The mep-002a and -003a have a switch that allows you to run 3 phase 120/208, single phase 120, and single phase 120/240v. It is located close to the main circuit breaker. All you need to do is shut the set down, and move the switch to the desired position...
If separate circuits are needed to power smaller equipment, most people attach an outdoor breaker box on the side of the generator. Then individual receptacles can be added as needed. Once converted to single phase, 3 phase is not available (unless you convert it back again). You can get single phase 120/208 and 3 phase 120/208 at the same time if you don't do the conversion, but the single phase power is limited in this configuration.
@marcopolo56oh I have accomplished the re-wire and done quite a bit of testing with the set in single phase...just haven't had time to update my posts and videos. It does work perfectly in the new configuration, and the re-wire can be accomplished by the average wrench turner...it isn't difficult.
Hey Matt I know you had had multiple people reach out to you about the phase conversion for the military generators but wonder if I could pick your brain. I had been working with a engineer friend & Kurt K who designs voltage regulators & auto start kits. I have a 10 wire 804, Kurt's regulator will work without the presence of 3 phase. I have a diagram of the mapping but have some questions. The main question are inductors associated with T9 and T8 are hard wired to the neutral in the generator.
Great video, very helpful. I have a MEP-006A generator currently set to 120/208 which needs to be changed to 240/416. Could you please tell me how this can be done? thanks again
That one is very easy; just unbolt the voltage reconnection board, and move it to the position where the 240/416 arrows line up. Tighten all of the nuts, and that's all it takes.
The 804 is a little bit more difficult; I've never done one, but I do know that there are only 10 leads from the 804's generator head. I've heard that the leads can be disconnected inside of the generator head, but I've never personally seen it done.
@marcopolo56oh The set works fine with just the zigzag configuration I show in this video; but the voltage drops too much as you put more load on it. You can bring the voltage back up with the front panel controls, but this isn't practical if your set sees lots of varying loads. On SS I go into a bit of detail on how to re-wire the voltage regulator to correct this issue (post #40). I am working on another video that covers this procedure...might be a week or two before I upload it.
Great video. I have a question? What is different in this conversion as to the other one you show; but remove the board to change instrument leads under to get correct readings? Was that video for a different generator?
In that zigzag configuration it looks like two windings are in series with each other. That would probably increase the source impedance of the generator making that leg more susceptible to Distortion from poor power factor loads.
Do you really get the rated power with this zig zag configuration? Does it required protective relay settings adjustments? Does it reqire any changes to the voltage regulator? Thanks!
No, I did vector math. True if you zig zag the windings like that you will get a single phase 240/120 volt output but not at 15KW. Each phase is only rated at 42 amps. Amps just like voltages are subject to phase angle cancellations when you reconfigure the widings. If you put an ammeter on the L1 and L3 in this zig zag configuration you will still only get 42 amps out of each leg. 42Amps *120Volts* 2 legs = 10Kilowats. When you step back and think about it the only way to get 15 KW outs of 2 legs is if each leg produced 62 amps. How are you going to get 62 amps out of L1 when it's rating is only 42? This modificatoin won't get you any more power than just connecting your load at L1-L2 at 208 volts.
If the 4 bolts on the buss bar are all evenly spaced, you could just shift the bar over a hole so that you can reuse the bar to go back to 3 phase if needed.
I just bought an 804b gen set which i did not realize was 3 phase only. Is it possible to convert this set to single phase? I have read comments on the site that there are only 10 wires from the generator and for this reason, conversion is not possible. Is this correct? thanks
I have a MEP 804B 15kw military generator that I want to convert to single phase. I’ve been told by the local generator shop that this can’t be done because mine is a ten lead and not a 12 lead. Nothing on UA-cam leads me to believe that this cannot be converted to single phase. Is my local guy pulling my leg on this?
I am not that good with this kind of theory. Do you get the full 15 kw by modifying to a 120/240 single phase on this unit? Sorry for the noob question.
Hello I tried your reconfiguration and now my generator is only producing 50 volts phase to phase is it possible that my generator head is now damaged. it is an MEP006A
The 006a conversion is different than what is shown in this video…the re are some extra lead movements needed on the voltage reconnection board. I don’t have a video for this Most likely your generator is fine, it is probably sending 240v instead of 120v to the regulator/exciter and sending minimal field current to the field windings., giving you the low output voltage.
how do I install the plugs for the 120/240 hook-ups? Is their some where the boxs can be put with convent acess? Can the three phase and the single phase run at the same time?
