re: Interlock and Wen Generator Problem?

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However, I just bought a new champion 9200 watt generator and when I plug it in nothing happens. Could it be wired improperly? Is it possible that the two hot wires (line one and two) are backwards? I also had a Honda 5000w generator that a neighbor gave me that I tried to plug in with the 30 amp cord, and every time I connected it, it would trip the breaker on the generator. Both Honda generator and 30 amp cord were tested at the dealership and everything was fine. Thoughts?

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I’m an electrical engineer, not an electrician, so my knowledge on the specific kind of plug is lacking but having the two hots reversed should still allow normal function. The potential between the hots is 240V and from hot to neutral is 120V and their orientation doesn’t matter. But it sounds like maybe the plug isn’t universal and may vary between generator manufacturers (on the generator side). One generator working and the other one not working implies that. Maybe an electrician could give you a more thorough explanation there about the receptacle.

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The "overload" in the generator is also a GFCI, it is sensing the down stream bonding of the ground and neutral that all services must have and is working correctly by tripping.

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A GFCI is a differential current transformer, meaning it compares the difference in current entering the hot lead and returning through the neutral. If there is a differential there (within a certain range) it will trip because it implies that not all the current entering is exiting along the proper path. This is why GFCIs are required for wet areas in residential electrical installations.

As for your question, I’m not sure. It would seem odd to me to remove the jumper and the generator would be incapable of providing 120V with a proper neutral. So then your generator can only provide power to 240V loads? That seems strange. I could be wrong without looking at the manual and such though.