Wiring 6kw generator 3 pin sockets to domestic sockets?

[Richard Knight]

Just bought this generator Villiers V6000ES 6kW Silent Petrol Generator - Villiers from pump.co.uk - W.Robinson & Sons (Ec) Ltd UK


For use on a construction site and to occasionally power the caravan on.


It has two 110v sockets and one 240v 32 amp socket. it's the 240v socket that I will be using as all my tools run off 240v.


Firstly I think I need to ground the generator, is that correct? I have purchased a 4 ft copper grounding rod.


On the generator there is one 32 amp socket - how do I safely wire this to convert it to domestic sockets.


I have found a 16 amp version 1 METRE GENERATOR FLY LEAD 16 amp PLUG TO 13 amp TWIN SOCKET 1m | eBay but not a 32 amp version.


Do I have to purchase a 32 amp to 16 amp splitter Camping Electric Hook Up Cable Caravan Boats 3 way splitter 32a to 2x 16a | eBay I'm guessing these have some sort of transformer?


Or can I just wire a 4 gang switched socket strip onto the 32 amp sockets...my common sense says that's not safe as sockets should be 13 amp. What size cable would be best also?


Thankyou!

 

[midgetman]

All sites I have worked on its 110 tools only

 

[Richard Knight]

I think we need to be a bit clearer when we say this generator is not suitable for use as a domestic supply.

The arrangement of this generator's windings will be V-0-V, completely and utterly unsuitable for anything other than site tools or lighting, and I'd hazard a guess that the winding's center tap isn't bonded to the frame, but without looking at the schematics I can't say for sure on here.

Personally, assuming no frame bond, I wouldn't rod it and would restrict anyone from plugging anything into it that isn't class 2, but then I have no idea what this construction site you're on is like and whether the generator's use can be adequately supervised?

As others have said, you need an electrician, competent in the application of generators, to determine the best safety measures for your situation.

Sorry maybe I'm confusing people, I say domestic supply but I just mean taking the round 3 pins to square domestic 3 pin sockets. All our tools are square 3 pin 240v.

We will planned to use the generator to hook into the caravan, and use thing like microwave, hoover, etc of the caravan sockets.

I have no idea what a windings centre tap is... or what class 2 is. I'm definitely getting the electrical engineer to look over it all!

The construction site is a self build. All work done by myself, and business partner. No contractors at all so it will be only us using the generator and tools.

 

[D Skelton]

Where are you based Richard?

 

[Richard Knight]

Where are you based Richard?

We live in Lancashire, the plot and construction site discussed is in south west Scotland.

 

[Lucien Nunes]

I emailed the guy who sold be the generator and he told me to just wire a 4 gang socket onto the 32 amp plug provide. Is that ok?

NO, that is not OK. 4-gang trailing sockets are not made to the same spec as ordinary sockets used in permanent installations and normally require their supply to be fused at a maximum of 13A. Therefore, although an installed wall socket can be safely connected to a 32A supply such as a domestic ring circuit or your generator's 32A outlet, and will not be overloaded if two plugs both loaded to 13A are connected, doing this with a 4-gang leaves it liable to overload and burnout as it cannot handle 26A let alone 32.

Get your sparks to make up a distro panel with a couple of 16s and a couple of double 13s, with suitable protective devices. He can check the correct method of earthing at the same time. Note that not all good electricians have experience and knowledge of correct practice with generator supplies.

The main reason is the generator output is centre tapped so all subsequent protective devices and switching should be double pole.

Not necessarily. I have seen 115/230 output gennies where in 230V mode the CT is inaccessible leaving just a normal 230V supply. You would have to check the specs or measure it.

The construction site is a self build. All work done by myself, and business partner. No contractors at all so it will be only us using the generator and tools.

This does not exempt you from the need to work safely. Most risk assessments in the UK would indicate that correct practice would be to use 110V tools. Yours may differ - make sure it is correct!

Why is there earthing connections on the generator then if it doesn't need earthing?

There is an earth terminal on the back of my turntable but I wouldn't connect it to an earth rod! Seek advice from the above mentioned competent electrician.

 

[Knobhead]

Not necessarily. I have seen 115/230 output gennies where in 230V mode the CT is inaccessible leaving just a normal 230V supply. You would have to check the specs or measure it.

I did, did you?

 

[jamie-spark]

Just bought this generator Villiers V6000ES 6kW Silent Petrol Generator - Villiers from pump.co.uk - W.Robinson & Sons (Ec) Ltd UK


For use on a construction site and to occasionally power the caravan on.


It has two 110v sockets and one 240v 32 amp socket. it's the 240v socket that I will be using as all my tools run off 240v.


Firstly I think I need to ground the generator, is that correct? I have purchased a 4 ft copper grounding rod.


On the generator there is one 32 amp socket - how do I safely wire this to convert it to domestic sockets.


I have found a 16 amp version 1 METRE GENERATOR FLY LEAD 16 amp PLUG TO 13 amp TWIN SOCKET 1m | eBay but not a 32 amp version.


Do I have to purchase a 32 amp to 16 amp splitter Camping Electric Hook Up Cable Caravan Boats 3 way splitter 32a to 2x 16a | eBay I'm guessing these have some sort of transformer?


Or can I just wire a 4 gang switched socket strip onto the 32 amp sockets...my common sense says that's not safe as sockets should be 13 amp. What size cable would be best also?


Thankyou!

Have a read at this


http://electrical.------.org/wiring-matters/39/portable-generators.cfm?type=pdf

 

[Lucien Nunes]

I did, did you?

No, because that that link didn't display correctly on my phone. But I have now, and it is... so caution is needed when fusing down. Well spotted Tony.