Making a dog bone adapter for my 4 plug 240V generator to run 3 wire 120V 30 AMP

This is a how to video for Converting a 4 wire 240V plug from my Generator to a 3 wire 120V so I can run 30 amp plug from Travel trailer..

[@leonredd6438]

this video is 6 years old waiting for me to watch it today. thank you mogyver69.

[@Adrian-rf8th]

I also bought a harbor freight generator with that stupid outlet and I couldn't find the plug anywhere except for grainger, a bunch of scammer there. They charged me 65 dollars for the socket. I could of ordered one on line but when you need one now I guess you need one now. Great video very helpful. The instructions on the packaging was not clear at all.

[@creekwalker62]

Thanks for sharing, bro. My neighbor had his generator stolen last week. I have a generator( that was given to me) that has the same set up as yours. It needs a new carb, and since I already have a generator, I am going to give it to him. But, it needs the 30A 120V setup. So, thanks again for the detailed video.👍

[@Mikiegee]

Buddy, you saved me a lot of headaches. My situation exactly, just a different brand generator. Thank you.

[@GabrielRodrigues-xm5bm]

Gracias hermano. Ningún vídeo en español logra explicar esto que tú explicas a la perfección, muchas gracias.

[@william38022]

Home Depot also sells a kit that you can plug-in to twist locks on generators for welders and it comes with several different adapters

[@aguilarj3]

I've looked do you have a link

[@victordilonardo2790]

Also good to check the device your plugging into to make sure it's wired the same way.

[@RegularJohntv]

You’d think this would be a standard thing to pick up. One of my 110 outlets is out on my generator and I needed one of these in a pinch. No such luck this is my third day sweating my xxx of. Now I know. 🙏

[@rayaguirre4237]

Thanks for all your info. This helped me resolve my issue!

[@43mackmobile]

So you wired up a 110 volt 2 30 amp plug. To get a 240 30 from this conversion you would wire green to the ground lug, the other 2 wire to the brass colored lugs omitting any neutral.

[@Bx2cruiser]

Good video man. My old generator only has the 240v 4 prong twist lock and I wasn’t 100% sure what prongs to hook the wires to. My rv is only 30amp 120v so in order to run it off my house power I will need a single pole 30amp breaker and just a female rv receptacle.

[@martindesmarais7158]

I assume it's like in the breakers box: if you want 3 wires to get 240v, just plug your 2 lives anywhere except the W (White space) and of course the Ground at its usual space, isn't...?

[@streetfit909]

This says nothing.

[@nocoolname32]

very informative and if i had ANY skills, i'd do this. it cost me $130 getting the 18" adapter and 25' cord off of amazon to make a suicide cord to back feed the NEMA 14-50 outlet (common 50 amp 4 prong range outlet) i had installed right off my electrical panel.

[@virolfestrellado9425]

i think your okay with that, still cheaper getting the cert. tech to do it for you but they'll be safer and within the code.

[@andywept]

Exactly the info I was looking for 🙏🏽

[@virolfestrellado9425]

i think you could also use the same cord end for 50A to Genny, just need to replace the receptacle(female to RV) to 50A.

[@HerkCC]

Been looking for this! Thanks for sharing!

[@joegonzales6816]

Thank you for the information very helpful

[@Urbestieee18]

Thanks bud, life saver 👍👍

[@The1980toyota]

Thanks, been looking for this video!

[@unseen_stranger]

I need to do something similar, but for a 220V condenser. Do you know what colours are associated with L1 & L2 for 220V? The panel box for the unit uses black for L1 & red for L2, but I'm not sure if that's standard.

[@nicks.carter574]

THANK YOU, I COULDN'T FIGURE WHERE THE WIRES WENT..

