single phase off a three phase genny

[SparkyTris]

what are the implications of using a 3 phase generator to deliver a single phase load?
ie, just using one of the phases.

 

[SUNRAY]

It's not ideal but frequently done. Don't expect to use the full power capability of the genny on just one phase - IE 10KVA genny cannot run 10KVA on just one phase, it would be 3.33KVA max

Potentially it could run less smoothly (shake) or use more fuel but these days I'd hope neither of those are a problem.

 

[ericmark]

The zigzag config was done a lot at one time, it was common for a generator to have 12 windings, these could be arranged to give 55-0-55, 230, or 380 volt phase to phase.

The use of just one phase, would depend on which phase the regulator monitors. That is if you have a regulator, control varies a lot, I have worked on generators which used voltage and current to power the field windings, and at a set output the voltage was spot on, but under or over that output, it could vary a lot.

Today we see a lot of inverter generators, the output voltage and frequency may vary a lot, but the inverter corrects it to 50 Hz and 230 volts. This allows a generator to run at reduced revs with a light load.

So a 1 kVA generator may not work in the same way as a 250 kVA generator, and no one can give an answer without knowing how the generator being talked about is controlled, I have worked with generators which were really car alternators converter, to 750 MW. And they don't work in the same way.

So I can't comment on Honda etc, but some idea of the internal wiring would help.

Of course, you could feed all into an inverter and get a smooth AC output.