Possible to convert 110v generator to 220/240v?

[GRW]

No more speculation!
I went outside to get evidence.

I jumped the two wires in the plug as shown on the 230v drawing.
View attachment 382419

I then jammed the multimeter's leads in the two remaining spaces in the socket.
View attachment 382420

I then closed my eyes and pulled the starter
The engine roared into life and there was no smoke and no sparks

This is what I got
View attachment 382421
View attachment 382422

So, finally, we know.
Stephill only uses one engine and generator on these models and the voltage outputs and sockets are customisable through the wiring.

Thanks all for your input.

You've got a Winner!
Stephill though most definitely do build sets with a 55-0-55v specially wound alternator for the Construction Hire Market (it's just this isn't one of them)

 

[voipio]

Now we're cooking on gas!!! ;-)))

 

[Smouser]

I might as well get a switch and a 230v 16A socket and wire it so that it is a dual-voltage generator.

While am at it, I might as well tart the generator up a little with something like this too:

 

[Barking Mat]

Winner !

 

[Robotstar5]

Waiting for the post " Well I did all the mods, it ran for 10 minutes then threw a rod through the block, now I know why it was free"

 

[Smouser]

Waiting for the post " Well I did all the mods, it ran for 10 minutes then threw a rod through the block, now I know why it was free"

Bawahaha.

Well, I for one hope that post does NOT happen

Stephill kindly responded to my email for further information on my model and they provided the alternator (NSM generators) manual.

I attach it here, it might be of use to somebody else in the future.

 

[Smouser]

Update to the free generator:

I received all the parts (230v 16A socket and changeover switch) I needed to rewire/make it a dual voltage generator including the 'ac power meter' thingy from China.

I followed the wiring diagram below and both the 115v and the 230v outputs 'work' when switched over with the 115v/230v switch.

I have not yet wired the energy meter in.

However, the output voltage of the generator is high.

I am getting about ~272v on the 230v outlet with no load.

I am getting about 136v on the 115v outlet with no load.

With a small heater (1800 - 2200w) plugged in on the 230v output I am getting a reading of about 260v. Still a bit high to my liking.

I have not messed around with the engine and it seems like it is running smoothly, which leads me to suspect that the capacitor's value might be incorrect.

It currently has a 12.5UF capacitor installed (close to the 13uF required per the manual for a 2.2kva generator).

I think I should try an 18uF capacitor as per the generator spec sheet for the 2.7kva generator and see how things go from there as I suspect I might have the 2.7kva version from this VERY faded sticker.

If an 18uF capacitor solves the high voltage problem, we can crack on and install the China ac meter thingy.

If not, I might need to investigate if the engine's rpm is too high but I do not have the correct equipment to check it.

 

[carbon]

If not, I might need to investigate if the engine's rpm is too high but I do not have the correct equipment to check it.

As your multimeter has a Hz range connect it as before at a socket and adjust the engine speed if the output is above 50Hz

 

[Chippie]

If the engine speed is too high the frequency will be out…
Ha Carbon beat me…
But before you connect your meter, check what voltage it can connect to, on the Hz range…,alternatively, get a small transformer with a low voltage secondary, using the LV side to measure from. And safer….

 

[Smouser]

As your multimeter has a Hz range connect it as before at a socket and adjust the engine speed if the output is above 50Hz

Thanks @carbon and @Chippie. I am not sure if my multimeter has got a Hz function. I will need to go and check.

 

[carbon]

I am not sure if my multimeter has got a Hz function

It’s at the top centre of the selector switch

 

[Smouser]

Went outside to check if my multimeter has got a Hz function, but obviously, @carbon already spotted it on the photo I posted earlier.

Anyway, here are the results:

No load

With the heater load (1800 - 2200w).

So the Hz is slightly high, but is it high enough to cause that big increase in voltage?

 

[carbon]

Reduce the engine speed to get 50Hz with some load and check the voltage after the adjustment. Don’t switch the mulimeter to volts without disconnecting it first

 

[Matrixx]

Don't reduce the engine speed to 50Hz, it should be set at 52.5Hz , this is known as droop. when the engine is loaded up the speed will drop to 50 Hz at full load.

speed doesn't usually have an effect on voltage, it will be the capacitor I think, (not used to such small gennys), looks like increasing Farad range will increase the voltage.

Most electrical equipment is rated to 231 +/- 10% (255V AC) so 260V is quite high.