[@gordonwilloughby8793]

I believe this generator puts out 5000 watts. The power you get depends on the amount of power your generator produces. You are only using half of the output of the generator because you can only connect to one of the 115 volt outputs because that is the way the camper was wired. Watts divided by volts= amps so divide the output of the generator by 2 because you are using half the generators watt output. Then divide that by 115 to get amps. With this generator it would be almost 22 amps continuous. The reason they use a 25 amp breaker is for a peak load like for when something takes extra power for a few seconds when it starts then takes less after it has started.

[@mogyver69]

I always wondered that. Thanks for the information. Makes sense now.

[@mrichling1]

I have an old 5000w genny and that only has two 15a 120v outlets and two 6-15r outlets for 240v. Whats the best way to get 30a into an L14-30 so that I have power to both legs? Do I make a male Y that connects to the L14-30? What does that wiring look like and do I use the 120V sides or is there a way with the 240v?

[@streetfit909]

Basically, you're only using 1/2 of the generator's output 120/240 in this configuration. (So if it's 6500 max watts - 5500 running watts, you have 3250 max watts - 2750 running watts available to you.)

[@willmill409]

Can you explain how this is? I'm genuinely curious as I'm not very knowledgeable with this stuff

[@surfibit]

good video brother thanks good luck

[@terrellgill2619]

Straight to the point

[@newday89]

Super helpful thank you !!

[@neilmacleod5371]

You only get 120v , tell me how to change the 4 pole 240 plug to a three pole 240 plug , so I can run a shop heater(4800 watt , 240 v ) from the dryer plug

[@jenrajsebastian7566]

Did u figure it out ? How to run a 3 prong from a 4 prong Recepticals from Generator. I'm need to run a Chinese welder which has only 3 prong but it need 230V..

[@jenrajsebastian7566]

This welder has 3 prong yet need 230V. Which is why I'm lost in this.

[@Billy_Darley]

a jumper from the other terminal to the positive wire is the only thing i can figure.

[@kyesniper]

@@Billy_Darley I'm in a similar situation with a plasma cutter that came with a 3 prong twist lock instead of a 4 prong. It's a dual voltage unit, but ideally needs 220v. Haven't had anything productive come up just yet.

[@Billy_Darley]

@@kyesniper I saw on another video a guy used two of the wires as positives and one as the ground. That gave him the 220v he needed. I've yet to try it myself but in theory I think it should work.

[@simonnorton400]

Hi to you sir, Thank you for your very informative video, I'm a bit of an electrical dummy. I followed your very clear instructions from 4 to 3 wires. Do I understand that you ended up with 120v? I have the 4 pin outlet which says 120/2240v. I need to get 220/240v output on a 3 pin pigtail not 120v. Please clarify for me how the red & black wires are configured to get the 240v I need on my 3 wire connection? Thank you for any help you can supply me. I'm in the Philippines without the correct connectors, I'm sure I can find a 4 pin male & a 3pin female.

[@Billy_Darley]

im thinking it needs a jumper from the other positive terminal to the positive wire to get the 220/240. let me know if you figure it out. i got a 3 wire stick welder i need to run on the 220/240 :)

[@Billy_Darley]

found this toadamine 1 year ago Nathan Hansen for my welder, I just left the negative terminal on the four prong blank... Two hots and a ground... That's all three prong 220 is... Worked fine.

[@gordonwilloughby8793]

@@Billy_Darley Don't run a jumper from the one hot terminal to the other hot terminal on the 220 voltsplug. this would cause a 220 volt short.

[@gordonwilloughby8793]

Red and black wires are 120 volts each in the United states. Any load connected to them gets 220 volts. If something is connected to one of them and the white common it gets 120 volts. Green is used to ground the frame of an appliance to prevent shock in case of a short

[@timbarry5080]

If i change the plug on the shore power wire of my camper to go right into my generator rather than putting an adapter on it do i need to reverse the white and black or just wire it up regular? Thank u

[@f1lacruz960]

So if you want to get 220 out of the 4 prong do you use x and y for black and white keep the ground and loose the nuetral

[@kevinkilkenny8158]

you need a neutral for 120v circuits that are on separate legs, a 240 V say for an AC does not need a neutral

[@bigpardner]

You get more power using half of the 120/240 outlet than using one of the four existing 120 outlets?

