Live in the sticks Generator switch?

[ArmyPair2]

:smiley_aafz:When I want to ask a rookie question I sometimes find the answer in the search box which is great but does this stop others from putting their input in on a topic without getting slammed by somebody say check search? I do have a questions and seek your knowledge that I could not find and it has to do with generators and switches .

We have two 30 amp generators at 7500 and 7600 outputs and are tired of running cables when there is a outage. I have been looking at what is called the interlock or the transfer switch to hook our house when there is a blackout. My main concern is that is there is no back feed in the lines that could harm a worker.

Which would you chose and why?

 

[aczlan]

This thread had some good info: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...rator-transfer-switch-connection-choices.html
Here is what I would like to do at some point:

Howdy,
This was brought up in another thread which showed some products with good prices from local sources.
GE Power Mark Gold 200 Amp Main Breaker 4-Space 8-Circuit Meter Socket Load Center View attachment 283573 and the matching GE PowerMark Gold Generator Interlock Kit View attachment 283574 really is a nicely priced outdoor NEMA 3R meter base with generator interlock ability. With this being at the meter, you can control it with this service disconnect and then still have your main panel inside with service disconnect as well.

NOTE: always check with your Utility service to see if this is acceptable for service. They have the say so since it holds the meter.

See also: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/rural-living/259476-generator-install-plans.html

Aaron Z

 

[ideburger]

I have this one I bought on Amazon...

http:// http://www.amazon.com/Reliance-31410CRK-10-Circuit-Generator-Generators/dp/B000HS2L3O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387247260&sr=8-1&keywords=transfer+switch

I have been very happy with it and it was simple to install.

 

[buickanddeere]

Thank you for caring and wanting to do the right thing. There are so many dangerous cheap knowitalls out there that backfeed 120/240 into a three prong welding receptacle.
If your generator is setup with a floating neutral. A properly fitted external interlock on the main breaker panel is acceptable. The following links also provide a couple of other options.
I like the reliance as it mounts outdoors, allows all circuits to be fed. And has four breaker spaces for local loads or a place to tie in a distant shed, fish pond, yard lights etc.
The reliance will also allow future use of a larger generator. I remember one time standing at an auction sale wondering how I let a 15KW pto generator get past me for a couple of hundred bucks. A 15Kw is hopeless for a modern farm but will run most houses just fine.


GenerLink Downloads

TWB2012DR Panel/Link | Product Details | Reliance Controls Corporation

 

[dave1949]

I have a manual interlock in my main service panel--the one fed by the meter socket. I have to turn off the 200 amp main breaker, slide the interlock, then turn on the breaker that passes generator power to the service panel. All circuits receive generator power. It is impossible to have both the main breaker and generator feed breaker on at the same time. I like it better than a transfer switch that has dedicated, pre-determined circuits connected to the generator output. I manage my load as needed by turning off circuit breakers such as for the water heater that I can't control when it will decide to heat.

My generator connects to an "inlet" box using a power cord similar to the cord used to connect an RV to utility power. I'm not sure about two generators coupled to the same electrical system. I think some generators are not built to receive power, and they would be connected to each other electrically via the 120V busses in the service panel.

 

[dusty3030]

I have a 400 amp fused switch between the meter and my main panel. You totally disconnect from line power and when you throw the switch all the way down you run your whole panel off generator. You can choose what to power and what not.

 

[aczlan]

Thank you for caring and wanting to do the right thing. There are so many dangerous cheap knowitalls out there that backfeed 120/240 into a three prong welding receptacle.
If your generator is setup with a floating neutral. A properly fitted external interlock on the main breaker panel is acceptable. The following links also provide a couple of other options.
I like the reliance as it mounts outdoors, allows all circuits to be fed. And has four breaker spaces for local loads or a place to tie in a distant shed, fish pond, yard lights etc.
The reliance will also allow future use of a larger generator. I remember one time standing at an auction sale wondering how I let a 15KW pto generator get past me for a couple of hundred bucks. A 15Kw is hopeless for a modern farm but will run most houses just fine.


GenerLink Downloads

TWB2012DR Panel/Link | Product Details | Reliance Controls Corporation

IMO, the meter base/breaker panel I linked to (GE Powermark Gold, TSM420CSCU) is a better deal. It is $120 for the meter base/panel, $40 for the interlock and under $20 for the generator breaker. Less than half the $440 cost of the Reliance panel and if you replace your current meter base, you should be able to re-use the current wires running to it (rather than having to buy more wire).

Aaron Z

 

[ArmyPair2]

Silly me I should have made sure to say one of the generators is just used for backup.

 

[4shorts]

I just installed a Honda 6500 watt 30amp back up generator and I installed this transfer switch. Works great and safe for everyone.

Transfer Switches Manual - SQUARE D by SQUARE D - Transfer Switches Manual by Zoro Tools Industrial Supplies

 

[techman]

Simple. Buy a connector to mount outside the house, like: Amazon.com: Reliance Controls PB30 L14-30 30 Amp Generator Power Cord Inlet Box For Up To 7,500 Watt Generators: Patio, Lawn & Garden

Then put a mechanical interlock on your existing panel, connected to a 30 amp 2 pole breaker. You can get one to fit any make box from:
Generator InterLock Kit Manual Transfer Switch

Just remember to switch off large loads, like hot water heaters, large AC etc when you switch over.

paul