Generator suggestions?

[Knocker of rocks]

Did not know it was "Illegal". However if an "Interlock" kit is legal then how can it be unsafe to do so on your own?   http://www.interlockkit.com/ilkitworks1.htm

I understand I am liable if i hurt or kill some one, but I still have not gotten the answer of how you can back feed with the main breaker off.  If i switch the main breaker off to connect appliances/ lights and such and dont get shocked how can i send it up the line?

It's not illegal when done correctly.  The interlocks you link should allow one to properly isolate the house from the grid when using a generator.  There can be other issues such as load calcs and local interpretations which may make such usage non compliant

[Special T]

Well the interlock looks like it just dummy proofs my sugestion of hitting the main breaker and then just using the priority breakers.

I still havent found or heard from the critics on here how I can hurt a linemen with the main breaker tripped.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547 using Tapatalk

[Stein]

Well the interlock looks like it just dummy proofs my sugestion of hitting the main breaker and then just using the priority breakers.

I still havent found or heard from the critics on here how I can hurt a linemen with the main breaker tripped.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547 using Tapatalk

You can't, but you also can't guarantee it will always happen according to plan.  I use the interlock because not only am I not foolproof, I might not be there to do it and my wife or kids would be working it.  I am a professional licensed engineer and electrician and I wouldn't trust myself.

If you connect a generator to the grid, very horrible things can happen to both people and the generator.  The interlock is a few bucks.

[Knocker of rocks]

The interlock is probably safe, but also probably not compliant with the NEC because load shedding is not allowed when sizing a generator.  When hooking up to the house main, load shedding is almost always a requirement unless using a huge generator.

I would use a interlock in my house, but I would also understand the caveats.

[C-Money]

I have a 2500 watt Honda. If I ever need to, (been lucky) I will run a pair of extension cords into my home, and run what needs run. Maybe a light or TV on one, and the fridge on the other... Everything wont be powered at the same time, but it will be enough to get by...

[T-Dozzer]

I have a 2500 watt Honda. If I ever need to, (been lucky) I will run a pair of extension cords into my home, and run what needs run. Maybe a light or TV on one, and the fridge on the other... Everything wont be powered at the same time, but it will be enough to get by...

Just a standard cord or heavier?

[C-Money]

I have a 2500 watt Honda. If I ever need to, (been lucky) I will run a pair of extension cords into my home, and run what needs run. Maybe a light or TV on one, and the fridge on the other... Everything wont be powered at the same time, but it will be enough to get by...

Just a standard cord or heavier?

I have a few heavier cords from my diesel block heater days I would use. I am no electrician... but seems like that would be fine in my mind. The cords on the frezer/firdge dont look to heavy. I would Probably rotate a 750watt electric heater in as well to take the chill off as needed.

[Bofire]

I bought my 3500 watt Craftsman generator off of Craigs list for $125.00 about 15 years ago. It came with heavy cords, battery charger hookup etc. Works great. I run a cord to my freezer and fridge, and a cord for lights and TV( if TV works) simple cheap and works. Longest I have been out of power is 1 week.
Carl

[KFhunter]

Make sure you shut off the right main if you have two of them, I have two mains.  One in the house and one at the meter.

[Rich_S]

I am in the process of plumbing and wiring the genset I got at Costco a few months ago. I had a 5KW Honda which served for a few years dependably. But this last year I bought a 250 gallon LPG tank from a nice fellow here on the forum. With that installed, I can run the Costco genset for years if need be.



Champion makes (and sells at Costco) several different models that are almost identical, but only this one runs on LPG. I think it was $600. BTW, I need to have 240 volts to run my well pump. Without water, the bourbon is to strong for a wuss like me.

[KFhunter]

LPG is a great way to go for intermittent short term standby use, as long as the LPG isn't your main source of heat.  Also people on nat. gas can go that route too.  Remember it takes 26% more LPG to do the work 1 gallon of gas, it takes 35% more LPG to do the work of 1 gallon of diesel. 

If you need 5kw generator it will take a bigger LPG engine to achieve that over a gas or diesel engine.


It's not the ideal end of the world power your bunker solution though, diesel is king for those folks.

[baker5150]

Well the interlock looks like it just dummy proofs my sugestion of hitting the main breaker and then just using the priority breakers.

I still havent found or heard from the critics on here how I can hurt a linemen with the main breaker tripped.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I547 using Tapatalk

Energized neutral will find path of least resistance. Not always the ground buss if the ground bar isn't sufficient or even existent. Sometimes it's the neutral line out and into the neighbors ground or at the meter if it's landed.  Lots of older homes out there win insufficient ground.  Lots of old grid out there.

Think of the homeowner specials out there.  Lineman can't trust that all homes are up to code.  If your panel is well grounded your probably good to go.  A test is never a bad idea. 

[baker5150]

I use a 2500 watt from harbor freight.  I think I paid $250 on sale 5 years ago.  Runs like a top.  Loud.  But never had an issue with it. I run the heck out of it at elk and deer camp.  I have a transfer switch at the house and run lights, freezer, furnace etc  with no issue. 
I feel I'm money ahead at this point. 

[T-Dozzer]

I use a 2500 watt from harbor freight.  I think I paid $250 on sale 5 years ago.  Runs like a top.  Loud.  But never had an issue with it. I run the heck out of it at elk and deer camp.  I have a transfer switch at the house and run lights, freezer, furnace etc  with no issue. 
I feel I'm money ahead at this point.

How much stuff are able to run on 2500?

[KFhunter]

quite a bit if you have your house prepared for it, switch out the lights for all LED and it'll keep your house lit up and fridge and garage freezer running.