[@therider0872]

Your video was very helpful, Thanks a lot !!!!

[@zanelibert8921]

I have a feeling that all he will get with putting the wires like that will be 110 volts. If he needs 220...should he not put the white wire on one of the hot legs?

[@mogyver69]

did you read the description?

[@mhaskins3769]

No way man the white wire is the neutral wire. If he was wiring it for 240 he needs the red wire which that setup was not a four wire setup.

[@russellchambers2524]

Can I cut off a prong on a four prong adapter for my three prong generator 120 amp yes

[@paulherndon8306]

Thanks 👍

[@josearigojacobojacobo1434]

gracias amigo

[@bigpardner]

What would you be losing by adapting to the 120V outlets? Of course if you still had to do a conversion yourself, that is if there is no ready made cord or adapter, there would no advantage. But if you could simply buy something, what would you lose in performance from the 30A outlet to a 20A? Anyone- are all the four 120V outlets on this, or any generator, in phase, or are the two pairs out of phase?

[@tacx1]

The 120 outlets are only rated for 20 amps with a 20 amp breaker

[@jessstuart7495]

TT plugs/receptacles are cheap pieces of shit and the outlets become loose over time. I think they are designed to pull out if an RV drives off with the power cord still attached. The locking connectors installed on generators are far superior.

[@efjefe]

So 2 wires equals 240v?

[@efrainrodriguez2881]

Thank is working woo very good.

[@gargois1]

So you're just proving 120 by only using one pole? not 240?

[@gordonwilloughby8793]

That is correct.

[@gordonwilloughby8793]

@Dmacsimus 747 If there are four wires at the outlet check to see if the white wire and green wire are both connected at the breaker box. If there isn't a white wire I would change the wire between the breaker box and outlet if possible. I have never looked at the wiring connections inside a welder but my guess is that the white wire isn't connected in the welder. If that is correct the welder will work by connecting the green ground as you suggested. either way you will need a 4 pin outlet for the welder. Be sure the green ground wire connects to the right connection on the 220 volt plug. If the welder requires the white wire the welder wouldn't work when connected that way. The green wire is used to connect the frame of the welder to ground for safety to prevent getting a shock if the welder has a short. you can change the outlet to a 4 prong that will fit the welder without adding the white wire and it would be the same electrical connection as adding a cord to convert it from a 3 prong to a 4 prong but it won't be up to code and some things might not work connected that way so i obviously can't recommend it for legal reasons. Either way I can't take responsibility because I am not there to verify that it is connected correctly.

[@gordonwilloughby8793]

The lack of a white wire on the welder should mean that the green wire from the welder is connected to the metal enclosure on the welder meaning it is a ground wire and the wire you want to use for ground so that is the one to connect to the generator to the ground prong on the generator plug. You are right on that. The plug and outlet you are putting on the converter cord should have info on where the wires go. Are you putting the outlet and plug on the converter cord or is one of them already on the cord? If you are putting both ends on the cord this will work. If one of the ends is already on the cord it is a bit concerning because the white color is not correct for a hot wire making me question whether it was connected correctly. I would recommend putting red tape around the insulation on both ends of the white wire to avoid confusion and consider it as a red wire. Once you do that connect both ends according to color and you should be set.

[@gordonwilloughby8793]

@Dmacsimus 747 I have been trying to post an answer but somehow it keeps disappearing or doesn't post. probably will end up with a dozen answers but will try again. No white wire on the welder is the key. You are correct. Green wire is ground so that is what you connect to ground. don't connect anything to the white connection on the plug on the generator. Since you are going to be using the white wire as a hot wire I would recommend putting red tape around the white insulation both ends to identify it as a hot wire. Connect the plug and outlet on the ends according to color or if it lacks color code on the connections use the labels on them to be sure they are connected correctly

[@tcbkkb1]

Right on

[@GR018]

If i splice the red and black coming out of the adapter male four prong that is going into the 3 prong female, will that give me the 220?

