How would I convert a 12 wire generator to single phase to run my home. The generator I'm looking at I attached the tab from. Looking to power a few homes with it.
That's what he said then, I found a video of one online and it is not. I think the guy bought it think it was and is just saying it is to unload it. I saw on the Tag it says 4 lead, I'm going to keep looking for a different generator that either is single phase or a 12 wire to convert. My home has electric heat so need at minimum 30kw but want bigger to power all buildings.
Why do you care? Just use the generator as is and only use single phase from it. Yes, it would be a waste to buy it like that new on purpose. But if you can get a deal on this, why do you care?
" We are all here on earth to help others; what on earth the others are here for I don't know." -- W. H. Auden
Using a 3 phase generator in single phase only can cause some voltage regulation issues if the regulator is single phase.
Normally one could feed the generator into a transformer and then tap the transformer for single phase. This helps balance things on the generator side.
You could use a 208Y/120 electrical panel for your house and supply it with 3 phase. If you have 3 phase at the pole this would make a good match. If you have 208 volts you probably have 3 phase.
A single voltage generator is a rare bird. The nameplate doesn't ways tell the whole story. A picture inside the enclosure could give better information. If it has 9 leads or more the transformer option above is viable. If it has 12 leads you can wire directly for single phase.
Definitely don't have access to three phase from the pole. Most of my stuff is 120 and 240. I did find a 55kw winco that is a 12 lead but waiting on more details if it is able to have the voltage regulator adjusted or changed as it's currently a 277/480 voltage. I'm looking at a few different ones in my state all for $3500
If it's a 12 lead generator you can wire the stator coils in double delta or zig zag to get the lower output voltage.
Voltage regulators often sense L-0 for high voltage and L-L for low voltage so making a voltage change on the generator may not require changing the regulator.
After distributing your loads in 3 phases, use an automatic/manual 4 pole load transfer switch as below.
For utility supply on the top right (marked as mains supply), short L1,L2,L3 on the mains input side and connect your single phase utility input to (L1+L2+L3) and N. This way you can use your 3 phase genny supply and the single phase utility supply separately.
You need a good certified electrician to do the 3 phase load distribution and the load transfer switch installation.
Count the wires.
A four lead set has four wires.
A twelve lead set has 12 wires.
It doesn't matter.
Disconnect one lead set from the neutral stud. Both leads together if it is a 12 lead set.
Connect the disconnected leads to one of the other line leads.
Use a continuity tester to avoid connecting the winding back on itself.
Tape the connection and forget it.
Now you have two line leads and a neutral.
Of the original three line leads, one will remain, one will be taped up and the other end of the winding('s) that you disconnected from the neutral stud will be the second line lead.
You will have a single phase, in phase output.
The KW capacity will be will be 2/3 of the original KVA capacity.
The KVA capacity will be will be 2/3 of the original KVA capacity.
The PF will be 100%, 1.0, or unity.
This is the preferred method of reconnecting older sets.
You need only one simple check with a continuity tester.
You don't need to see wire numbers that may have become lost or illegible.
Your 187 KVA set will become a 125 KVA, 125 KW set.
10 lead sets may also be reconnected but it takes a little more work.
A bar-diamond or Collin connection is used for 10 lead sets.
Voltage regulator connections? Connect line to line and adjust the voltage for a 208 Volt regulator.
If you must have 208 Volts for the regulator, connect to the taped up joint and to the other line lead.
If I have to explain how to connect a 120 Volt regulator, it would be better if you hired professional help. (For the whole job!)
-------------------- Ohm's law
Not just a good idea; It's the LAW!
