220v onan

D

diamondlouis

New member
Aug 19, 1999
203
0
0
I was using this informational sheet that I got somewhere.
It explains how to convert the Onan to 220v but I have no reference as to
what are L-0, L-1 etc.

I would be appreciative if anyone has a diagram that might explain the
schematic layout of the generator.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------
How do I get 220 volts out of my Onan?

I (actually my chief engineer) split the two coils to provide separate 110
to two separate circuits. Two 110 hots and a ground give you 220 if needed.
In the installation manual for BGE, NHE Gensets Manual #965-0628 of 2-92
page 7-4 the schematic #611-1206 for 60HZ generator. He moved: T4 From LO to
L2 T3 From Ll to LO C132 From Ll to L2 This is a totally unauthorized switch
and what you do is up to you. (Marcus McGee)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------------

thanks in advance, and thanks for such a great GMC resource of knowledge
that this site is.

LD76PB
 
It is my understanding from my in house engineer, that there are two coils
producing 120 volts and common. Just like the power company. With proper
internal wiring you can separate the 120 outputs and use the common return.
Thus you get 220. We have done it on my generator as I originally listed. It
is a factory described modification in my manual. If yours is a different
model it may not be capable of this modification. We have been using this mod
for over 2 years now and have not had a problem.

Marcus

> The Onan in my 77PB is an original 6KW and is a Series NH. It has a single
> circuit breaker and a single 120 volt circuit to the coach.
> The Onan in my 75PB is a replacement 6.5KW Emerald Onan and is a series NHE
> which has two circuit breakers and two 120 volt circuits to the coach.
> There are differences in the wiring diagrams for the two models. For
> instance, the 6.5KW has electronic ignition.
> I'm not much at electricity, but I would think the NHE with two 120volt
> circuits might make it possible to get 220volts if one knew what they were
> doing (which I don't). Maybe someone knows your answer.
>
> Andy M, PA
> 75 & 77 PBs
 
> I was using this informational sheet that I got somewhere.
> It explains how to convert the Onan to 220v but I have no reference as to
> what are L-0, L-1 etc.
>
> I would be appreciative if anyone has a diagram that might explain the
> schematic layout of the generator.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --
> --------------------------------------
> How do I get 220 volts out of my Onan?
>
> I (actually my chief engineer) split the two coils to provide separate 110
> to two separate circuits. Two 110 hots and a ground give you 220 if
needed.
> In the installation manual for BGE, NHE Gensets Manual #965-0628 of 2-92
> page 7-4 the schematic #611-1206 for 60HZ generator. He moved: T4 From LO
to
> L2 T3 From Ll to LO C132 From Ll to L2 This is a totally unauthorized
switch
> and what you do is up to you. (Marcus McGee)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --
> ----------------------------------------
>
> thanks in advance, and thanks for such a great GMC resource of knowledge
> that this site is.
>
> LD76PB
>
 
Hi louie

I am not sure if you are going to get an answer on this. It has only been
done once that I know of and that was done by a knowledgeable service guy.
Mr Onan (Duane) does not think this could,should, or would be done....

but since it has been done, at least once, it might be possible if you have
the right model, etc. You have all of the information that I know of.

gene

>
>
>
>> I was using this informational sheet that I got somewhere.
>> It explains how to convert the Onan to 220v but I have no reference as to
>> what are L-0, L-1 etc.
>>
>> I would be appreciative if anyone has a diagram that might explain the
>> schematic layout of the generator.
>> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
>--
>> --------------------------------------
>> How do I get 220 volts out of my Onan?
>>
>> I (actually my chief engineer) split the two coils to provide separate 110
>> to two separate circuits. Two 110 hots and a ground give you 220 if
>needed.
>> In the installation manual for BGE, NHE Gensets Manual #965-0628 of 2-92
>> page 7-4 the schematic #611-1206 for 60HZ generator. He moved: T4 From LO
>to
>> L2 T3 From Ll to LO C132 From Ll to L2 This is a totally unauthorized
>switch
>> and what you do is up to you. (Marcus McGee)
>> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
>--
>> ----------------------------------------
>>
>> thanks in advance, and thanks for such a great GMC resource of knowledge
>> that this site is.
>>
>> LD76PB
>>
>
>
Genef -- 77PB/ore/ca
GMC MOTORHOME INFORMATION
mr.erf
http://www.california.com/~eagle/
 
I wrote the original thread about wanting to convert my generator to 220.