[@atschirner]

If you connect the red to black wire you will trip the circuit breaker or a big blue spark. Those wires are at opposite ends of the generator winding with white as the center tap. black to white = 120, red to white = 120. Black to Red = 240.

[@toadamine]

I need this exact adapter only in 240v... Can I just put a jumper in the plug connecting the two hots?

[@nathanhansen3048]

I need this answered as well

[@toadamine]

Nathan Hansen for my welder, I just left the negative terminal on the four prong blank... Two hots and a ground... That's all three prong 220 is... Worked fine.

[@KRConnection]

Thank you! @@toadamine

[@KRConnection]

@@toadamine I have a Hobart MIG welder,says Volts 200/230,,Amps 29/25..How big of generator would I need to run it?

[@toadamine]

@@KRConnection I dont know

[@mistorwebman3546]

You wired this for 120 volt not 240 so if 120 is all you needed why didn't you go to the RV store (or Walmart) and buy the RV cable that adapts to a standard 120 volt wall plus. The generator has four of those outlets. Most people need/want the 240 plug so they can get 240.volts. My RV takes 240 volts input but I sometimes use a convert / adapter to use 120 which means I can only use a little bit of electrical 'things' in the RV when using that adapter.

[@mogyver69]

Because a standard plug is only 15 Amps and in order to run the A/C and microwave I need a minimum of 30 Amps.

[@maiiqoo95]

Awesome

[@carmac1652]

I'm looking to get 220

[@ninomazzeo9208]

If your trying to run 240 volt for a main feed I think your wired wrong. You should have black, white, as power and green as ground or neutral correct me if I’m wrong.

[@mogyver69]

I think you should read the description and watch the video it speaks for itself. I'm not trying to run 240 I already have 240. I need 120V 30 amp.

[@ninomazzeo9208]

@@mogyver69 got ya

[@zaccheusmaynard1831]

So using a 3 core flex wire, how do I wire this twist lock plug to recieve only 240v from it ?

[@gordonwilloughby8793]

When you say only 240 volts do you mean 120? What are you connecting the generator to?

[@bottomrunner869]

I have the same question. If I want to run a 3 prong 240 volt welder. Am I understanding that I have to connect x and y prongs together behind the 4 prong plug coming out of the generator?

[@govtpig]

@@bottomrunner869, what's being done here is the x and y poles will each be carrying 120v, the neutral and bare wire (white and green) should be jumped coming out of the four prong. The dangerous part is that on the three prong side, the bare wire will carry your ground and neutral, while you pull voltage on the white and black wires (120v from the four prong side black wire and 120v from the red). 240v is no joke and a trip to the hospital or morgue if you aren't careful. I'm not sure what size welder you have, so a small generator might not provide enough power anyway.

[@bottomrunner869]

Thank you, Govtpig. This information is much appreciated. Would it be better if I ran the ground externally? External ground from welder case to ground prong on plug and then ground the generator to ground stake?

[@govtpig]

@@bottomrunner869 I wouldn't run a ground stake on the welder side. I've seen people jump the neutral and ground (green) on the generator side of a 10/3 wire and I've seen others not connect the green at all. I want to reiterate that you are working with enough voltage to seriously hurt yourself. It might be a good idea to find a good electrician to make a cable for you or look over the one you make.

[@kevinkilkenny8158]

At 7:15 you did not twist the plug to lock it in.

[@xtreambackman]

Yeah went back and forth 3 times what the......

[@coloniatovar]

Excelent I Do Thank You

[@potter3173]

So how many amps will you be supplying your camper with? 30? Or 20?

