can i run 1phase wiring to a panel that was made to run on with a 3phase generater? i only need 110/220v?

Question

this is on a portable military building i purchased from the government. it has its own panel/lighting ect. thanks, jeff

Answer 1

It's Not legal or really the thing to do. If you hook-up #1leg and #2leg then leave #3 leg empty circuits spaces #5,6,11,12, 17,18, etc. would be left dead and for your own sake it definitely needs to be clearly marked. Also does it have a neutral bar which is necessary. The proper panel isn't that much money from home depot. These dead circuit numbers associated with leg #3 for a 3 phase panels are correct !! The circuits ID is left to right on a dual row of breakers.
For a single row of breakers associated with #3 would be 3,6,9,12,,,etc Panel type wasn't stated. Your next question would be can the same 3ph breaker be used for a 1ph load, yes but the same circuits described would be dead. If 1 circuit on a 3ph breaker were to be tripped the entire breaker would trip (all three) because of the common throw bar.

Answer 2

Jeff,
Your main power that will supply the pwer to the buiding is the worry make sure you get big enuff wire.
The panel has three buss bars this is where the breakers attch
if yo start at the left side and count down 1 2 3 the number three slot for a breaker will be dead.
3,6,9,12 should be dead
if you are gonna use the building for storage or let's say light duty this should be fine get the right wire I would say # 4 or maybe even # 2 this is good for about 100 amps other factor play a part
length , are you gonna bury it or go over head. If yo uare gonna use it for say a work shop get the right panel
be careful

Answer 3

The only problem I see with that is for the 220. You'd have to use a 3-phase breaker with only two wires going to it and I'm not sure that an overload would trip it. Some people run 220 on two side-by-side 120 breakers, but it's not really considered safe. I think it would be better to get even a used 1-phase service panel. You could always do your own test, but personally, I wouldn't chance it.

Answer 4

Go to Lowe's and the right panel for $100 , then everything will be right and later you wont forget and get your goose cooked. If you do not know how to install this you should always get a professional.

Answer 5

3 phase gen sets as you need to determine 3 life terminal and tap either one and connect with 1 phase live inlet, then check for neutral terminal normaly marked with `O' or Neutral and connect to 1 phase inlet terminal than for grounding connect `E' terminal to E terminal on your 1 phase inlet terminal .Voila you got 1 phase supply. Warning !!!! turn of generator first before doing it if you confused ask electrician to do it as it may cost you some cash rather than your life . good luck.