The generator is an original 6kw onan on a 76 palm beach.

I did not get a manual from the PO and as a result have no reference points
that a schematic might
show.

I would appreciate a copy (picture) of the wiring diagram that you used.

TIA

Louie Diamond 76 Palm Beach

- ----- Original Message -----
From: "Marcus McGee"
To:
Sent: Saturday, July 15, 2000 7:40 PM
Subject: Re: GMC: 220v onan

> It is my understanding from my in house engineer, that there are two coils
> producing 120 volts and common. Just like the power company. With proper
> internal wiring you can separate the 120 outputs and use the common
return.
> Thus you get 220. We have done it on my generator as I originally listed.
It
> is a factory described modification in my manual. If yours is a different
> model it may not be capable of this modification. We have been using this
mod
> for over 2 years now and have not had a problem.
>
> Marcus
>

>
> > The Onan in my 77PB is an original 6KW and is a Series NH. It has a
single
> > circuit breaker and a single 120 volt circuit to the coach.
> > The Onan in my 75PB is a replacement 6.5KW Emerald Onan and is a series
NHE
> > which has two circuit breakers and two 120 volt circuits to the coach.
> > There are differences in the wiring diagrams for the two models. For
> > instance, the 6.5KW has electronic ignition.
> > I'm not much at electricity, but I would think the NHE with two 120volt
> > circuits might make it possible to get 220volts if one knew what they
were
> > doing (which I don't). Maybe someone knows your answer.
> >
> > Andy M, PA
> > 75 & 77 PBs
>
>
 
Hi Andy
The Onan does indeed have two windings on the armature.

The problem in connecting it as a 220 volt unit is that the regulator that
feeds the field winding is not designed to regulate 25 amps at 220 volts, it
is designed to regulate 50 amps at 120 volts.

The field of the generator is powered by a reactor (actually an
autotransformer of sorts) that feeds the field winding through the infamous
bridge rectifier. The current fed to the field is proportional to the
current being drawn from the generator, so when you pull 50 amps from the
120 volt line the reactor provides enough field current to produce 120 volts
at 50 amps (6000 watts). If you split the windings you will be pulling only
25 amps through the reactor (and 25 amps through the other winding) so it
will produce enough field current for only 3000 watts. This will cause a
voltage drop. The amount of drop will depend mainly on the resistance of
the field and armature windings. If the windings are made of
super-conductors you will have very little voltage drop, copper will have a
much greater drop

This may work but your voltage regulation is going to be much poorer than
using the generator as it was designed. The regulation will be especially
poor if the loads on the two 120 volt outputs are not balanced.

Dave Mumert

- ----- Original Message -----
From:
To:
Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2000 11:34 AM
Subject: Re: GMC: 220v onan

> The Onan in my 77PB is an original 6KW and is a Series NH. It has a single
> circuit breaker and a single 120 volt circuit to the coach.
> The Onan in my 75PB is a replacement 6.5KW Emerald Onan and is a series
NHE
> which has two circuit breakers and two 120 volt circuits to the coach.
> There are differences in the wiring diagrams for the two models. For
> instance, the 6.5KW has electronic ignition.
> I'm not much at electricity, but I would think the NHE with two 120volt
> circuits might make it possible to get 220volts if one knew what they were
> doing (which I don't). Maybe someone knows your answer.
>
> Andy M, PA
> 75 & 77 PBs
>
 
I think manuals are available from Cinnabar

http://www.california.com/~eagle/brochure.htm

gene

>I wrote the original thread about wanting to convert my generator to 220.
>
>The generator is an original 6kw onan on a 76 palm beach.
>
>I did not get a manual from the PO and as a result have no reference points
>that a schematic might
>show.
>
>I would appreciate a copy (picture) of the wiring diagram that you used.
>
>TIA
>
>Louie Diamond 76 Palm Beach
>
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Marcus McGee"
>To:
>Sent: Saturday, July 15, 2000 7:40 PM
>Subject: Re: GMC: 220v onan
>
>
>> It is my understanding from my in house engineer, that there are two coils
>> producing 120 volts and common. Just like the power company. With proper
>> internal wiring you can separate the 120 outputs and use the common
>return.
>> Thus you get 220. We have done it on my generator as I originally listed.
>It
>> is a factory described modification in my manual. If yours is a different
>> model it may not be capable of this modification. We have been using this
>mod
>> for over 2 years now and have not had a problem.
>>
>> Marcus
>>