[@mogyver69]

The point of the video is to convert a 240V 50 amp to a 120V 30 AMP

[@mogyver69]

My Camper is 30 Amp and this conversion worked perfectly. I'm able to run my A/C unit, microwave, everything with no issues. I'm even able to run the Microwave and A/C unit at the same time without blowing breakers.

[@potter3173]

I just bought a 4 prong male 30 amp adapter that connects to the 3-prong RV extension cord that goes to the RV I'm just hoping that the RV will still be supplied with 30 amps from that generator and not 20 amps

[@potter3173]

Correct you made one and I bought one but I have not had a chance to test it because of the hurricane just hoping that this dog bone supplies an actual 30 amp to my 30 amp camper

[@mogyver69]

You should be fine. Where are you getting the 20 amp rating? What made you come up with that number? On the generator above It has 2) 25 amp Circuit breakers divided between the 2 - 120V connections gives you total of 240V 50 Amp When you cut it down to a 3 prong 30 Amp in theory you only have 120V 25 Amp available. so In theory if you drew more then 25 Amp it could blow the circuit breaker. I have not had that issue at all. And just to be clear there's no possible way you could damage the new plug cause it would be rated at a higher rating. As for the generator or anything else it has a circuit breaker there so if you were over loading it you would know..

[@joseaguinaga835]

if you connect to one of the hot legs only, then you are only getting 2,500 watts, whch is about 21-21 amps , NOT 30 AMPS.

[@bkilla2186]

but you're not tripping the breaker under heavy load. as apposed to converting from the 110-15 amp (or on some generators 20amp). those few extra amps make all the difference. and it keeps the other 4 plugs free for other tools etc.

[@itiswell6548]

Se pou jounaliste la mande moun yo, eske te ya se pou yo?

[@tylertucker4478]

Why didn't you just go buy one? They make those 4 prong to 30amp dog bones for like 20 bucks

[@mogyver69]

couldn't find one. Went to 3 different RV places and I did not know what they were called to look on line. Found all the parts I needed at local hardware store and made one. Enjoyed doing it too. Anyone can just go buy something learning to do it yourself and doing it has its rewards. Like making this video and monetizing it. Now that's rewarding.

[@yousurf374]

I thought you were gonna rev it up and connect to application... was ready to LMAO if the vid was really a disaster vid online... but glad it is not. Now, you would think the morons who design the systems would mark the plastic points on generator and on any adaptor you are making with color codes OR letters such as R for red and B for black and W for... etc... BUT NO,,, you gotta do REfreakingSEARCH to get it right... but if you get it wrong, OH WELL... CALL AN EXPENSIVE ELECTRICIAN.. (it MUST be a conspiracy!!!) I have opposite issue. I have a heavy duty 25 ft lead for a gererator 4 prong, but 120 V wit 3 std grouded 120v outlets on the other end... but my Generator has the RV hookup, and NO ONE seems to have the adaptor opposite of yours. MALE RV 30A into a 4 prong locking FEMALE fitting. I did see CAMCO has a short simple adaptor for your application. I think it was $9 or was it $13? No dogbone, just adaptor. I bought that one anyway in event my next or borrowed generator has the Generator fixture, then I would need it. Since the old RV I bought is 50A (feeds 240v to rig but splits into two circuits,,,, second one if one were to want to install a second air conditioner. hell, i hate this electricity stuff.. I am a chemicals man. But figuring it out.... but will probably forget and have to learn again (LOL)... Hey, I guess I could run an ARC welder with the RV 50 ft setup and lead. Good to know. I guess I will have to figure out the Red and Black for those types of DIY leads and such,,, running a box from an existing 240 V circuit (with proper buss fuses or breaker) and install a box to receive my RV shore cord. OR make a lead to extend due to current distance away. Cannot be tooooo far away though without an additional breaker even if a designated unshared feed line.

[@itiswell6548]

l'agent yo bezoin.