GPO 24V generator. - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

beefstew · 11th Jan 2014, 8:42 pm

Hello, I am new to the forum. I am after some help. I have a ex GPO generator, which I think would have been carried by engineers. What would this have powered, as I am restoring it and looking for something it would have powered. It has three two pin brass plugs with 24 volt 20 amp output.

Many thanks, Stew.

Bill · 15th Jan 2014, 3:13 pm

Is this driven by a Villiers engine? They were usually gas powered from a propane cylinder via a large diaphragm pressure regulator.
There was a variety of 24v equipment could be used with it. Eg: Wolf drill, small pumps ( for emptying "water" from street ducts, inspection lighting .
The engine was very noisy but long lasting due to the fuel used- no petrol dilution of the lube oil. The output voltage was all over the place, relying on a crude governor on the engine. The low voltage meant there were no electrical safety issues but ignored the gas leaking problems from the engine!

11th Jan 2014, 8:42 pm	#1
beefstew Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Howden, East Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 1	GPO 24V generator. Hello, I am new to the forum. I am after some help. I have a ex GPO generator, which I think would have been carried by engineers. What would this have powered, as I am restoring it and looking for something it would have powered. It has three two pin brass plugs with 24 volt 20 amp output. Many thanks, Stew.

15th Jan 2014, 3:13 pm	#2
Bill Pentode Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Denton, Manchester, UK. Posts: 188	Re: GPO 24V generator. Is this driven by a Villiers engine? They were usually gas powered from a propane cylinder via a large diaphragm pressure regulator. There was a variety of 24v equipment could be used with it. Eg: Wolf drill, small pumps ( for emptying "water" from street ducts, inspection lighting . The engine was very noisy but long lasting due to the fuel used- no petrol dilution of the lube oil. The output voltage was all over the place, relying on a crude governor on the engine. The low voltage meant there were no electrical safety issues but ignored the gas leaking problems from the engine!