Home Generators

BungeeII · Sep 16, 2009

Dennis, a couple things...

10-3 needs to be protected by a 30 amp breaker, not 40.

I don't see what purpose your added panel is providing.

Ideally, you'd want to add a breaker to the main panel with a positive lock-out like the interlockit linked. Adding a sub-panel to the 100amp panel doesn't do anything to protect your generator (or the linemen). If there's no room for the generator in the main, you may as well just add a proper transfer panel or see if the original posters suggestion might work for you. (I think it was the OP. A transfer switch with a tail for the generator to plug in.)

Maybe I'm reading it wrong. You've never really created a "generator load center". You've merely added a sub-panel in line to connect the generator.

Dmace · Sep 16, 2009

My setup was to call the local home generator installer, hand him a check for $7,900 and BAM! just like that I have a 12KW propane powered 24HP Honda stand-by generator that automatically starts up and transfers power from the line to the generator after 20 seconds. Once the power comes back on, you don't even know it switched back to line power, the generator just shuts down. No lugging out a generator, no extension cords, no gas refills, no electrical questions or dangers. Done deal, let the pros do it!

Willl · Sep 16, 2009

If the homeowner or lineman is injured or killed because of the back feed how much will that "cost" the homeowner?

I'd start with 'manslaughter'.

jinjimbob · Sep 17, 2009

dave1949 said:
DennisArrow,

I agree, it's complicated - too complicated.

I agree, 100%.

Installing even the most basic transfer switch is a million times simpler.
You can pay an electrician $300 to install it for you, and you don't run the risk of killing anyone or burning down your house.

valley · Sep 17, 2009

Thats right! A transfer switch takes the guess work out of it. I made a good length cord so the generator can be set in several locations.

BungeeII · Sep 17, 2009

There it is again. It's like the dog from the movie "Up" when he thinks he's seen a squirrel.

Highbeam · Sep 17, 2009

Another interlock user here. Mine isn't the aftermarket kit but I replaced the whole panel with one eqipped with an interlock system right from the factory with a UL tag on it. I needed a new panel anyway so I paid the small upgrade cost. It has a 30 amp breaker as the "genset" breaker. It works great with my 4000 watt genset.

BobRip · Sep 18, 2009

dave1949 said:
DennisArrow,

A side note: A good 6500 watt generator will do a lot more than run your well pump, freezer, frig and a few lights. You can watch TV, use a microwave oven and probably still have some capacity left over.

The generator breaker might trip if the frig, freezer and well pump all decide to run while you are microwaving.

Dave.

I run the well until the tank is full, allow the pressure switch to open and then open the breaker. Then I can run my other stuff. When water pressure gets low, I turn off most of the other stuff and charge the tank again. I do have a 40 gallon tank and this helps. I can usually go for hours without running the well since we do not use as much water when the power is out. The large tank also helps extend pump life.

whistlepig · Sep 19, 2009

valley said:
Thats right! A transfer switch takes the guess work out of it. I made a good length cord so the generator can be set in several locations.

These home generator forums can get too complicated some times. The good thing about this that is scares someone like me in to doing the right thing. I am not an electrician. But it also scares the average person away from generators. It's just about a necessity to have a generator out in the country. For sure if you have well water and livestock. These are the hard rules I stayed with:

1) Don't back feed the house. That can burn your house down and kill a linesman.

2) Find a very good electrician. This is the hardest part. Not someone that can preach scripture and verse electrical code. Someone that can take one look at your wiring and say "This ain't going to work." My neighbors helped me find a good electrician.

3) Take no chances with this. It is not worth the risk. One needs to be wise about it.

This is something an average home owner can do and afford as long as they are careful and do things the right way. It's not plug and play. It takes a lot of research.