I have two Champion 3400 watt - 120 volt generators. If I run the 120 volt feed from both of them to a 240 volt receptacle, wiring the hot wires from each generator to the two legs of my 240v receptacle, will this produce the 240 volts I need to run my welder?
Generator questions for you expert electricians
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North Idaho Wolfman
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NO, they won't be in phase.
And I don't think there is anyway to match them, Newer inverter generators have that ability.
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Actually they are inverter generators. I forgot to mention that in my original post. They are about 3 years old. I asked on another forum and was advised that they would not work. I have a 240 volt generator (Not an inverter type) but it's too heavy to load by myself. I was hoping I could throw these two lightweights in the truck and be able to use them in a remote location. Sounds like that idea was a dud.
NIW beat me to it, there is no real way to put them in phase,, I quess you could run in to, 2, full bridge wave rectifiers then take tie the + and _ to the respective inputs of an inverter, But them would be some super big diode's and the heatsinks,, OK no theres not an easy way
If they are inverter generators there MAY be a way to do it. Check into a shop that sells them. I have seen an outboard adapter for sale to parallel two of them for increased current at 120 volts. If you can do that there should be a way to tie them for 240 volts as well. They may have to be the same make and model to do it - I don't know. I do know you need to synchronize the frequencies to make it work properly. Depending on current requirements you may be able to feed a step up transformer to get the needed voltage. There is no problem without a solution - just throw money at it.
I agree with the other posters. Unless these two generators are DESIGNED to be used in this manor (ie.... there is a special wire to synchronize them) the answer to your question is "NO"
This is one reason I bought a 120v/240v welder. There are situations where I need to weld and only have a 120V generator available. As long as I am not melting 1/2inch steel together.... it is sufficient.
This is one reason I bought a 120v/240v welder. There are situations where I need to weld and only have a 120V generator available. As long as I am not melting 1/2inch steel together.... it is sufficient.
I did a web search for Champion generators. You CAN parallel two of them with their kit for increased current capacity. If you did that and got a 120-240 transformer your problem would be solved. I also learned Champion offers free lifetime technical support. You could pose your question to Champion.
North Idaho Wolfman
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Ok they do sell parallel kits for that generator, but it will only still give you 120volt, No 240V
What I think is wrong is they have a 50 amp 240volt plug on the parallel kit but it states right on it not for 240volt use.
https://www.championpowerequipment.com/product/100319-50-amp-parallel-kit/
What I think is wrong is they have a 50 amp 240volt plug on the parallel kit but it states right on it not for 240volt use.
https://www.championpowerequipment.com/product/100319-50-amp-parallel-kit/
Daren Todd
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Champion’s Parallel Kit increases your power by connecting two 2800-watt or higher inverter generators. Quickly and easily installed without tools, this kit includes circuit breakers plus 120V 30A locking and 120V 50A RV outlets with enough power to start and run two 15,000 BTU RV air conditioners.
North Idaho Wolfman
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L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
Yes the parallel unit makes a 50 amp RV outlet, which is normally 240volt but not in this case.
the 30 amp RV plug is only a 120Volt.
Daren Todd
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My RV had the 30 amp hook up. Plus I had the adapter from 50 amp to 30 amp for the occasional spot that only had a 50 amp service. I'm pretty familiar with themYes the parallel unit makes a 50 amp RV outlet, which is normally 240volt but not in this case.
the 30 amp RV plug is only a 120Volt.
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