240V from 120V generator

[Groover]

I would love to be able to use the 6KW quiet diesel in my motorhome as a backup generator at the house. One problem is that the house needs 240V while the generator makes 120V. I have not had good luck finding 120V to 240V transformers. I am not an electrician but I remember something about isolation transformers changing the phase of the current but I don't remember if it is 180 degrees which is needed to make to 240V or only 90 degrees. Anyway, is there anyone out there with experience on this that has a good solution? I would like to be able to supply 4kw at reverse phase in case the load is off balance in the wrong direction.

[Groover]

Ivylog wrote:
Probably easier and not any more expensive to buy a 4K generator that puts out 240V.

It would be but a generator is useless without fuel and I don't want to keep a bunch of extra gasoline that I rarely use around the house. I always put the motorhome away with 70 gallons of diesel available to the genset. Plus, that diesel is a lot quieter than most inexpensive generators. Actually, I already own a 5K gasoline unit but keeping it ready is a challenge.

[time2roll]

6kw $1,300

Might have to be dedicated to just the pump. No neutral. Probably plenty to create split phase at higher cost.

[Ivylog]

Probably easier and not any more expensive to buy a 4K generator that puts out 240V.

[Groover]

time2roll wrote:
What do you have that is 240 volts and critical? I would thing the fridge a few lights and a few outlets would be fine in an emergency. Furnace should run on 120 power. Retreat to the RV if you need air conditioning or to cook. +1 to get an electrician to look at it.

AC, furnace and well pump. I don't have any built in fossil fuel heat. Giving out of water would be the most painful.

[time2roll]

What do you have that is 240 volts and critical? I would thing the fridge a few lights and a few outlets would be fine in an emergency. Furnace should run on 120 power. Retreat to the RV if you need air conditioning or to cook. +1 to get an electrician to look at it.

[w4phj]

DownTheAvenue wrote:
You can feed both 120 volt legs of your house by jumping the one hot leg over to both legs off the house. You will not have 240 volts to power things like the stove, dryer, A/C, but both legs of the house power will be charged with 120 volts.

X2

[cavie]

call an electrician. Have him install a Generator lock out to match your house panel. You cannot supply 240 volts from your gen. You will have access to any 120.

[D_E_Bishop]

If and when you rig things so you can use your RV genny for your home, remember that for safety's sake, install a transfer relay or manual switch in your home service. If you don't you WILL back feed power into the utility's grid and that could injure or kill some one. If you don't understand what to do, hire an electrician.

[pianotuna]

Get a manual transfer switch: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Reliance-Controls-50-Amp-10-Circuit-Manual-Transfer-Switch-A510C/2065033...

[Ivylog]

Good solution is to not power any of the 240V items...turn all those breakers off and do the above.

[DownTheAvenue]

You can feed both 120 volt legs of your house by jumping the one hot leg over to both legs off the house. You will not have 240 volts to power things like the stove, dryer, A/C, but both legs of the house power will be charged with 120 volts.