Portable generator wiring question

[Super Bee 950]

I am looking at buying this generator to run my shop trailer.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200464517_200464517

My trailer is wired for 50 amp 120V service, and I would like to get at least 40 amps to the bus. Is there a cable or a way to plug two of the 20 amp circuits together (or all of them) and get 40 amps? The generator has the capacity to run what I need, but its broken down into too many smaller circuits to do any good. An 8K Onan quiet Diesel is something I am going to buy when the new trailer gets built, but I need something right now to run what I have.

Thanks

 

[Scott E White]

Re: Portable generator wiring question

Download the generator's PDF owner's manual. Pages 13-15 lists your load-management chart, showing approximate wattage requirements for each appliance. Sound advice is a careful consideration of what loads you will be feeding simultaneously.
Write down a quick list of what you expect to be using, for example;
(4) 60 watt lamps, (1) 500 watt TV, (1) 750 watt microwave, (1) 1200 watt air conditioner, etc. Check the list, as many electric motors draw as much as an excess of twice their running wattage, just to get going. That will include the above a/c unit. My short list above is drawing as much as 3890 watts. At 120 volts, that's already a bit over 32 amps.
If this is a work trailer, not a camper, the nature of the loads will change a lot. Not so many steady loads, lots more "start-up" demand.
If you tie your buss bar (in the trailer) in via the 240 volt twist-lock, you should be able to operate the other accessories (power tools, refrigerator, etc.) off of lead-cords, plugged into the 120 volt outlets. Not quite as neat as the single 240V cord from genny to trailer, but a whole lot more reasonable.

 

[Super Bee 950]

Re: Portable generator wiring question

I have been using this trailer for 6 years, so I know what the load is. I already killed one generator running off the 30 amp plug because it was running full out. At times, I would blow a breaker on it which is why I want to tie multiple circuits together for added capacity. In my case, I need to feed power via the main cord. Everything is integrated in the trailer so running extension cords isnt an option.

 

[Scott E White]

Re: Portable generator wiring question

Okay, then it's time to stop dickin' around. If you know what your needs are, and there's a proper fix on it's way, then you should step-up one class in generator size. It's only temporary, and if it isn't abused, you'll be able to recover a good deal of your short-term investment. Not all, but most.
The 10kW generators are usually rated & set up for 50 amp service. That's what your demand is, so that's what the supply should be. Any less, and you're just pissing up a rope. Play around with the ones rated for 30 amp out-put, and it'll get beat. Might survive the beating short-term, or it might go tits-up. Are you willing to risk your time & money?

God luck with your decision.

 

[squeek-k]

Re: Portable generator wiring question

Scott is very right in that last post. You should try to always get a bigger generator than you think you are going to need. Even if it's only short term.

 

[Super Bee 950]

Re: Portable generator wiring question

If the 10K would fit in the generator compartment, I wouldnt be on here talking about tying circuits together....

 

[squeek-k]

Re: Portable generator wiring question

ahh. I didn't mean to come across as a jerk by the way. The ckts can be modified, I'm actually sitting at the office trying to download the PDF of that generator. So with any luck, I'll have a better answer for you shortly.