Not easily; the 804's I've seen have the leads tied together internal to the generator head, so they can't be separated. I've never had one that I could dissect to see if it was possible to do.
sewerzuk, did this conversion on my 006A, exactly the same as you did, and it caused a short circuit. The jumper wire got very hot so we shut down, FAST. Any idea what might have happened. I have the unit set up with a side breaker box. dcajun
The conversion is different for the -006a; I have notes somewhere on the -006 ..will try to track them down for you. I meant to do a video on the -006, but some of the footage didn't turn out when I did the last conversion...
wanted know if there is a way to set up my 1973 JR Hollingsworth MEP016D 3 KW diesel generator 3ph to 120/ 240 0r 208 1ph help please, there is no common in the 1ph 240v seting only in 3 ph
I have never had an 016D in my shop; I tend to work on the larger sets. There is plenty of info available from the members on the Steel Soldiers site; I would post your question there!
I have run a used engine oil/diesel blend (75% WMO / 25% diesel) in one of these engines for about 50 hours. I still own that set and have yet to notice any problems with it. I did not preheat the oil, but it was centrifuged and very clean.
Very impressed that the waveform is even cleaner than utility power.
The mep-002a and -003a have a switch that allows you to run 3 phase 120/208, single phase 120, and single phase 120/240v. It is located close to the main circuit breaker. All you need to do is shut the set down, and move the switch to the desired position...
If separate circuits are needed to power smaller equipment, most people attach an outdoor breaker box on the side of the generator. Then individual receptacles can be added as needed. Once converted to single phase, 3 phase is not available (unless you convert it back again). You can get single phase 120/208 and 3 phase 120/208 at the same time if you don't do the conversion, but the single phase power is limited in this configuration.
@marcopolo56oh I have accomplished the re-wire and done quite a bit of testing with the set in single phase...just haven't had time to update my posts and videos.
It does work perfectly in the new configuration, and the re-wire can be accomplished by the average wrench turner...it isn't difficult.
Hey Matt I know you had had multiple people reach out to you about the phase conversion for the military generators but wonder if I could pick your brain. I had been working with a engineer friend & Kurt K who designs voltage regulators & auto start kits. I have a 10 wire 804, Kurt's regulator will work without the presence of 3 phase. I have a diagram of the mapping but have some questions. The main question are inductors associated with T9 and T8 are hard wired to the neutral in the generator.
Great video, very helpful. I have a MEP-006A generator currently set to 120/208 which needs to be changed to 240/416. Could you please tell me how this can be done? thanks again
That one is very easy; just unbolt the voltage reconnection board, and move it to the position where the 240/416 arrows line up. Tighten all of the nuts, and that's all it takes.
Thank you for the awesome information
Can this same conversion be done on a 806A?
Nice video good information. Very well explained. Do you know if this will work the same way on the mep-804?
The 804 is a little bit more difficult; I've never done one, but I do know that there are only 10 leads from the 804's generator head. I've heard that the leads can be disconnected inside of the generator head, but I've never personally seen it done.
Could you do a single phase conversion video on an MEP 006A
@marcopolo56oh The set works fine with just the zigzag configuration I show in this video; but the voltage drops too much as you put more load on it. You can bring the voltage back up with the front panel controls, but this isn't practical if your set sees lots of varying loads. On SS I go into a bit of detail on how to re-wire the voltage regulator to correct this issue (post #40). I am working on another video that covers this procedure...might be a week or two before I upload it.
Great video. I have a question? What is different in this conversion as to the other one you show; but remove the board to change instrument leads under to get correct readings? Was that video for a different generator?
In that zigzag configuration it looks like two windings are in series with each other. That would probably increase the source impedance of the generator making that leg more susceptible to Distortion from poor power factor loads.
Matt, Did You flatten a piece of copper tubing to make your bar. Thank you for the Video!!!!!!
Do you really get the rated power with this zig zag configuration? Does it required protective relay settings adjustments? Does it reqire any changes to the voltage regulator? Thanks!
