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10-11-2014, 03:53 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 16
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Portable Generator Breaker switch..
Here is my issue.. Fifth wheel that is 50 amp.. I am trying to use a portable generator .. Briggs and Stratt .. 8550 start .. 5550 continuous .. The 30 out is a NEMA L14-30 125/250VAC 120/240 outlet circuit breaker switch.. I attach the "4" Prong locking 30 amp adapter that is a 30 amp out.. use a 30 amp to 50 amp dogbone to attach my 50 amp cable to my RV.. I do not get any power to the RV.. No breakers pop.. etc.. I was afraid that something horrible happened but upon inspection .. no breakers within the unit popped .. Turned off generator.. disconnected it and switched on batteries.. Thankfully everything worked fine.. I checked the Generator and the 120/240 circuit breaker on the generator popped .. So I disconnected the 30amp to 50 amp dogbone and main cord to RV but left the "4" prong generator adapter plugged in.. Fired generator and the breaker didn't pop...? What would be making my Generator pop its breaker ..? I never used anything within the RV to draw any power..? Is there a switch/unit I am over looking ..? I don't want to damage my unit..
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10-11-2014, 07:31 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Eastern Ontario
Posts: 4,167
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From your description, I think it is your 30 amp to 50 amp dog bone adapter that is creating a short causing your generator breaker to open. Pictures of your set up and adapters would help.....
Also I think you would need one of these to connect to generator.
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping...-adapter/69592
__________________
Fonzie
2011 Rockwood 8319SS with ProPride 3P hitch/GoodYear Marathons/TST TPMS 507
2019 F350 Ruby Red 6.7l diesel 3.31 axle electronic locker
Yamaha 3000iseb generator:Progressive Ind. EMS-HW30C : Eastern Ontario
Nights Camped: 2014 (18) 2015 (18) 2016 (36) 2017 (32) 2018 (42) 2019 (28) 2020 (35)
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10-12-2014, 10:19 AM
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#4
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 16
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Fonzie.. If I may ask.. Why would the Generator circuit breaker pop with the configuration I mentioned..? I was explained that I would lose a leg .. I have basic knowledge I believe.. Going from the 4 prong 30 to another 30amp/50 dogbone to my 50 main cord that runs to my RV If I am understanding doesn't allow the full power .. How would it short the generator out..? I don't have any pics to show.. My trailer is in storage at the moment .. Thanks again ..
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10-12-2014, 06:06 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Eastern Ontario
Posts: 4,167
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That is why I'm asking for a picture of your dog bone adapter that you mentioned in your first post. (I attach the "4" Prong locking 30 amp adapter that is a 30 amp out.. use a 30 amp to 50 amp dogbone)
Is it like the ones you post above or is it like this one? ( a 3 straight blade to 4 straight adapter)
50 Amp 125/250V RV Female to 30 Amp RV Male Pigtail Adapter with Pull Handles - Furrion IP5431R-SB - Electrical Adapters - Camping World
__________________
Fonzie
2011 Rockwood 8319SS with ProPride 3P hitch/GoodYear Marathons/TST TPMS 507
2019 F350 Ruby Red 6.7l diesel 3.31 axle electronic locker
Yamaha 3000iseb generator:Progressive Ind. EMS-HW30C : Eastern Ontario
Nights Camped: 2014 (18) 2015 (18) 2016 (36) 2017 (32) 2018 (42) 2019 (28) 2020 (35)
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10-12-2014, 07:49 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,570
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vonner
Here is my issue.. Fifth wheel that is 50 amp.. I am trying to use a portable generator .. Briggs and Stratt .. 8550 start .. 5550 continuous .. The 30 out is a NEMA L14-30 125/250VAC 120/240 outlet circuit breaker switch.. I attach the "4" Prong locking 30 amp adapter that is a 30 amp out.. use a 30 amp to 50 amp dogbone to attach my 50 amp cable to my RV.. I do not get any power to the RV.. No breakers pop.. etc.. I was afraid that something horrible happened but upon inspection .. no breakers within the unit popped .. Turned off generator.. disconnected it and switched on batteries.. Thankfully everything worked fine.. I checked the Generator and the 120/240 circuit breaker on the generator popped .. So I disconnected the 30amp to 50 amp dogbone and main cord to RV but left the "4" prong generator adapter plugged in.. Fired generator and the breaker didn't pop...? What would be making my Generator pop its breaker ..? I never used anything within the RV to draw any power..? Is there a switch/unit I am over looking ..? I don't want to damage my unit..
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I may have figured your connection problem. Your unit is delivering 220V. By using a std. 50-30 amp Y you are shorting L1 to L2 just as Fonzie guessed. Not a portable gen guy but gotta believe there is an accessory to convert the gen set to a 120 output.
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10-13-2014, 09:37 AM
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#7
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 16
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10-13-2014, 10:00 AM
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#8
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 16
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10-13-2014, 10:20 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,570
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Portable Generator Breaker switch..
