Generator Question

[canfossi]

I have a 6500 watt generator and I heard someone say on HT that using only the 240 volt side can damage a generator over time. Is this true, I only use the 240 outlet of the gen. If so how is this bad for it? Thanks Chris

[cfabe]

Not true. It's perfectly fine to use only the 240v outlet. I believe I remember a thread where someone claimed using only one of the 120v outlets could damage it. I don't believe that either, all the gens I've used have had circuit breakers to protect the windings so you couldn't overload them. To get the max power out on 120 you'd have to use both outlets.

[fordy]

Originally Posted by canfossi

I have a 6500 watt generator and I heard someone say on HT that using only the 240 volt side can damage a generator over time. Is this true, I only use the 240 outlet of the gen. If so how is this bad for it? Thanks Chris

....................That is a demonstration of Ignorance , at best ! You will normally only receive the maximum , rated output by using the 240 volt tap . The 120 volt plugs are normally fused at 20 amps , max .
....................My Cheapy Champion 3500 watt genset has a 30 amp RV type plug that allows the genset to provide Full output too that plug . Most gensets aren't wired that way . The limited output of the 120 volt plug(s) can be upgraded too receive full output , but the internal wiring of the ginny has to be Changed too facilitate this improvement . , fordy