Connect 120v Gen to 50Amp ATS?

wa8yxm wrote:

DryCamper11 wrote:
How is a 120v only generator connected to the gen input of an automatic transfer switch in a 50 amp coach? Is the hot lead from the 120v gen simply connected to (and shorted across) both the L1 and L2 hot leads of the ATS?

Depepends on the generator but basically... YES

Now my ONAN is a 120 volt generator, but it has two 30 amp outputs. one goes to L-1, one to L-2 They are "in phase" though so I can not get 240 V out of it (Well I can but I cheat). According to "Sources" the unit can not be rewired for normal feed.

But one breaker goes to L-1, one to L-2 that simple.

Internal to the generator they are shorted together.

Others.. Well if I had a single 50 amp feed, then it would be shorted to L-1 L-2 as you describe.

If they are internally shorted, then they could be externally shorted as well, correct? You might blow a 30 amp fuse on one leg, if you draw more than 30 amps and the current doesnt flow equally through tbe two legs due to some imbalance.

If you don't do that, then you are limited to 30 amps on any one leg from a generator rated for over 60 amps when supplying a leg in the coach rated for 50 amps.


In other words, if you independently connect L1 and L2 to the two 30A outputs of the gen and you put a 40A load on the L1 input leg, the gen will be unable to meet that need even though it is capable of supplying 60+ amps.

Is it possible to cross connect L1 and L2 safely.? If you do, wouldn't you be able to meet that 40A need?
(provided the gen outputs remain balanced and feed current roughly equally through both breakers.) Even if current doesnt flow equally, at worst, thone of the 30A gen breakers will blow, I would think.

I wasn't sure if an HKAK with two 120 v outputs could have both outputs connected.

I know there is still the issue of the ATS which is usually 30A rated for switching.