US vs Europe Generators

As I used to tell my students: the only dumb question is the one never asked

European generators will also be regularly 240 volts (or 380 if 3 phase) (another common configuration would be 220/360) whereas US generators will be a regularly 120 volts (or 240 if 3 phase).

AFAIK practically every 50 Hz generator can be reconfigured as a 60 Hz generator and visa versa. You may need to delve into the generator's manual or call a technician but it can be done. I know I can do it on my 20 Kw Kohler.

In a simple answer, yes. Turning the drive engine faster moves its rated power output up a little further along the curve. At a higher rpm it is capable of producing more horsepower which may in turn be converted to a higher wattage electrical output.

Where do you find 360v gensets?. The main European voltage these days is 400v 3 phase

He probably meant 220/380V, the older voltage in Europe.
Physics says that in three phase AC the voltage between two phases is single phase voltage *√3.

210/360V AFAIK not used
220/380V used in most parts of Europe until 1987
230/400V used in Europe since 1987
240/415V in the UK until 1987, still in Australia until 2000

There is also a +/-10% tolerance, which is the reason why actual voltages in the UK and AUS are still higher than in other places.


There are also slightly higher voltage systems, not that uncommon in industrial applications.
380/660V older systems
400/700V today
(Still below 1kV. 1kV is usually the point at which additional training and certification requirements kick in.)

Sorry, I meant to refer to 230/400 and 220/380 volts

Most US generators in 40'-150' are 240Volt single phase. You only see 120volt generators on the small boats. 3 phase on larger than 150' give or take.

I am quite sure you'll die if you plug a 380v into a 400v shore power supply!

Do you think that one fine morning the Europeans changed every piece of electrical equipment? Of course they didn't. So it follows that 220/230 and 380/400 are different but compatible standards.

I know it's not the same but I once connected a 110 volt item to a 220 volt outlet. There was a sizzle, some acrid smoke and that was it. Of course, the item was literally "smoked" but that was it.

It was a cold and grey morning as usual.

All new electrical equipment ships from the factory pre loaded with a smoke charge, once that smoke escapes you ust have to reload it and it will be ok.

I thought only Lucas electrical parts came with that?

I'm guessing here but have you ever owned a British sports car (e.g. Triumph, MG)? I'm betting you did

I only own British cars...

The funny one is in France its left hand drive country like the US and the rest of the world, not counting those down under. The Range Rover has this thing where the body control computer keeps reverting back to right hand drive... and the passenger seat controls everything... gone back to the dealer time and time again to get it reset.

Whats funny my classic Rolls has the same problem... the new Rolls too... and the MB too... the Lotus cars never have this problem...

Finally figured it out it was a "problème féminin".... as she never rides in the sports cars... they are immune.

Yep, this is the classical "smoke test" - switch on and look for any smoke

Try installing a new battery with more cranking amps. It sounds like voltage is getting low when trying to start the vehicle and it's losing the programming saved on the Eprom section of the computer possibly due to losing voltage for a second or so.........

You may be right... the Rover and Rolls cars set in the garage for long periods between use...

But I do drive the Lotus cars all the time... except when they are being fixed.

"Problème féminin" never ever rides in the Lotus cars... drives only her electric cart... never had a drivers license... knows all the rules... knows how to direct correct operation... as this does not change with any of the 'passangers' in the house... I just think the front right hand seat instills automatic control... . On second thought thats it... .

Always find it funny how British cars the subject of Lucas jokes while the Italian cars get a pass even thigh their electricals are no better

And I won't mention how many XJS have gone up in flame because of Marelli ignition !

(E-type and Alfa owner)