>>
>> > The Onan in my 77PB is an original 6KW and is a Series NH. It has a
>single
>> > circuit breaker and a single 120 volt circuit to the coach.
>> > The Onan in my 75PB is a replacement 6.5KW Emerald Onan and is a series
>NHE
>> > which has two circuit breakers and two 120 volt circuits to the coach.
>> > There are differences in the wiring diagrams for the two models. For
>> > instance, the 6.5KW has electronic ignition.
>> > I'm not much at electricity, but I would think the NHE with two 120volt
>> > circuits might make it possible to get 220volts if one knew what they
>were
>> > doing (which I don't). Maybe someone knows your answer.
>> >
>> > Andy M, PA
>> > 75 & 77 PBs
>>
>>
>
>
Genef -- 77PB/ore/ca
GMC MOTORHOME INFORMATION
mr.erf
http://www.california.com/~eagle/
 
>Marcus,
>
>I'm as green as it gets with things electrical, but if you change from
>110V to 220V does that in turn reduce the total amount ofaamperage available?
>(Or is it watts?)

Larry,

Marcus' change does not alter the 120V functionality as I understand it.
SO, there's still the same amperage available. Things may change when it
comes to operating 220V equipment according to another poster. If I
remember Marcus' first posting on the subject, he used the Onan to power
some equipment (his 220V well pump?) when the power went out.

I don't know if the 220V operation will or will not lower the wattage
available from the Onan. It seems plausible to me either way.

Henry
 
Should be able to test this

gene

>Hi Andy
>The Onan does indeed have two windings on the armature.
>
>The problem in connecting it as a 220 volt unit is that the regulator that
>feeds the field winding is not designed to regulate 25 amps at 220 volts, it
>is designed to regulate 50 amps at 120 volts.
>
>The field of the generator is powered by a reactor (actually an
>autotransformer of sorts) that feeds the field winding through the infamous
>bridge rectifier. The current fed to the field is proportional to the
>current being drawn from the generator, so when you pull 50 amps from the
>120 volt line the reactor provides enough field current to produce 120 volts
>at 50 amps (6000 watts). If you split the windings you will be pulling only
>25 amps through the reactor (and 25 amps through the other winding) so it
>will produce enough field current for only 3000 watts. This will cause a
>voltage drop. The amount of drop will depend mainly on the resistance of
>the field and armature windings. If the windings are made of
>super-conductors you will have very little voltage drop, copper will have a
>much greater drop
>
>This may work but your voltage regulation is going to be much poorer than
>using the generator as it was designed. The regulation will be especially
>poor if the loads on the two 120 volt outputs are not balanced.
>
>Dave Mumert
>
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From:
>To:
>Sent: Sunday, July 16, 2000 11:34 AM
>Subject: Re: GMC: 220v onan
>
>
>> The Onan in my 77PB is an original 6KW and is a Series NH. It has a single
>> circuit breaker and a single 120 volt circuit to the coach.
>> The Onan in my 75PB is a replacement 6.5KW Emerald Onan and is a series
>NHE
>> which has two circuit breakers and two 120 volt circuits to the coach.
>> There are differences in the wiring diagrams for the two models. For
>> instance, the 6.5KW has electronic ignition.
>> I'm not much at electricity, but I would think the NHE with two 120volt
>> circuits might make it possible to get 220volts if one knew what they were
>> doing (which I don't). Maybe someone knows your answer.
>>
>> Andy M, PA
>> 75 & 77 PBs
>>
>
>
Genef -- 77PB/ore/ca
GMC MOTORHOME INFORMATION
mr.erf
http://www.california.com/~eagle/
 
Please post a tel number or contact address ?

