Any Reason NOT to Replace L5-30 With L14-20?
#1
05-18-14, 04:56 PM
Any Reason NOT to Replace L5-30 With L14-20?
My new generator came with a L14-30, L5-30, and 5-20 duplex with each half on a separate circuit. Since I will be replacing the duplex with a GFCI, which can only do 1 circuit, is there any reason not to replace the L5-30 with a L14-20 so I can use a breakout cord with 2 20A GFCI's?
#2
05-18-14, 06:40 PM
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Wet side of Washington state.
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What circuit breakers are present? Since each "circuit" is capable of outputting in excess of thirty amperes you would probably need additional circuit breakers to protect the 20 ampere receptacle and connecting cable. Adding the new CBs should be fairly easy to do.
You could also add a second L14-30 and run #10 cable to a board/breakout box where you had four 20 ampere CBs feeding four GFCI receptacles, albeit each would be limited to a maximum of 15 amperes if equally loaded.
You could also add a second L14-30 and run #10 cable to a board/breakout box where you had four 20 ampere CBs feeding four GFCI receptacles, albeit each would be limited to a maximum of 15 amperes if equally loaded.
#3
05-18-14, 06:46 PM
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#4
05-18-14, 07:05 PM
What circuit breakers are present? Since each "circuit" is capable of outputting in excess of thirty amperes you would probably need additional circuit breakers to protect the 20 ampere receptacle and connecting cable. Adding the new CBs should be fairly easy to do.
You could also add a second L14-30 and run #10 cable to a board/breakout box where you had four 20 ampere CBs feeding four GFCI receptacles, albeit each would be limited to a maximum of 15 amperes if equally loaded.
As for what generator I got, it's a slightly used Generac 7550 EXL with only 20 hours on it. All it needs is a new battery, but for $500 I can't complain, especially since he even threw in the cords.
Here's the CL ad: Generac 7550EXL Generator 7550 Watts
And here's a picture from when I brought it home:
I figure it'll be big enough for job sites, camping, parties, yard sales, and backup power if the other one quits or gets loaned out.
#5
05-18-14, 07:37 PM
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#6
05-18-14, 07:55 PM
Congrats..... don't forget the chains so that this one doesn't roll away.
#7
05-21-14, 08:20 PM
I got the receptacles replaced today. I replaced the original duplex with a GFCI, replaced the L5-30 with a L14-20, and replaced the L14-30 with a Hubbell L14-30 because the original one appears to be cheap Chinese junk, and considering a customer had one where the neutral opened up and fried a few things, I considered it cheap insurance. I added a separate 20A breaker for the GFCI, and used the old duplex breakers for the L14-20. I also added 2 red neon pilot lights to show that each leg is powered. I also ordered a lighted switch for the idle control to show when that is on. Interestingly, when I replaced the L5-30 with the L14-20, the L14-20 slightly doesn't fit, just by a few hairs lengths. I will take some pictures tomorrow and post them.
#8
05-21-14, 09:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Justin Smith
Of course not! I'm also going to put a GPS in here if I can find one for a reasonable price.
It can be rigged to activate upon disconnection of a tether so it's not constantly transmitting.
If you don't have a license, it's only $15 to take the test, and it's pretty easy to pass if you read the material..
#9
05-23-14, 06:25 AM
Got a ham license? If you do, you can get yourself a Big Red Bee tracker that will transmit its GPS location over APRS.. No cellular required, no monthly fees..
It can be rigged to activate upon disconnection of a tether so it's not constantly transmitting.
If you don't have a license, it's only $15 to take the test, and it's pretty easy to pass if you read the material..
It can be rigged to activate upon disconnection of a tether so it's not constantly transmitting.
If you don't have a license, it's only $15 to take the test, and it's pretty easy to pass if you read the material..
