3 Phase generator

[Coldwell]

Hi all, a brother of mine has purchased a large ex-GPO three phase generator. He wants to power his cottage with it in the middle of nowhere. He is planning to join all three phases into a transformer to bring it down to 220v. However, he also wants to power a three phase car lift. His idea is to split each phase off before the transformer to connect to the motor. It all sounds a bit Heath Robinson to me - three phase is outside of my experience. Does this sound feasible to you? Or just dangerous?

 

[telectrix]

sounds like he's no idea what he's doing. he needs a TP&N board installing, and he'll need an earthing system

 

[Coldwell]

Ha ha! You're not wrong there! So what does a three phase and neutral board consist of. He has earth rods in place... I just didn't think it was as simple as joining the three phases and using a transformer to bring the voltage down...

 

[shagbite]

you need to tell your mum what he's doing - then she can GROUND him.

 

[telectrix]

he doesn't need a transformer to start with. tell him to get a qualified sparks to quote before he kills himself.

 

[Haydon M&E]

The best advice anyone can give you in this case is to seek local professional advise. This wont just go pop if you get it wrong!

 

[Coldwell]

I most certainly will, and I'll tell his Mam! Out of interest, is it possible to combine the three phases? Each phase is about 220v anyway but he thinks he wouldn't be able to balance the three phases separately. (Needless to say he has spoken to a number of "experts" who aren't electricians...)

 

[Coldwell]

Ha ha! Just showed him your replies and he's on the phone looking for an electrician! Thank you all!

 

[telectrix]

what area? a forum member will probably be close.

 

[Marvo]

Ha ha! You're not wrong there! So what does a three phase and neutral board consist of. He has earth rods in place... I just didn't think it was as simple as joining the three phases and using a transformer to bring the voltage down...

Earth rods is probably a good start but this isn't a straight forward installation, far from it in fact. He's got no choice but to get a competent electrician to do this type of work. There's a very high chance someone will get injured or something expensive will get damaged if he carries on regardless.

 

[telectrix]

just make sure you get a video when he starts the genny going.

 

[Knobhead]

I wonder how long it will before the engine is knackered due to being run light for hours on end?

 

[Amp David]

Hi all, a brother of mine has purchased a large ex-GPO three phase generator. He wants to power his cottage with it in the middle of nowhere. He is planning to join all three phases into a transformer to bring it down to 220v. However, he also wants to power a three phase car lift. His idea is to split each phase off before the transformer to connect to the motor. It all sounds a bit Heath Robinson to me - three phase is outside of my experience. Does this sound feasible to you? Or just dangerous?

Think you'd best start planning his funeral pretty soon!