10kw Onan on 30 amp - bad idea?

[viento1]

Hey guys, Spring is here for sure this time and I have a question.

I converted my bus from 50amp to 30amp and now am no longer able to utilize my generator to its full potential.  Is it OK to run off half the generator. I heard that on the cheaper units it is a serious balance issue but on the ONAN all is good?

Alternatively, if anyone wants to trade a 10kw quiet diesel for something smaller...

Thanks

[TomC]

I have my Powertech 10kw wired straight 120vac.  No balancing issues.  My land line is only one leg of the 50 amp-once again, no balancing issues.  I like this so much, I'm going to wire my new Wrico 13kw the same way and run the land line the same on my truck conversion.  Good Luck, TomC

[Len Silva]

I looked at the generator here:
http://www.cumminsonan.com/cm/products/diesel/compare?gensetId=21

They don't indicate that it is reconnectable for 120, though it probably is.  If it is not, then one way (though not inexpensive) would be a 240:120 transformer to balance it out.

I think you are on the right track to change it out for a 6-8 kw.  If you are wired for 30 amps, you will never use it's capacity anyway.

Personally, I think 6 kw and a little load management is the way to go.

[Frank @ TX]

Viento1,
I was told by an electrical eng'r that works with power, that generator windings are all spiraled together and it will not hurt anything to have one leg fully loaded and the other at no-load.
I asked because we have 3 AC's and there would be no way to keep it balanced.
I have an ampmeter on each leg to check.
8 years and no problems.
Frank

[Ncbob]

Viento1,  you don't have a problem as long as you change the circuit breaker on the output side of the generator to 30 Amps. If it's a 4 lead generator the reconnection diagram should be on the reverse side to the connection cover and will tell you how to connect it for 120V AC.  Otherwise you can get that information for your unit from your Cummins/Onan dealer.

I was in that business for years (an Onan dealer) so what sometimes seems insurmountable often becomes a simple solution.

cordially,

NCbob