Generator questions! MEP-803/804

[WelderDeluxe]

I'm looking at buying a generator to run my house and/or shop. Looking at either a MEP-803a or MEP-804a/b. I can find the 804's easier than I can the 803's. Can the 804's safely run 120v off the L1 and L3 without messing up the stator and voltage regulator, and if so what would the amperage output be for each leg? I'm familiar with generators and engine drive welders as I repair them on the side, not familiar with the military generators. Civilian Market generators have 2 different sets of windings in them usually, one Wye 3 phase and one parallel low zig-zag, depending on the manufacturer of the generator end. I'd like to be able to achieve 50 amps off L1 and L3 leg if possible. Thanks!

 

[Scoobyshep]

You can use 2 legs (it will be 208 volt so check your appliances, most are useable at 20 I would advise getting some kind of load (work light, heater etc) on l2.

 

[DieselAddict]

For emergency power, sure. You'll be fine. Agree that putting SOME load on the third leg is a good idea. Fifty amps on two phases would be OK intermitently but I wouldn't run that much current for long periods of time.

If this is a main power source or if you need 50a for long periods then I'd recommend against it. Get a single phase capable machine that is matched to your loads.

 

[glcaines]

Don't rule out the MEP003A. You can get single phase @240 VAC or three phase and it is air cooled, so no liquid coolant issues. I've been using mine for whole-house backup for many years without issue. Very reliable.

 

[jamawieb]

You're wasting your money on the 804 for single phase. You will derate the 804 down to 10kw or less. I load test the 803a to 13kw so you will have enough power to do whatever you want.

 

[WelderDeluxe]

Don't rule out the MEP003A. You can get single phase @240 VAC or three phase and it is air cooled, so no liquid coolant issues. I've been using mine for whole-house backup for many years without issue. Very reliable.

I'm more familiar with the Lister-Petter engines and I also have a Cummins parts warehouse in my town so parts would be easy for me to source for the engine. I don't know what engine the 003a has being air cooled.

 

[WelderDeluxe]

You're wasting your money on the 804 for single phase. You will derate the 804 down to 10kw or less. I load test the 803a to 13kw so you will have enough power to do whatever you want.

I prefer to get either a MEP-803a or MEP-1040 generator.

 

[cbisson]

I prefer to get either a MEP-803a or MEP-1040 generator.

Hello WD. Rochester NH here.

There's a member here "Light in the Dark" in western MA that deals mostly in 802a and 803a sets. I have bought 2 802a's from him. He's a straight shooter. Might be worth getting in touch with him.

 

[WelderDeluxe]

Hello WD. Rochester NH here.

There's a member here "Light in the Dark" in western MA that deals mostly in 802a and 803a sets. I have bought 2 802a's from him. He's a straight shooter. Might be worth getting in touch with him.

Epsom, NH. We're not too far apart. I already talked to Light in the Dark about a generator. I'm going to get one spring/summer this year. An 802 would run the house but not the shop.

 

[glcaines]

I'm more familiar with the Lister-Petter engines and I also have a Cummins parts warehouse in my town so parts would be easy for me to source for the engine. I don't know what engine the 003a has being air cooled.

Onan DJC

 

[WelderDeluxe]

Onan DJC

Ok

 

[cbisson]

Epsom, NH. We're not too far apart. I already talked to Light in the Dark about a generator. I'm going to get one spring/summer this year. An 802 would run the house but not the shop.

My intent was not to recommend a model, just to let you know that I had made 2 purchases that happened to be 802a's. Very happy with both transactions and both machines.