3000W Chinese Gensets Info.

gnolivos wrote:
Hello all. Simple question...

Can anyone confirm that on the Champion C46540 generator, one can use the RV Plug (L5-30P, 3 prong, 30 Watt outlet) to power up 120V devices at home, WHILE MAINTAINING A REGULATED VOLTAGE?

The reason I ask is because my tests on the 120/240V outlet indicate that only one leg is regulated, and it caused all sorts of issues with my generator cord. (2 outlet at the end of the cord were regulated, the other 2 where not).

I'm planning on using one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Cable-25-Foot-Generator-3-Outlets/dp/B000289BAK

Thanks for any help!

Look at the wiring diagram found here.

When you are using the 30 AMP 120 volt TT30R outlet both MW1 and MW2 are in parallel and appear to the AVR as one winding, not two. Therefore, there should be no issue with regulation.

Now, that said, when you connect to the L14-30R the selector switch must be in the 240 volt position. This cuts off all voltage to the 120 volt outlets and places MW1 and MW2 in series. Once again, the series windings appear to be just one larger, continuous winding to the AVR and 240 VAC will be fully regulated.

But, an issue can develop when using the L14-30R in the 240 volt mode to create two 120 volt branch circuits from the outlet with a common neutral. The issue is the windings may not be equally loaded - meaning MW1 may be connected to a 13 amp load and MW2 connected to an 8 amp load. The voltage drop OHM's Law describes will naturally create a difference between MW1 and MW2 at the outlet. For this reason, I prefer to use the 30 amp TT outlet and feed a break-out box with two standard 120 VAC duplex outlets.

Bottom line - this is not a regulation issue related to the AVR being connected to MW1 as shown in the wiring diagram. It is a loading issue.

I would like to know what "all sorts of issues" you experienced with your generator cord. This could help me considerably to further understand how to answer any remaining questions you may have.