Generator Feed Cable gauge

A/C & D/C Wiring, GPS, Radios, etc.
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jtalberts
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Generator Feed Cable gauge

Post by jtalberts »

I have been trying to figure this out for a few weeks now and I haven't found a great answer. My new genset is rated as such

Model: 8.0 SBEG
Volts: 120/240
Amps: 66/33
Hertz: 60
Phase: 1
Wire: 4
P.F.: 1.0
KW: 8.0
RPM: 1800

It will be located in my engine compartment and the run will be roughly 35-40ft. Also, my old genset only had 3 cables running from it. Will this one have 4?
1973 Marinette Seacrest Executive
41x14
Twin Chrysler 340's with Velvet Drive 71C
"Figment"
Roger2
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Re: Generator Feed Cable gauge

Post by Roger2 »

You should only need 3 conductors if you use 240 volt. If you would email me a copy of connection diagram I can help you. Former Coal mine chief elect.
Roger
"Sea Jay" a 37' Double cabin with twin factory Volvo diesels, 230 HP each. Twin Disk 1.54 Trans turning DynaQuad 19X21 props.
Roger Brown
Petersburg, IL
Dougrose
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Joined: Sun Jul 13, 2014 7:04 am
Location: Germantown, Maryland and Merritt Island, Florida

Re: Generator Feed Cable gauge

Post by Dougrose »

240 Volt normally has 4 conductors:

Red: hot
Black: hot
White: neutral
Green: ground
Doug Rose
32' Cabin Cruiser
Twin Perkins 120hp Diesels
Merritt Island, Florida
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bill
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Location: Grosse Ile MI

Re: Generator Feed Cable gauge

Post by bill »

BigM
I have never seen a Marinette with 240 volt :!: Most would be 120 volt with 3 wire, white common, black hot and green ground similar to your home wiring.
bill
Former owner of
ALUMINATION
Grosse Ile MI
Located on LakeErie
37' F/B Sedan
1975
Twin 360 Chrysler Marine
Raw water cooled
Hydraulic steering both helms
USCG Master Lic. Retired[/color]
Third Owner bill
Dougrose
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Location: Germantown, Maryland and Merritt Island, Florida

Re: Generator Feed Cable gauge

Post by Dougrose »

Please note that, within the engine room, allowed current for 8 AWG wire is 68 A. and that is what you should use if you wire for 110 V. output.

Allowed current for 12 AWG is 38.3 A., and that is what you should use if you wire for 220 V. output, using the four wire arrangement.

If you have NO 120 V. loads, you could leave off the neutral white wire, but it is probably a bad idea.

I am not sure how your boat is wired, but if it were on my boat, I would wire for 120 V output and put two 30 A. breakers at the generator, and wire one to your AC panel using 12 AWG wire, and one to your 120 V air conditioner or whatever other load you use, also using 12 AWG wire. There are two 120 V windings on the generator, and you could wire each winding to its own breaker. If you have a mix of 120 V and 240 V loads, then things get a little more complicated. Time to send that diagram to Roger.
Doug Rose
32' Cabin Cruiser
Twin Perkins 120hp Diesels
Merritt Island, Florida
Roger2
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Re: Generator Feed Cable gauge

Post by Roger2 »

Dough,
You are correct on the Green Ground, I was only county actual conductors, with ground understood.
Great to see you back on site.

Roger
"Sea Jay" a 37' Double cabin with twin factory Volvo diesels, 230 HP each. Twin Disk 1.54 Trans turning DynaQuad 19X21 props.
Roger Brown
Petersburg, IL
jtalberts
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Re: Generator Feed Cable gauge

Post by jtalberts »

I will get a diagram made up and posted.I am finally getting back to this project.
1973 Marinette Seacrest Executive
41x14
Twin Chrysler 340's with Velvet Drive 71C
"Figment"
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