No damage yet, thank heavens for circuit breakers. Your original setup looked like you generator at 220Vac to deliver single phase 110. Now I see you can deliver two 110 circuits. For your 50 amp Rv. I noted a special (unusual) portable cord that has male end for gen set with L ground and 3 blades L 1-2 and neutral. Other end is a 50 amp female with round ground and 3 blades same power and neutral , that your coach will plug into. This is correctly not 220 volt but two 120 volt circuits at 30 amp capacity. Please use a meter to confirm L1 and L2 to neutral are 120 v each.
Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forum.
I saw the connector on line at portable generator cords.
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10-13-2014, 10:41 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Eastern Ontario
Posts: 4,167
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Vonner, from what you posted in #7, you probably did not do any damage to your unit, but probably overloaded your generator 30 amp receptacle breaker as it was trying to feed all the load in the trailer on one leg of the 125/230 volt supply. With the new adapter you should have two circuits feeding your 50 amp RV plug with about 23.1 amps per leg. You still have to manage your load in the trailer not to exceed the generator breaker rating..... What is the rating of the generator breaker feeding the 30 amp receptacle?
__________________
Fonzie
2011 Rockwood 8319SS with ProPride 3P hitch/GoodYear Marathons/TST TPMS 507
2019 F350 Ruby Red 6.7l diesel 3.31 axle electronic locker
Yamaha 3000iseb generator:Progressive Ind. EMS-HW30C : Eastern Ontario
Nights Camped: 2014 (18) 2015 (18) 2016 (36) 2017 (32) 2018 (42) 2019 (28) 2020 (35)
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10-13-2014, 10:48 AM
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#12
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 16
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Fonzie there is a section on Generator overload I will post another pic.. Thanks
http://s517.photobucket.com/user/von...17e64.jpg.html
I am unable to see if the Breaker is rated for the unit is in storage ..
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10-13-2014, 10:56 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,570
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That cord looks like it,, you can also have a friend with meter confirm the voltages. The unit is rated at 5550 watts w/ about 25% short overload. That's nearly 25 amps or 1/2 shore power rating.
Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums
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10-13-2014, 11:07 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Eastern Ontario
Posts: 4,167
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vonner
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Your generator breaker is most likely rated at 25 amps. You just need to manage your load as per your guide posted.
__________________
Fonzie
2011 Rockwood 8319SS with ProPride 3P hitch/GoodYear Marathons/TST TPMS 507
2019 F350 Ruby Red 6.7l diesel 3.31 axle electronic locker
Yamaha 3000iseb generator:Progressive Ind. EMS-HW30C : Eastern Ontario
Nights Camped: 2014 (18) 2015 (18) 2016 (36) 2017 (32) 2018 (42) 2019 (28) 2020 (35)
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10-13-2014, 11:15 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Eastern Ontario
Posts: 4,167
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vonner
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Just to confirm, you should be OK with this adapter and not need an electrician at this point.
__________________
Fonzie
2011 Rockwood 8319SS with ProPride 3P hitch/GoodYear Marathons/TST TPMS 507
2019 F350 Ruby Red 6.7l diesel 3.31 axle electronic locker
Yamaha 3000iseb generator:Progressive Ind. EMS-HW30C : Eastern Ontario
Nights Camped: 2014 (18) 2015 (18) 2016 (36) 2017 (32) 2018 (42) 2019 (28) 2020 (35)
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10-13-2014, 11:27 AM
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#16
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 16
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Cheer's to both of you..
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10-14-2014, 10:51 AM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 755
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vonner
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Guys, is this adapter all I would need for my setup? My TT is 30amp and my generator also has the 30 amp 120/240 4 prong outlet. Also the gen plug has a 120/240 toggle switch located next to the 4 prong plug in question and I'm guessing choosing 240 v would be a mistake, Or would it matter since the adapter would eliminate one leg of the 240 from entering my TT. My generator is 5550 continuous watt and 8500 watt start up rated, would that power a 15k AC? Sorry to hijack the thread and thanks in advance.
__________________
2012 F-350 4x4 King Ranch Super Duty CC 6.7 Turbo Diesel 3.55 e-locker
2011 Palomino Puma 30KFBDS with Side Paw Kitchen and Bunkhouse
Equalizer E2 Hitch
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10-14-2014, 11:45 AM
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#18
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 16
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Gass, I am not sure.. But I believe Vince or Fonzie may be able to help you out.. I will tell you to be careful and make sure before hooking up and running.. I am thankful for the Breaker switch on my unit .. From this forum answers and a chat with a neighbor whom is a retired electrician ..I could of really done some serious damage to my unit..
.. Curious my Unit doesn't have a switch to go between 120/240 ..hmmmm
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10-14-2014, 12:10 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 755
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I did some more reading and went ahead and ordered the 4 prong to 30 amp adapter http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 from Amazon for $23. I'm thinking you would need to have the toggle set at 240 in order to get all the juice that outlet has to offer. The adapter will eliminate one leg of the 240 giving you 120 (30amp) to the TT. Kind of like using the 50 amp pedestal outlet and a dogbone 50 amp to 30 amp adapter to connect to the 30 amp plug/cord on the TT.
__________________
2012 F-350 4x4 King Ranch Super Duty CC 6.7 Turbo Diesel 3.55 e-locker
2011 Palomino Puma 30KFBDS with Side Paw Kitchen and Bunkhouse
Equalizer E2 Hitch
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