Thanks,

Sam

> ----------
> From: Basheik[SMTP:Basheik]
> Reply To: gmcmotorhome
> Sent: Monday, July 17, 2000 8:15 AM
> To: gmcmotorhome
> Subject: Re: GMC: 220v onan
>
> Onan manuals are available from Cummins. I paid $11 for one last week.
> The
> "Service" manual is more complete than the "Operators" manual. They need
> the
> serial number to get the right one.
>
> Andy M, PA
>
> 75 & 77 PBs
>
 
Sam,

Try this:

http://quickserve.cummins.com/ServiceLocator/wsl_find_pr

Patrick

>
> Please post a tel number or contact address ?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Sam
>
> > ----------
> > From: Basheik[SMTP:Basheik]
> > Reply To: gmcmotorhome
> > Sent: Monday, July 17, 2000 8:15 AM
> > To: gmcmotorhome
> > Subject: Re: GMC: 220v onan
> >
> > Onan manuals are available from Cummins. I paid $11 for
> one last week.
> > The
> > "Service" manual is more complete than the "Operators"
> manual. They need
> > the
> > serial number to get the right one.
> >
> > Andy M, PA
> >
> > 75 & 77 PBs
> >
>
 
might look here

http://www.california.com/~eagle/generator.html

gene

>Please post a tel number or contact address ?
>
>Thanks,
>
>Sam
>
>> ----------
>> From: Basheik[SMTP:Basheik]
>> Reply To: gmcmotorhome
>> Sent: Monday, July 17, 2000 8:15 AM
>> To: gmcmotorhome
>> Subject: Re: GMC: 220v onan
>>
>> Onan manuals are available from Cummins. I paid $11 for one last week.
>> The
>> "Service" manual is more complete than the "Operators" manual. They need
>> the
>> serial number to get the right one.
>>
>> Andy M, PA
>>
>> 75 & 77 PBs
>>
>
Genef -- 77PB/ore/ca
GMC MOTORHOME INFORMATION
mr.erf
http://www.california.com/~eagle/
 
Cummins told me that the service manuals were out of print and that they
were no longer available.
Maybe Sam could list where he bought his manual

- ----- Original Message -----
From: "Eng, Sam (Sam)** CTR **"
To:
Sent: Monday, July 17, 2000 9:14 AM
Subject: RE: GMC: 220v onan

> Please post a tel number or contact address ?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Sam
>
> > ----------
> > From: Basheik[SMTP:Basheik]
> > Reply To: gmcmotorhome
> > Sent: Monday, July 17, 2000 8:15 AM
> > To: gmcmotorhome
> > Subject: Re: GMC: 220v onan
> >
> > Onan manuals are available from Cummins. I paid $11 for one last week.
> > The
> > "Service" manual is more complete than the "Operators" manual. They need
> > the
> > serial number to get the right one.
> >
> > Andy M, PA
> >
> > 75 & 77 PBs
> >
>
 
>
> Hi louie
>
> I am not sure if you are going to get an answer on this. It has
> only been done once that I know of and that was done by a knowledgeable

> service guy. Mr Onan (Duane) does not think this could,should, or would
be
> done....

Some years ago after my new boat was delivered to the states I discovered
the jenn-Air range was 220vac so a competent friend converted one output
from my 8KVA Westerbeke diesel generator to 220v while the rest of the
generator put out 110v.

I never experienced any problems with this arrangement nor has the
current owner after some 10 years.

David Lee Greenberg
The GMC Motorhome Registry
Dedicated To The Preservation of the Classic GMC Motorhome
http://www.GMCss.com/Registry.htm
http://www.Buskirk-RushRV.com/GMC-Registry/online-registry.htm
 
>In a message dated 7/17/00 10:37:02 AM Mountain Daylight Time,

>
> > Cummins told me that the service manuals were out of print and that they
> > were no longer available.
> > Maybe Sam could list where he bought his manual
>
> ......If they're out of print and NLA, maybe Sam could scan the
>appropriate pages and diagrams and post them on Gene's site or some
>such...... (Please??) TIA..

I'm game as well for posting the pages on my site.

Henry
 
I think Cinnabar still sells them.

gene

>In a message dated 7/17/00 10:37:02 AM Mountain Daylight Time,

>
>> Cummins told me that the service manuals were out of print and that they
>> were no longer available.
>> Maybe Sam could list where he bought his manual
>
> ......If they're out of print and NLA, maybe Sam could scan the
>appropriate pages and diagrams and post them on Gene's site or some
>such...... (Please??) TIA..
>
>Rick Staples
>'75 Eleganza
>Louisville, CO
>
Genef -- 77PB/ore/ca
GMC MOTORHOME INFORMATION
mr.erf
http://www.california.com/~eagle/
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Applied GMC
GMCMI Fall 2026 Rally

Share this page

Share this page
Top Bottom
Back