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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: nitehawk on June 07, 2017, 12:11:38 pm

Title: HELP, Need wiring confirmation on my 1989 GV generator hookup
Post by: nitehawk on June 07, 2017, 12:11:38 pm
I am still not sure I have the wires correctly hooked up going from my 1989 Onan Emerald III NHE generator. I want to verify connections and I am not equipped to test anything. (both equipment & smarts)
When I disconnected the wires in the junction box I had three black and one red wire wired together.
It runs now, but output (at the Powermate gage) it only reads 115V. When hooked up to 30A shore power it reads 117V. Used to read 120V before I started messing with the generator. Now I also see, from the electrical schematics in my manuals that this Onan can be wired for 50H or 60H merely by changing wiring connections. Weird huh??!
So, I need someone with the same year & gen to open their junction box & see what they have for connections.
Title: Re: HELP, Need wiring confirmation on my 1989 GV generator hookup
Post by: Flopsie on June 07, 2017, 12:46:18 pm
I don't know if you have these already, but...
Title: Re: HELP, Need wiring confirmation on my 1989 GV generator hookup
Post by: nitehawk on June 07, 2017, 01:16:09 pm
Here is what I have that pertains to the wiring for the NHE model, but doesn't show me what color wire to what color wire.
Title: Re: HELP, Need wiring confirmation on my 1989 GV generator hookup
Post by: nitehawk on June 07, 2017, 01:21:16 pm
Screwed up---here is the manual cover
Title: Re: HELP, Need wiring confirmation on my 1989 GV generator hookup
Post by: nitehawk on June 07, 2017, 03:27:11 pm
Just went out and checked the Powerwatch meter---While plugged into house: 118V
While unplugged from house and with generator running:First 123V then settled down to 122V.
Title: Re: HELP, Need wiring confirmation on my 1989 GV generator hookup
Post by: stump on June 07, 2017, 03:33:44 pm
Do you have  a digital volt meter check the power in your house at a 120 volt outlet. at 118 volts you are within spec you are allowed a 5% drop in a feeder or branch circuit which would be 6 volts. which would be 114 volts minimum.
Title: Re: HELP, Need wiring confirmation on my 1989 GV generator hookup
Post by: red tractor on June 07, 2017, 08:48:57 pm
It sounds like the generator is doing its thing just right
Title: Re: HELP, Need wiring confirmation on my 1989 GV generator hookup
Post by: nitehawk on June 07, 2017, 09:41:09 pm
But, is it doing the right thing on 50 HZ or 60 HZ? If 50 HZ what damage could occur?
Title: Re: HELP, Need wiring confirmation on my 1989 GV generator hookup
Post by: stump on June 08, 2017, 06:33:40 am
You are at 60 hertz. 50 hertz operate at 220-230 volts.
Difference between 50Hz and 60Hz frequency | GoHz.com (http://www.gohz.com/difference-between-50hz-and-60hz-frequency)
Title: Re: HELP, Need wiring confirmation on my 1989 GV generator hookup
Post by: FourTravelers on June 08, 2017, 07:34:28 am
Unless you have a newer type "inverter style generator" the older and larger "stator / rotor" generators will require a decrease in governor speed  to produce 50hz current. As long as you have not connected the windings in series (230/240v) on a system designed for 120v you should be OK.
Sounds like your generator is working as it should.
Title: Re: HELP, Need wiring confirmation on my 1989 GV generator hookup
Post by: Flopsie on June 08, 2017, 11:49:32 am
Ya, everything iv'e read said the frequency was determined by the governor on the engine.