Generator FNG 120-240 question

[Mike-GA]

My generator has an "RV ready" 50a socket and a 120 or 240 switch. I have been running it in the 120 v position with my Avalanche (50a) plugged into the 50a socket. One AC runs but the other gives a "power failure" error code.

1. Should I put the generator in the 240 position?

2. I understand the 50a is not 240v but two 120v circuits. Can you explain that to me (in simple terms)?

ETA: The generator is 8,000running watts an 10,000 peak watts.

[chuckster57]

Without knowing how your gen is wired, I wouldn’t.

[Customer1]

It would be best to give the brand and model of generator so we can look it up.

Barring having more info, your 50a RV service is 240 volt. It MUST be four wires. Do not connect to 50a three wire.

[Mike-GA]

Thanks. The generator is a DuroStar DS10000E made by Duromax. It has the standard 50a RV socket.

[chuckster57]

I would ask here:

https://www.duromaxpower.com/pages/p...istration-copy

[xrated]

Originally Posted by Mike-GA

Thanks. The generator is a DuroStar DS10000E made by Duromax. It has the standard 50a RV socket.

If the generator has in fact, a NEMA 14-50R (receptacle), plugging into it should be just the same as plugging into a 50A recpt. at a campground. The reason your other A/C unit isn't running is because it is on the "other" 120V leg coming into the camper. With the switch on the generator set to 120V instead of the 120/240 position, the "other" leg is not putting power to the the cord that you have plugged into the camper.

[JRTJH]

That generator is a "contractor series generator"

According to the owners manual, the 120/240 switch is used to provide more 120 VAC to that side by limiting the 240 VAC side of the system.

Looking at the schematic on page 24 of the owners manual https://www.manualslib.com/manual/76...page=23#manual I can't find that "120/240 switch" so I can't be sure of the function as described in the manual.

That said, there are two 32amp circuit breakers installed in the supply lines, one for each leg of 120VAC that go to the 50 amp plug.

If the 120/240 switch is in 120 AND its function is as described in the manual, then putting it in the 240 position would improve power to the 50 amp plug.

Now, that said, translation of a "Chinese manual" to "English for USA consumers" has long been a shortfall. With the schematic not showing the switch and the "language inconsistencies", if it were me, I'd unplug the generator from all outlets, start it up, turn the switch to 240 and use a multimeter to determine exactly what is available at the 50 amp plug.

If there is 120VAC from each leg to common and also to ground AND there is 240VAC between the two hot legs, I'd suspect that is functioning properly. I would then turn that switch to the 120 position and check the 50 amp plug to see if there is any change in readings...

My guess is that with the switch in the 120 position, both legs are used for the 120 VAC outlets allowing both 32 amp circuits (64amps total) at the 120 volt outlets and when in the 240 position, one of those legs is removed, limiting the 120VAC side outlets to 32 amps while providing "split voltage" to both sides of the output (120 and 240 volt plugs)…

DO NOT JUST PLUG YOUR TRAILER INTO THE GENERATOR WITHOUT VERIFYING EXACTLY WHAT VOLTAGE IS ON THAT 50 AMP PLUG !!!!!!!

[Customer1]

It appears you can get 33a @ 240v on the receptacle. Not full 50a service but should be good enough.

As advised, you should verify before connecting.

[xrated]

By the looks of the two plugs in the drawing, neither one of them is a standard 14-50R receptacle that is used for RV camping trailers. Definitely heed the advice above and check the voltages before plugging into it with the switch set to 240VAC

[Mike-GA]

Thanks everyone. I checked with DuroMax and y'all are correct. With the generator in 120, it only sends power to one leg of the 50a socket. To send 120v to both/each legs, I need to set the generator to 240v.

[JRTJH]

Good to know. Now, with the switch in 240, does your trailer "operate as it should" ????