No, I did vector math. True if you zig zag the windings like that you will get a single phase 240/120 volt output but not at 15KW. Each phase is only rated at 42 amps. Amps just like voltages are subject to phase angle cancellations when you reconfigure the widings. If you put an ammeter on the L1 and L3 in this zig zag configuration you will still only get 42 amps out of each leg. 42Amps *120Volts* 2 legs = 10Kilowats. When you step back and think about it the only way to get 15 KW outs of 2 legs is if each leg produced 62 amps. How are you going to get 62 amps out of L1 when it's rating is only 42? This modificatoin won't get you any more power than just connecting your load at L1-L2 at 208 volts.
@@skylerhagen9960 U are 100% correct. A submerged water well pump is so dependant on 240v and will stall and self destruct at 208v.
If the 4 bolts on the buss bar are all evenly spaced, you could just shift the bar over a hole so that you can reuse the bar to go back to 3 phase if needed.
I just bought an 804b gen set which i did not realize was 3 phase only. Is it possible to convert this set to single phase? I have read comments on the site that there are only 10 wires from the generator and for this reason, conversion is not possible. Is this correct? thanks
jean poitras did you ever get this done I gave same problem
I have a MEP 804B 15kw military generator that I want to convert to single phase. I’ve been told by the local generator shop that this can’t be done because mine is a ten lead and not a 12 lead. Nothing on UA-cam leads me to believe that this cannot be converted to single phase. Is my local guy pulling my leg on this?
will the reconfiguring to 240 single phase work on my MEP-804B
I am not that good with this kind of theory. Do you get the full 15 kw by modifying to a 120/240 single phase on this unit? Sorry for the noob question.
Have you messed with the 804a converting it to a 12 lead???
Hello I tried your reconfiguration and now my generator is only producing 50 volts phase to phase is it possible that my generator head is now damaged. it is an MEP006A
The 006a conversion is different than what is shown in this video…the re are some extra lead movements needed on the voltage reconnection board. I don’t have a video for this
Most likely your generator is fine, it is probably sending 240v instead of 120v to the regulator/exciter and sending minimal field current to the field windings., giving you the low output voltage.
Howdy, is the conversion the same for an 805b? Do I get the full 30kw after the conversion?
Did you ever get an answer to your question?
how do I install the plugs for the 120/240 hook-ups? Is their some where the boxs can be put with convent acess? Can the three phase and the single phase run at the same time?
I have an MEP-805B Generator. Is the process the same for my model?
+Clint Sands No; the 800 series MEP's use a 10 lead generator head; a single phase conversion of the type I show in the video is not possible.
I know this is a old post but if you still check this can you do this with current 804 or b ?
Not easily; the 804's I've seen have the leads tied together internal to the generator head, so they can't be separated. I've never had one that I could dissect to see if it was possible to do.
Will this mod work on a mep1060 ?
sewerzuk, did this conversion on my 006A, exactly the same as you did, and it caused a short circuit. The jumper
wire got very hot so we shut down, FAST. Any idea what might have happened. I have the unit set up with a side
breaker box. dcajun
The conversion is different for the -006a; I have notes somewhere on the -006 ..will try to track them down for you. I meant to do a video on the -006, but some of the footage didn't turn out when I did the last conversion...
sewerzuk
It would be greatly appreciated
sewerzuk yea it would be great to have a video on the MEP006a conversion along with how to get the gauges to work following the conversion
wanted know if there is a way to set up my 1973 JR Hollingsworth MEP016D 3 KW diesel generator 3ph to 120/ 240 0r 208 1ph help please, there is no common in the 1ph 240v seting only in 3 ph
I have never had an 016D in my shop; I tend to work on the larger sets. There is plenty of info available from the members on the Steel Soldiers site; I would post your question there!
There is a video out there that a guy did show where to put the neutral wire at.
The Steel Soldiers link is broken.
Do you use normal diesel fuel in this unit?
Yes; I run off highway dyed diesel in these sets.
Would it be ok on filtered and pre-heated used engine oil?
I have run a used engine oil/diesel blend (75% WMO / 25% diesel) in one of these engines for about 50 hours. I still own that set and have yet to notice any problems with it. I did not preheat the oil, but it was centrifuged and very clean.