andyc
Well-Known Member
I have a 110v genny on an imported boat.Can I get it converted to generate 240 and 110v.
I have a genny at home for construction that runs both.
I have a genny at home for construction that runs both.
generator conversion
- Thread starter andyc
- Start date
Bassplayer
Well-Known Member
You are best off using a transformer. Don't use the yellow site transformers as they aren't rated continously. You can buy a transformer with a simple lead to plug into your generator which will have a 13A socket on the transformer box. As with most things of this nature, go for a bigger transformer so as to avoid running it flat out. I've done a lot of dual 110/240v systems on campers - so any questions let me know. Paul
volvopaul
Well-Known Member
Yes you can convert it depending on what make it is.
There may be the tappings on the output cables from the genny alternator, run it up and go in there with a meter and check whats coming out, it may have just been tapped for 110 out the the 220 is there but not wired that way.
The only down side is that it may be 60 hz which may not be right for some appliances.
If its a 3600rpm engine then the governor may need altering, I would speak to the builder about it as ther may be an easier answer, they may also say point blank no!
Modern gensets have electronic governors rather than old style mechanical ones.
There may be the tappings on the output cables from the genny alternator, run it up and go in there with a meter and check whats coming out, it may have just been tapped for 110 out the the 220 is there but not wired that way.
The only down side is that it may be 60 hz which may not be right for some appliances.
If its a 3600rpm engine then the governor may need altering, I would speak to the builder about it as ther may be an easier answer, they may also say point blank no!
Modern gensets have electronic governors rather than old style mechanical ones.
andyc
Well-Known Member
I already have 2 transformers to convert from 240 to 110 when on shore power.
The generator is a westerbeck
The generator is a westerbeck
david_bagshaw
Well-Known Member
contact westerbeak with numbers etc as most good kit is configurable by rearranging links in the main junction box., but you need the drawings.
GSL
Well-Known Member
Not wanting to be rude........ but if you are already running 220 from the Marina to 110 on the boat, why do you want the generator to put out 220, surely it is safer to have the whole boat at 110 all the time.
I looked at converting my imported boat to 220 volt, but elected to go with two 3.6 kva transformers in the transom locker and leave the gennie as is.
Very glad I took that route and will do the same for the next boat. The only item that could not run on the 50 hz power from the transformers was the battery charger, I replaced it with a Victron inverter charger, and all is good. Everything else runs on 50 or 60 cycle. The shorepower is 50 hz and when the generator is running we get 60 Hz.
The only 220 volt appliance on the boat is the Microwave / convection oven I replaced the original microwave with, and that is powered through a step-up transformer.
PM me if you would like a telephone conversation about it, very happy to help.
Graham
I looked at converting my imported boat to 220 volt, but elected to go with two 3.6 kva transformers in the transom locker and leave the gennie as is.
Very glad I took that route and will do the same for the next boat. The only item that could not run on the 50 hz power from the transformers was the battery charger, I replaced it with a Victron inverter charger, and all is good. Everything else runs on 50 or 60 cycle. The shorepower is 50 hz and when the generator is running we get 60 Hz.
The only 220 volt appliance on the boat is the Microwave / convection oven I replaced the original microwave with, and that is powered through a step-up transformer.
PM me if you would like a telephone conversation about it, very happy to help.
Graham
andyc
Well-Known Member
This all came up when the fridge freezer packed in.I have not looked yet but I assume new 110v/12v fridge freezers are hard to find in the uk.I also want to change the coffee machine for a newer one.
The boat has an aft cabin which is the main one and the 2 transformers are behind the cabin.There is no way I can sleep when they are buzzing in my ear, so I have to turn them off which means the food in the fridge gets warm overnight .You know whats its like sleeping on the boat.You can hear the fish nibbling the weed off the bottom of the hull all night.
I already have 240v televisions and heaters,If I replace the fridge/coffee machine and kettle The only things running off 110 would be the air con/heater system which blows but doesnt get cold or hot and the cooker/ microwave /oven.I just had a new battery charger fitted which runs 110v at the moment but can run on 240v if desired.
If I had 240v coming out of the genny, I could run the television,coffee machine,heaters,etc when away from shore power and slowly convert other appliances to 240v as the 110v ones break, assuming the genny can run both 110v and 240v.
I have some thinking to do on this.
The boat has an aft cabin which is the main one and the 2 transformers are behind the cabin.There is no way I can sleep when they are buzzing in my ear, so I have to turn them off which means the food in the fridge gets warm overnight .You know whats its like sleeping on the boat.You can hear the fish nibbling the weed off the bottom of the hull all night.
I already have 240v televisions and heaters,If I replace the fridge/coffee machine and kettle The only things running off 110 would be the air con/heater system which blows but doesnt get cold or hot and the cooker/ microwave /oven.I just had a new battery charger fitted which runs 110v at the moment but can run on 240v if desired.
If I had 240v coming out of the genny, I could run the television,coffee machine,heaters,etc when away from shore power and slowly convert other appliances to 240v as the 110v ones break, assuming the genny can run both 110v and 240v.
I have some thinking to do on this.
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david_bagshaw
Well-Known Member
Check with the generator mfr
As a further thought ,it might be worth checking with the mfr the electrical side of the genny, as our main set has an alternator by leroy somer, and on their site is full details of all the voltage combinations, for what is now a very old set.
As a further thought ,it might be worth checking with the mfr the electrical side of the genny, as our main set has an alternator by leroy somer, and on their site is full details of all the voltage combinations, for what is now a very old set.
ccscott49
Well-Known Member
Pretty sure on a westerbeke, (the 8kw for sure) you can adjust the rpm for 50hz and tap it for 220-230 volts. But of course a call to an agent or whatever will get the info you need.
Just as an aside, when you want to run the fridge at night, why dont you just run it on 12 volt? Saves all that buzzing!
Just as an aside, when you want to run the fridge at night, why dont you just run it on 12 volt? Saves all that buzzing!
