[aquasport17]

Hello,

I have a 120/240V generator which is rated for 7200W continuous, and has one L14-30 for 120/240V, one L5-30 for 120V, and one 20A duplex. The L14-30 connection has two 30A breakers on the generator panel - I assume one for each pole. So assuming this generator can push 60A @ 120V or 30A at 240V (or some combination), what is the best way to maximize the connection to the transfer switch? In other words, is the L14-30 a 30A feed or a 60A feed?

My issue seems to be that it seems silly to have a 30A transfer switch fed by a 30A generator feed when my generator is capable of [email protected]

It seems that I would use a switch like the GenTran 3026 or 3028, but how do I get the full 60A if needed?

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[AandPDan]

You're confusing watts and amps.

30 amp X 240 volts = 7200 watts.
60 amp X 120 volts = 7200 watts.

Between each hot leg and neutral (120 volts) on your generator you can draw 30 amps which is 3600 watts. Between both hot legs (240 volts) you can draw 30 amps, 7200 watts.

What you do is use the proper L14-30 connector to your generator panel. The panel distributes the power onto two buses. You can then put any combination of 120 volt and 240 volt devices, up to 7200 watts load. It is important that you try to balance the load equally on the panel. You can't for example, draw 4000 watts on one leg and 3200 on the other. You'll trip the generator breaker.

If you look at the Gentran 3026 for example, the watt meters are to help you balance the load. Note: they only read up to 3750 watts per leg, they don't read amps.

 

[aquasport17]

Okay I sort of figured that - but didn't realize I needed to balance the load. Balancing the load seems tricky to me since the appliances in use, and 240V well pump cycling could vary at any time. But I get the concept now. how close does it need to be?

So assuming I wire as you stated, are the remaining receptacles on the generator available for use so long as I don't exceed rated wattage? I would assume they are.

Thanks!

 

[AandPDan]

The closer you can balance the better for the generator.

The well pump, being 240 volt is already going to be balanced.

The other receptacle should be available. Just watch your loading. Balancing the load is the most important thing with a small generator.

You might put, for example, your boiler on one leg and your refrigerator on the other. Then some lights on one, lights on the other. The well pump and any 240 vac device is already balanced as it is on both legs.