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Topic: HELP, Need wiring confirmation on my 1989 GV generator hookup (Read 506 times) previous topic - next topic

HELP, Need wiring confirmation on my 1989 GV generator hookup

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.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: HELP, Need wiring confirmation on my 1989 GV generator hookup

Reply #1
I don't know if you have these already, but...
1986 36' Grand Villa OREG converted to 7.3 IDI diesel

Re: HELP, Need wiring confirmation on my 1989 GV generator hookup

Reply #2
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.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: HELP, Need wiring confirmation on my 1989 GV generator hookup

Reply #3
Screwed up---here is the manual cover
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: HELP, Need wiring confirmation on my 1989 GV generator hookup

Reply #4
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.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: HELP, Need wiring confirmation on my 1989 GV generator hookup

Reply #5
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.
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: HELP, Need wiring confirmation on my 1989 GV generator hookup

Reply #6
It sounds like the generator is doing its thing just right
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: HELP, Need wiring confirmation on my 1989 GV generator hookup

Reply #7
But, is it doing the right thing on 50 HZ or 60 HZ? If 50 HZ what damage could occur?
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD


Re: HELP, Need wiring confirmation on my 1989 GV generator hookup

Reply #9
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.
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: HELP, Need wiring confirmation on my 1989 GV generator hookup

Reply #10
Ya, everything iv'e read said the frequency was determined by the governor on the engine.
1986 36' Grand Villa OREG converted to 7.3 IDI diesel