thanks for the response. I will keep looking for the wiring diagram for the
120/240 before giving it the smoke test.

Right now, only 3 diagrams are printed on the bus bar panel.

I forgot to mention that all the neutrals of both genset and mains are
connected together. I just got thru talking to a retired electrician and he
said that is a no no. Got to disconnect the neutral of the mains when
working off backup genset. This explains possibly why, when I did try to
throw the transfer switch on the pumps, that the breaker in the main panel
tripped to this particular circuit.
All equipment is still ok. I will put in a separate switch to switch out the
neutral to the mains when on backup.
I was also worried about being unbalanced loads in each phase I am using,
but the electrician said that wasn't a problem.
I will educate myself a bit more about transfer panel setups before
throwing any more switches and am also trying to find the service and
operator manual for this particular genset.
Thanks
--
don paolino
"EXT" wrote in message
anews.com...
Agreed. 12 lead generators can be set up in a number of 3 phase and single
phase and voltage configurations including 120/240 volt single phase to
match your current house system. If you can locate the wiring diagram, it
will simplify tying into the house wiring. I have one and it is set up
this
way.

"Pete C." wrote in message
...
desperado wrote:

I bought an old Army Corps of engineers 30kw 3 phase genset with
Hercules
DD298ER 6cyl motor.

The numbers on it say GE 5SJ4324Y2Y6

Jetta power
stock no 6115 976 8982
mfg 1964

I want to use it to back up my main power on my ranch. I have 240V
single
phase service coming in from Southern Calif. Edison.
My main panel is 100Amp single phase.
Genset has a busbar of 12 leads which can be reconfigured for 120/208
240/416 or 120volt delta .
Right now the 120/208 has been chosen. I measured 217V no load coming
out.
There are 3big split bolt connectors coming out and one smaller one
which
appears to be the neutral or ground. Right now, 125v is measured from
this
point to each of the big split bolts.
I decided to use one phase to power the whole house less the well
pumps
and put the well pumps on the second phase. That is because the amps
per
phase is listed as only 57 amps in this configuration and I figure I
since
the pumps take 9 amps each running and there are two of them, that this
would leave more amps available to power the house on the other phase.
This
leaves the third phase not connected to anything(open circuit.) as a
spare.
I bought some transfer panels(double pole double throw) and have
brought
the well pump 30amp dp breaker wires out to a separate 60a transfer
panel
and connected it to one of the phases of the genset. the other phase I
put
into the 100amp main breaker and a 100 amp transfer panel.
I am a retired electrical engineer but my specialty was microwave and
antenna design and not power engineering.
Is this setup ok or do I have to install more equipment?

If it's a 12 lead reconnectible alternator, there is a "zig zag"
configuration used to get single phase power. I don't recall the
connection sequence offhand, but you should be able to find it online
somewhere, perhaps the Kohler or Onan sites.