Post by: boneaddict on November 28, 2019, 09:04:31 AM
all opinions welcome even those that arent safe or compliant :chuckle:
Post by: KFhunter on November 28, 2019, 09:13:41 AM
I think if an electrician seen mine he'd shake his head and go na na na na see no evil hear no evil na na na na and walk away shaking his head
but it works and it was cheap, and besides I live rural and we just do things like that in stevens county :tung:
Post by: boneaddict on November 28, 2019, 09:15:27 AM
Post by: KFhunter on November 28, 2019, 09:19:41 AM
one could utilize an existing 220 box on the side of their house, like for an AC unit or hot tub and tie into that.
You could make special 120v lines and tie two black wires of your 120v plugs to each leg of your 220v outlet, then tie your common white lines together and run to the common in your fuse panel.
that would give you 220v to the whole house and power both legs of your fuse box and it seems to be working great (hypothetically speaking of course)
Post by: Mudman on November 28, 2019, 09:23:53 AM
Post by: CP on November 28, 2019, 09:24:23 AM
https://www.amazon.com/EZ-GENERATOR-SWITCH-Generator-UNIVERSAL/dp/B00FADDE0A/ref=asc_df_B00FADDE0A/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198064505516&hvpos=1o9&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6502024846375847600&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033394&hvtargid=aud-801381245258:pla-320968523428&psc=1
It works well and was easy to install.
Code? What code?
Post by: CP on November 28, 2019, 09:26:45 AM
Post by: KFhunter on November 28, 2019, 09:28:14 AM
electric water heaters? 1, 2 more?
deep well pump?
house heat? electric gas?
lights x?
fridge, freezers?
generac has a nice calculator. If you have gas heat and city water that makes it pretty easy, a 5500w generator will power *most *of what you need, it'll keep the fridges running, lights on and your fish warm., but don't run the clothes dryer and toaster oven
Post by: High Climber on November 28, 2019, 09:29:28 AM
As far as flipping the main and plugging it in to a socket goes, the big hazard there is not to you... if you miss a step or do something wrong, the hazard is to the line crews working in the area or your neighbor that decides to move some downed wire out of his driveway (Bad idea), as the back feed through your transformer will step up the voltage back to 7200 volts or whatever the nominal voltage of your feeder is. Spend the extra cash and have an electrician do it :twocents:
Post by: KFhunter on November 28, 2019, 09:32:04 AM
Be sure that you don't back-power the grid. That would endanger any repair people working on the lines.
:yeah:
but the actual threat of this is very very low, truth is so many people have so many things running its virtually impossible to back feed the system, it'll pop the generator overload fuses like instantly.
Post by: boneaddict on November 28, 2019, 09:38:03 AM
Post by: wapiti hunter2 on November 28, 2019, 09:39:36 AM
Post by: High Climber on November 28, 2019, 09:40:54 AM
Be sure that you don't back-power the grid. That would endanger any repair people working on the lines.
:yeah:
but the actual threat of this is very very low, truth is so many people have so many things running its virtually impossible to back feed the system, it'll pop the generator overload fuses like instantly.
There is a lot of assumptions you are making here. If you live in a rural area and maybe just you and a few neighbors are fed of the the same tap line... your line is down towards the source or a lineman has made an open... now you are heating things up. Not trying to bust anyone’s balls here but DONT be the Ahole that kills somebody just to save a few hundred bucks
Post by: Special T on November 28, 2019, 09:41:25 AM
1 while the power is on map out the lights, plug ins and such in your house. take this map that has the breakers on it and put it in a ziplock bag and tape it to the inside door of your breaker box.
2 make a list of circuits that you must have to power necessities. likely the outlet you have for your fish tank also has a light on it. I doubt you need to light the whole house, and powering the whole house up draws power.
3 Figure out how many Amps each of the necessities need to start up and run. This should help.
https://www.rcpw.com/rip/repair/generators/calculating-generator-output.html
I had a 7500watt generator that i used for almost 2 weeks one time. It ran my refrigerator, 2 freezers, some lights, and the fan for the natural gas furnace. I ran it about 8-10hs a day not the whole time i was out.
I had not done any of these things before hand, it would have made my life much easier.
If you are going to disconnect your main breaker and back feed the panel it is quite helpful if you can plug your generator to a high amperage plug in like what you might use for a welder or electric cloths dryer. You can burn your house down overloading a simple 120 outlet to charge the pannel.
Post by: boneaddict on November 28, 2019, 09:41:48 AM
I'm assuming if an electrician did it, theyd say no to that and put the transfer switch in the house next to the mother board and the plug in would be just outside there.
Post by: SniperDanWA on November 28, 2019, 09:43:10 AM
I plan to put a conditioner on the power line this summer.
I want to move some of the 40amp service to the new panel, to spread the breaker load out.
The guy who owned the house before me was great at deconstruction and horrible at construction. So, lots of work to move things around and to clean up has messes.
Post by: Ridgeratt on November 28, 2019, 09:44:16 AM
Be sure that you don't back-power the grid. That would endanger any repair people working on the lines.
:yeah:
but the actual threat of this is very very low, truth is so many people have so many things running its virtually impossible to back feed the system, it'll pop the generator overload fuses like instantly.
:bash: Perhaps but the last large wind storm Spokane had and it knocked over trees in northwest Spokane folks by Albi were out for days because of the resident's feeding their panels with generators. Avista had to go trip the cutouts to isolate the areas and then bring on the power a small section at a time.
As others have suggested to consult a qualified electrician. I have gone and looked at some hillbilly installs in Stevens county and just shook my head. Yes KF you do have some creative folks up there. When we lose power you can here the generators start just like dominos.
