Total Newb: 10KW Generator needed What am I looking for how do I find it.

[RobReil]

Hi all,

Im new here and a fellow member suggested after purchasing a 3.5MW generator on trailer for $600 I should check out this site and learn a few things and find the deal.

I am gearing up to run an Arc Welder 225A but mostly running around 80-120A for an off grid container home build. In the interested in learning what I am looking for in military speak, I ask the experts here to help me understand what it is that I seek and what to expect to pay for it, where to find it, and what options I should consider.

Additionally I would love to find a deal on a 1ton 4x4 supercab Dodge or Ford Diesel at a low price to pull a Gooseneck trailer with a container on it and any tractors, skid steers that will be in my future.

Let the education begin...

Humbly and in appreciation,
Robert
Denver

 

[Zed254]

I suggest you search this forum for answers to whatever questions you might have: there's a ton of good info from member's personal experiences. Search on sizing a generator for house back up - 3.5MW is a lot of power. Search off grid installations to see what others have done. You need to be a little more specific for the folks here to help you.

I knew I wanted an MEP-803A: a 10Kw single phase unit that can back up my house. The experts will chime in when you have a problem that they can help you with.

Search govplanet and govliquidation for equipment.....lots and lots of equipment....but study this forum first.

 

[98G]

MEP-803 is the latest and greatest 10k genset to be released by the military. It's probably what you're looking for.

The previous generation equivalent is the MEP-003.

When bidding, make sure what you're looking at is a 60hz machine, as there are also 400hz that look real similar.

If you don't already have a welder, consider a welder/generator. This covers both needs, and allows you to go bigger on the genset as you won't have to worry about wet stacking since using it as a welder will load it enough to prevent that.

Dwnorton has a nice MEP803 for sale. . .

 

[csheath]

A Lincoln 225 AC arc welder requires 50 amps at 230 volts, single phase. That's 11,500 watts. A MEP-803A 10KW unit may pull it off but it would be pushing it to the max. This is the largest single phase military genset to my knowledge. I am sure someone here has tried or used a 225 amp arc welder on a MEP-803 or 003 that will chime in as to the viability of this prospect.

If you go to a 3 phase welder you will spend thousands on the welder. Might as well spend the money for a new single phase generator that will meet the demand and have some extra for emergency home type power. Take a look at the Perkins Diesel generators at Hardy Diesel Generator.

 

[snowtrac nome]

I run a mp 210 off an 8k lister petter with no problems you might look at a larger old generation 15 k that is 3 phase and single phase capable

 

[98G]

I ran my Miller Multimatic 200 off of a MEP-802. I was running 1/8" 7018 @ 120 amps. It tolerated it just fine. (In theory the welder needs 50 amps @230v).

We tried running my Hypertherm 600 off the same genset. It immediately fell on its face. Turning the plasma cutter down to half output allowed it to run.

Depending on the budget, you may find that a Big Blue /300/400/500 or a trailblazer 302 may fit your needs better than a military genset with a welder plugged into it.

Used 3 phase welding equipment frequently goes way cheap .... this may open up possibilities.

 

[Daybreak]

Howdy,
OK, the military naming convention

MEP = Mobile Electric Power
The current generation is considered the 2nd generation which is being auctioned.
The normal beast most homeowners are after
MEP-802A = 5KW liquid cooled diesel, 1800rpm, 120, 120/240, 120/208 3phase
MEP-803A = 10KW liquid cooled diesel, 1800rpm, 120, 120/240, 120/208 3phase
Higher units are 3 phase only
MEP-804 A and B = 15KW liquid cooled diesel, 1800rpm, 120/208 3phase
MEP-805 = 30KW
MEP-806 = 60KW

any unit with a 1 in the middle is a 400hz, not your normal 60Hz (ie; MEP-813A is 10KW 400Hz)

Actually, read this and you will get a understanding of what a Military generator is, and how they are over built

MIL-STD-633G, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE INTERFACE STANDARD: STANDARD FAMILY OF MOBILE ELECTRIC POWER GENERATING SOURCES GENERAL DESCRIPTION INFORMATION AND CHARACTERISTIC DATA
MIL-STD-633G PDF

 

[SCSG-G4]

MEP-002 has a nominal rating of 52 amps per leg in single phase, or a total of 104 amps. BUT, that is it's rating at 8,000 feet elevation and 100 degrees F. Lower elevations and lower temperatures mean that it can output more amps without shutting down. Onan sold the civilian version of the MEP-002 as a 12,500 kw generator, because they were rating it at sea level and 90 degrees F. YMMV.

 

[DieselAddict]

MEP-002 has a nominal rating of 52 amps per leg in single phase, or a total of 104 amps. BUT, that is it's rating at 8,000 feet elevation and 100 degrees F. Lower elevations and lower temperatures mean that it can output more amps without shutting down. Onan sold the civilian version of the MEP-002 as a 12,500 kw generator, because they were rating it at sea level and 90 degrees F. YMMV.

i think you meant MEP-003.

 

[RobReil]

Great info so far!

Items that come to mind:

1. Best options to focus on:

Model	Size	Hz	Outputs	TQG	Mounting	NSN	LIN	SSN	PG on MIL-STD-633G
MEP-803A	10Kw	60	120/240 V, 1ph, 3 wire 120 V, 1ph, 2 wire 120/208 V, 3ph, 4 wire.	Yes	Skid	6115-01-275-5061	G74711	M53500	130-131
PU-798A	10Kw	60	120/240 V, 1ph, 3 wire 120 V, 1ph, 2 wire 120/208 V, 3ph, 4 wire.	Yes	Trailer	6115-01-319-9032	G42170	R62700	132
MEP-903A	10Kw	60	120V, 1 phase, 2 wire 120/240V, 1 phase, 3 wire.	No	Skid	None	None	None	138-139
MEP-804B	15Kw	60	120/208V, 3ph, 4 wire 240/416V, 3ph, 4 wire.	Yes	Skid	6115-01-530-1458	G12170	M53500	140-141
PU-801B	15Kw	60	120/208V, 3ph, 4 wire 240/416V, 3ph, 4 wire.	Yes	Trailer	6115-01-565-0874	G78374	R62700	143

2. I am observing in the outputs that the 15KW options only put out 3phase. I really don’t understand 220 and it’s variants, so I wonder if it is easy to make 3ph into single phase or vice versa. What would it take to use the 804 for standard 110VAC or 220 single phase?

It almost seems like the 10k is the more versatile solution and cost effective in the end.

3. 10k vs 15k genset:
Miller Bobcat 225 does everything I would want to except not have the welder load on it as a generator itself. This is a great place to get required specs from. The manufacturer's site states:
· Single-Phase Generator Power Peak: 11,000 watts Continuous: 9500 watts 120/240 VAC, 88/44 A, 60 Hz

With that my thoughts are that with me having the welder settings using 6011 1/8” rods at 80-105A, and sometimes 7018 1/8” @ 100A to pretty up those container welds since they use Corten steel (A certified professional container welder friend provided this info), I think that the 105A max setting based on this info may be 60% of the welder’s limitation. If so the 10K genpac should work well.

Thoughts?