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Posted By: Admin Strange Outlet - 08/14/11 09:49 PM
Quote
Hi
My work involves mending generators, and I have recently come across one with a strange outlet socket. I have searched the internet for information to no avail. Somebody has suggested that is a military type socket, possibly 300v.

Has anybody seen one like this before, can shed any light or any further info?

vitalite


[Linked Image from electrical-photos.com]
Posted By: KJay Re: Strange Outlet - 08/15/11 02:58 PM
I have no idea what it is myself but, the site in the link below seems to have a lot of interesting info on older gensets. Maybe you could try posting that pic there and someone could possibly identify it for you.

Gensets
Posted By: vitalite Re: Strange Outlet - 08/16/11 07:23 PM
Thanks for that - have posted a message there to see if anybody can identify.
Posted By: LarryC Re: Strange Outlet - 08/16/11 09:00 PM
Is this connector wired to the Output of the generator?

What is the generator output? (Volts & Hertz)

It reminds me of the old trailer running lamps connectors.

Larry C
Posted By: vitalite Re: Strange Outlet - 08/16/11 11:34 PM
Hi Larry, thanks for your interest.
Yes, the outlet is wired to the output of the generator.
The generator runs at 50hz, not sure of the voltage yet as the engine needs attention, so I've only managed to get 72 volts out of it so far.
There is a circle on the outlet which reads 25/300, which I assume to be 25 amps/300 volts.
There is a plate on the generator, which, roughly translated suggests that the 115v outlet should be used for light/heat only, not for motors - but I think that is the round 2 pin socket.
Posted By: LarryC Re: Strange Outlet - 08/17/11 12:33 AM
Do you think the output is 3 phase?

Is the single contact in the brown part of the connector, connected to the frame?

Larry
Posted By: jdevlin Re: Strange Outlet - 08/17/11 02:59 PM
What country/language? That could be a clue.
Posted By: vitalite Re: Strange Outlet - 08/17/11 09:22 PM
Yes I think it's 3 phase, and the wire connected to the bottom part is the earth wire. Don't know where it goes to because I haven't taken it apart that far yet.

The instructions are all in German.

Thanks for your interest.
Posted By: Texas_Ranger Re: Strange Outlet - 08/18/11 09:02 PM
I asked a friend from Germany who deals a lot with old equipment. He said it's a 380V 3ph connector, only used on military equipment (both Western and Eastern Germany, he suspects this one is Eastern based on the paint color). Apparently it's 380V 25A 3ph+ earth.
Posted By: vitalite Re: Strange Outlet - 08/18/11 10:08 PM
Thanks Texas Ranger, and thank you friend too. That's really great information. I don't suppose your friend would have any idea how old it might be?
Posted By: Texas_Ranger Re: Strange Outlet - 08/22/11 07:55 PM
His best guess is 1950s but he said it would be easier to tell with more detailed pictures (especially with the cover off).
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