GENERATOR QUESTIONS FOR YOU EXPERT ELECTRICIANS

[TBone]

I have two Champion 3400 watt - 120 volt generators. If I run the 120 volt feed from both of them to a 240 volt receptacle, wiring the hot wires from each generator to the two legs of my 240v receptacle, will this produce the 240 volts I need to run my welder?

 

[techman]

The answer is NO. In order to get 240 volts you need to have the two generators at the same exact speed and phased with respect to each other. If you connect them in series and the speed is slightly different you will see the voltage go from 0 volts to 240 volts at a rate that is the difference in the speeds. The only way this could work is to mechanically couple the two crankshafts and phase them to each other. Not a realistic alternative.

Paul

 

[CalG]

There is a way to get two generators "speaking the same language". and share their output

The trick involves a lightbulb. I've only read about the method. Details will need to come from others sources.

 

[CobyRupert]

Sorry TBone from Alabama:

Short answer: No way!

Theoretical answer: Maybe. If you tie the neutrals together and somehow get them to run exactly 180 degrees out of phase with each other, and stay synchronized exactly 180 degrees out of phase, all the time, over varying loads, frequency droops, etc... This would be very hard, if not impossible. What would probably happen is voltage would go from 0 volts to 240 then back to 0, as one out of synch genny laps the other (best case). And I don't even want to guess what would happen when one genny is putting out 59.5 hertz and the other is 60.5 hertz, as to what the voltage or waveform would even look like. Some nasty harmonics.

 

[CobyRupert]

The answer is NO. In order to get 240 volts you need to have the two generators at the same exact speed and phased with respect to each other. If you connect them in series and the speed is slightly different you will see the voltage go from 0 volts to 240 volts at a rate that is the difference in the speeds. The only way this could work is to mechanically couple the two crankshafts and phase them to each other. Not a realistic alternative.

Paul

I was "dreaming" about that option (notion)..theoretically seems possible for solid state generators or synchronous generators, but are most gennys these types? But do most generators have 'slippage" (like a squirrel cage induction motor) that would make synchronizing them VERY hard?

 

[Roadworthy]

Some generators can operate in that manner though it will take extra equipment. Most cannot. Your best bet - get an appropriate generator or 120 volt welder.

 

[TBone]

Some generators can operate in that manner though it will take extra equipment. Most cannot. Your best bet - get an appropriate generator or 120 volt welder.

THANKS TO ALL for the replies. I forgot to mention that these are inverter generators but I don't think that matters. I was afraid it wouldn't be that easy but I knew some of you guys could advise me. Actually I have a 240 volt generator (not inverter type) but it is waaay to heavy for me to load in the back of my truck by myself. I thought if I could throw these two little ones in there and go it might work out for me when I can't get to electricity. Oh well, so much for that idea. :cool2:

 

[nyone]

You can parallel some inverter generators but they still dont make 240v...its also not worth killing two expensive well running generators for a few welds.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Actually I have a 240 volt generator (not inverter type) but it is waaay to heavy for me to load in the back of my truck by myself.

Use your tractor to load it...

SR

 

[TBone]

Use your tractor to load it...

SR

Great idea but I keep the generators at my house and my tractor is out on the remote property.