Portable Generator Breaker switch..

Vonner · 10-11-2014, 03:53 PM

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..

fonzie · 10-11-2014, 07:31 PM

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

Vonner · 10-12-2014, 10:01 AM

I have another quick question.. For its seems nobody from Home Depot and Camping World whom both of my Local locations advised me to make an appointment with their Service Dept.. This is the Simple question.. The Camping world advertise adapter specifies that it is a 125/250 ..

50 Amp 125/250V RV Female to 30 Amp 4-Prong Twist Lock Male Generator Adapter - Furrion FP52GEN4-SB - Generator Accessories - Camping World

I have found one from another Online Retailer

Electric Generator Depot - DuroMax 10/4 30 to 50 Amp RV Adapter (for all standard 50A RV's) That is able to ship it 2 day for we needed it by next Thursday for we are leaving on a 14 day .. Ok now the Question .. are they basically the same..? I have noticed that some specify 120/240 yet my Generator 4 prong outlet specifies 125/250 .. Thanks again Fonzie .. Cheer's

Vonner · 10-12-2014, 10:19 AM

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 ..

fonzie · 10-12-2014, 06:06 PM

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

VinceU · 10-12-2014, 07:49 PM

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..

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.

Vonner · 10-13-2014, 09:37 AM

Fonzie.. Correct .. these are my adapters/dogbone etc.. Again thanks for all your help.. I ordered the 4 prong direct to the 50 RV .. its being shipped.. But this is what I tried ..

#1 Power Grip 30-Amp Generator Adapter - Camco 55382 - Electrical Adapters - Camping World

#2 50 Amp 125/250V RV Female to 30 Amp RV Male Pigtail Adapter with Pull Handles - Furrion IP5431R-SB - Electrical Adapters - Camping World

#3 This is not the exact but the Furrion 50 amp that came with the Fifth wheel

50 Amp 125/250V RV Cordset with Power Smart LED - 25' - Furrion F50AR25-SB - Electrical Cords - Camping World

Vonner · 10-13-2014, 10:00 AM

after reading Vince post .. I am concerned about damaging my unit.. here are a few pics that may help seeing what I am trying to do ..

710e6640-b37b-439e-9017-3f31953dfa06.jpg Photo by vonner1 | Photobucket

20141013_104648.jpg Photo by vonner1 | Photobucket

20141010_142903.jpg Photo by vonner1 | Photobucket

VinceU · 10-13-2014, 10:20 AM

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.

fonzie · 10-13-2014, 10:41 AM

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?

Vonner · 10-13-2014, 10:41 AM

Vince and Fonzie..,, Thank you both for your help.. I am way over my head with all this.. Unless its as simple as to use

50 Amp 125/250V RV Female to 30 Amp 4-Prong Twist Lock Male Generator Adapter - Furrion FP52GEN4-SB - Generator Accessories - Camping World

with the generator .. I am going to Quit with my guessing game .. I am not knowledgeable enough to take any chances.. I will contact an Electrician .. I just hope its not a $100 service charge to flip a switch or plug in an adapter ..Ok well again Thanks for all your help

Vonner · 10-13-2014, 10:48 AM

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 ..

VinceU · 10-13-2014, 10:56 AM

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.

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fonzie · 10-13-2014, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vonner

Fonzie there is a section on Generator overload I will post another pic.. Thanks

8c1a480e-8903-45f6-98d3-a17901117e64.jpg Photo by vonner1 | Photobucket

I am unable to see if the Breaker is rated for the unit is in storage ..

Your generator breaker is most likely rated at 25 amps. You just need to manage your load as per your guide posted.

fonzie · 10-13-2014, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vonner

Vince and Fonzie..,, Thank you both for your help.. I am way over my head with all this.. Unless its as simple as to use

50 Amp 125/250V RV Female to 30 Amp 4-Prong Twist Lock Male Generator Adapter - Furrion FP52GEN4-SB - Generator Accessories - Camping World

with the generator .. I am going to Quit with my guessing game .. I am not knowledgeable enough to take any chances.. I will contact an Electrician .. I just hope its not a $100 service charge to flip a switch or plug in an adapter ..Ok well again Thanks for all your help

Just to confirm, you should be OK with this adapter and not need an electrician at this point.

Vonner · 10-13-2014, 11:27 AM

Cheer's to both of you..

GASPEDDLER · 10-14-2014, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vonner

Fonzie.. Correct .. these are my adapters/dogbone etc.. Again thanks for all your help.. I ordered the 4 prong direct to the 50 RV .. its being shipped.. But this is what I tried ..

#1 Power Grip 30-Amp Generator Adapter - Camco 55382 - Electrical Adapters - Camping World

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.

Vonner · 10-14-2014, 11:45 AM

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

Vonner · 10-14-2014, 11:57 AM

Just arrived .. I will update after use.. Even though I have been assured that its safe.. I'm still going to have that Oh sh8t feeling

when I first use it..

938f0e4f-a0ae-4577-b6f7-c145faba09f6.jpg Photo by vonner1 | Photobucket

GASPEDDLER · 10-14-2014, 12:10 PM

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.

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