Anyone converted a Powertech generator to 120 volt? - Page 2
 

Anyone converted a Powertech generator to 120 volt?

Started by belfert, October 01, 2008, 07:09:30 AM

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JackConrad

Quote from: belfert on October 01, 2008, 07:30:15 AM
There are two seperate single pole 35 amp breakers on the generator.  One of the steps in converting to 120 volt is to add a jumper wire between the two breakers.  According to Powertech that jumper should allow me to use the full 66 amps on one leg.

    That is the way we converted our PowerTech 10 KW from 240 to 120 output.  Our generator was converted by a PowerTech technician at their plant when we had the 8KW head replaced with a 10 KW (warranty thing). When they did the change, they also changed the 35 amp circiut breakers to 45 amp. 
    Sounds like you may have a weak breaker.  What size wire did you use for a jumper?  We used 6 gauge.  We ran the 2 output hot wires from the generator circuit breakers to our 50 amp transfer switch (this transfer switch has connections for 2 hot wires from the generator. A 6 gauge jumper was added betweern these 2 terminals.
  My PowerTech schematic shows the jumper on the line side of the 2 pole circuit breaker (connecting generator leads V-1 & V-2 at the circuit breaker) Generator leads U-1 & U-2 are connected to the generator frame (ground). The schematic shows no jumper on the load side of the circuit breaker. The schematic list 35 AMP 2 pole breaker for 8 KW, 45 AMP for 10 KW, and 50 AMP for 12 KW.  Jack
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coachconverter

I did this on an EPS generator last year, and I had the company draw me a diagram and fax to me, they drew it wrong and it wasted the breakers.  They sent me another diagram and it worked. 

I would do the same thing with Powertech, if they draw a good enough diagram it should be very clear.

FWIW

Todd

belfert

Okay, I finally was home from early enough to look at this.

The jumper between the breakers was on the line side as per the wiring diagram provided by Powertech.  I moved the jumper to the load side and had no problem running the same loads that previously tripped the breaker.

The way things are wired I am not sure if I want to change to a single 65 amp breaker.  If it works as it is I don't really want to change it.
Brian Elfert - 1995 Dina Viaggio 1000 Series 60/B500 - 75% done but usable - Minneapolis, MN