thought is, the parallel kit gives me a L5-30 outlet and then I use the above adapter and hook one gen to my transfer switch using the unaltered 40ft cord. If I need more power I'll add the second gen to the other side of the parallel kit.

The short answer is, that will work. I am not sure that hooking L1 to L2 is "legal", but it works. 240V appliance of course will NOT work.

 

[dcg9381]

> B&S 5500w non-inverter generator

You may know this, but I didn't, as I've got a 5000 watt B&S.
You can get 240V out of it, but the breaker is rated at about 17 amps on mine.
My champion 3500 watt, which is 120V, has a ~25 amp rated breaker off of the 120V side. So, in my circumstance, I bought it to run an RV air conditioner - and it wouldn't do so reliably...



So, depending on the types of loads that you see and what circuits they are on, that 5500 watt generator may put less usable power than a smaller genset.

Inverter generators with parallel kits usually resolve this issue, but you have to really look at the breaker rating on the circuit.

 

[Falcon67]

>
So, depending on the types of loads that you see and what circuits they are on, that 5500 watt generator may put less usable power than a smaller genset.

Eh? 3500 / 120 = 29.1A 5500 / 120 = 45.8A. or 23A PRE LEG @ 240V. Just had an argument with some guy about a 6500 that I have for sale. 27A per leg @ 240V, 50A 120V. It's a 50A generator. Not a 30A. His response "Say s 30A on the plug" (240V L14-30R)

 

[jeepxj]

You cannot just parallel any two generators.

You have to use generators that can sync together.

Also the parallel kit you linked to is for a different brand of generator.

You need to use this one ONLY when using the pulsars.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011NNI126/?tag=atomicindus08-20

in theory you can parallel any set of generators. The issue is on these smaller units you have no real means of control on speed.

https://www.electronicshub.org/synchronization-of-generators/#Two_Bright_and_One_Dark_Lamp_Method

I'd love to see someone do that for a set of cheapies just for the laugh

 

[theoldwizard1]

in theory you can parallel any set of generators.

Theory yes, practice, NO !

I some places where POCOs "trade" megawatts of power, it is converted to DC and then back to AC so that synchronization is not an issue.

 

[Hip2u77]

You cannot just parallel any two generators.

You have to use generators that can sync together.

Also the parallel kit you linked to is for a different brand of generator.

You need to use this one ONLY when using the pulsars.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011NNI126/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Why do I need to use the Pulsar one? Is there something inside that is different from the HF one? Obviously, I don't want to mess up the gens, but I also don't want to spend more than I have to, either. There are at least 2 positive reviews on the HF site of people using the HF parallel kit with the Pulsar generators, without issue. There is a picture of the inside of the kit on the HF reviews page and it's simply wired from bananna to breaker to outlet. Nothing fancy.

Edit: Thanks for the help, everyone.

 

[slow]

Theory yes, practice, NO !

I some places where POCOs "trade" megawatts of power, it is converted to DC and then back to AC so that synchronization is not an issue.

do you have any pictures of this setup, I have never heard of this, always heard of syncing to the grid with the generation of the power to begin with.

 

[theoldwizard1]

do you have any pictures of this setup, I have never heard of this, always heard of syncing to the grid with the generation of the power to begin with.

Wikipedia High Voltage Direct Current

 

[slow]

Wow, that is some serious equipment! Thanks for the link.

 

[dcg9381]

Eh? 3500 / 120 = 29.1A 5500 / 120 = 45.8A. or 23A PRE LEG @ 240V. Just had an argument with some guy about a 6500 that I have for sale. 27A per leg @ 240V, 50A 120V. It's a 50A generator. Not a 30A. His response "Say s 30A on the plug" (240V L14-30R)

I don't follow all that. I'd just say, find a parts list and look at the installed breaker.

5500 watt / 240 = 22.9A (peak) - so breaker is probably 80% of that = 18 amps - which is what was installed on mine...
Sure, it's got a 30A connector on it. Capable of 18amps on each side.

Can't run an RV air conditioner on it...

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Eh? 3500 / 120 = 29.1A 5500 / 120 = 45.8A. or 23A PRE LEG @ 240V. Just had an argument with some guy about a 6500 that I have for sale. 27A per leg @ 240V, 50A 120V. It's a 50A generator. Not a 30A. His response "Say s 30A on the plug" (240V L14-30R)

No if its a 240v generator then its not a 50a generator. 6500/240= 27a. So its not even 30a generator.

Same goes for a service on a house. When its a 100a main breaker, we dont call it a 200a service @ 120v. we call it a 100a service.

Why do I need to use the Pulsar one? Is there something inside that is different from the HF one? Obviously, I don't want to mess up the gens, but I also don't want to spend more than I have to, either. There are at least 2 positive reviews on the HF site of people using the HF parallel kit with the Pulsar generators, without issue. There is a picture of the inside of the kit on the HF reviews page and it's simply wired from bananna to breaker to outlet. Nothing fancy.

Edit: Thanks for the help, everyone.

Im thinking in terms of generator warranty.

 

[Hip2u77]

Im thinking in terms of generator warranty.

Ahh, that makes more sense.

 

[Falcon67]

No if its a 240v generator then its not a 50a generator. 6500/240= 27a. So its not even 30a generator.

Same goes for a service on a house. When its a 100a main breaker, we dont call it a 200a service @ 120v. we call it a 100a service.



Im thinking in terms of generator warranty.

On 240V. The Mfg rates it at 50A @ 120V, so either/or. 6500w, 8125 starting watts. Sliced as you like it.

"Gasoline Running Amps at 120V 54.2A"

The "30A" generator we had was a 3500/400 starting with a 120V 30A RV plug. Our trailer is wired with "50A service" and requires at least 5500 running watts with 240V supply. IMHO the terms used for RVs, trailers and portable generators can be stated several ways.