Then again I don't rely on you tube for this. But I have dabbled in the electrical field for over 45 years.
Post by: Special T on November 28, 2019, 09:44:47 AM
Be sure that you don't back-power the grid. That would endanger any repair people working on the lines.
:yeah:
but the actual threat of this is very very low, truth is so many people have so many things running its virtually impossible to back feed the system, it'll pop the generator overload fuses like instantly.
There is a lot of assumptions you are making here. If you live in a rural area and maybe just you and a few neighbors are fed of the the same tap line... your line is down towards the source or a lineman has made an open... now you are heating things up. Not trying to bust anyone’s balls here but DONT be the Ahole that kills somebody just to save a few hundred bucks
I think you are also legally responcible for manslaughter as well
Post by: KFhunter on November 28, 2019, 09:52:39 AM
people doing this should possess enough knowledge to not charge the main lines
Post by: boneaddict on November 28, 2019, 09:55:04 AM
My two biggest draws are deep well and central air. Central air is huge I understand. I have backup propane heat, but the fan is dead with power out. This could be resolved by powering that outlet and heat wouldnt be an issue. Many of my power outages occur in summer because of fire. That wouldnt solve that problem. Thats the main one I dont have a clue what the actual draw is. I dont really on well either but think I can find out. Running amps isnt that much on it, but starting amps is probably a good 3x that.
I think the rest can be handled (fridge, freezerx2, tank fans and pumps, lights etc.) I wouldnt be worried about laundry. Hotwater heater is electric.
Post by: boneaddict on November 28, 2019, 09:57:05 AM
Post by: Stein on November 28, 2019, 09:58:55 AM
Yeah, don't feed power back, it's not legal and you can kill someone. If you don't understand this, probably time for a licensed electrician.
90% of the time, the power goes out because there is a line down or a tree or something else shorting it out. Thus, someone will be out to fix it buy putting their hands on a bare conductor and they shouldn't have to risk their lives because some guy thinks he knows better.
Post by: boneaddict on November 28, 2019, 10:08:14 AM
This all being said, I might be about to lose my job of 20+ years and may have to move. I'm also trying to factor that in my decision making process. Portable ....in other words
Post by: KFhunter on November 28, 2019, 10:12:38 AM
Those newer transfer switches would know to turn off your water heaters when your well pump asked for power depending on how you set up the priorities, the point is you can do much more with much less of a generator with smart switch technology. $$$
I do want a proper whole home solution but it's a crap ton of money and hard to think about when the power is on.
Post by: Ridgeratt on November 28, 2019, 10:25:05 AM
I do want a proper whole home solution but it's a crap ton of money and hard to think about when the power is on.
They are about half the cost of a sled or 4 Wheeler.
Post by: Crunchy on November 28, 2019, 10:25:55 AM
Post by: boneaddict on November 28, 2019, 10:31:31 AM
Post by: PolarBear on November 28, 2019, 10:43:39 AM
Wiring in a transfer switch is pretty darn easy. Not sure if it has to be done by an electrician but ...... I bought a honda motor knock of generator at costco for about 1k. It is 6800 watts at peak. Transfer switch cost me about $350 (8 circuit) and about an hour to install. I only run non ethanol, and fuel it up in October. Start it up every other week to run for 10 minutes until March. Then drain the fuel let it run dry and put it away. Only thing I would do different was to buy a 10 circuit switch instead of an 8.:yeah:
Technically it has to be done by a licensed electrician. I see you are running a well but what about septic? When I built my home I wired in a transfer switch and bought a 12,000 kw Honda Power Boss at Costco and it's big enough to run the well, septic and everything else. It's pretty simple to do.
Post by: boneaddict on November 28, 2019, 10:45:49 AM
what size genny did you get at costco?
Post by: KFhunter on November 28, 2019, 10:46:06 AM
Then I have breakers that run to the house where I have another panel inside the house.
So I flip the main inside the house to off, and I flip the house breakers on the outside meter box to off as well. That just leaves the shop hooked to the grid, so I turn on the shop lights and when the power comes back on that's my indicator to turn the generator off and flip the house breakers and main back to ON
I'd like to install a generator transfer to that outside meter panel, it should be pretty easy but I need to pull the meter off to do it. I've never cut that meter tab thing off, but others have told me no big deal Avista would just put on a new one. They're going to be installing a smart meter sometime this summer, so I need to clean up my DIY wiring :chuckle:
Is it a big deal to cut the tab off and pull off the meter?
Post by: boneaddict on November 28, 2019, 10:52:12 AM
Post by: PolarBear on November 28, 2019, 10:54:33 AM
Septic? Pressurized? I'm not familiar with that. Mine is all downhill...My folks had a septic with a float that pumped grey water down the road to mound system. I wired them up with a transfer switch and a duel fuel (gas and propane) 12,000 kw generator. Wasn't sure if you were hooked up to sewer, gravity etc... For my place I got a Honda Power Pro 12,000 kw gas generator. Like was said above, run ONLY non ethanol fuel in it and run it out at the end of the season.
what size genny did you get at costco?
Post by: 300rum on November 28, 2019, 10:57:06 AM
From what I can gather about the Generac, there are tons of great reviews from people who don't actually use them. When people actually need it, there are a ton of bad reviews (hurricanes, etc.). There are also a ton of bad reviews when it comes to Warranty, availability of service tech's, and the amount of maintenance needed to keep it up to the manual.
My Brother-in-law is an electrician and has wired quite a few Generac's (at least a dozen or 2) and he says they work great when they install but once again, doesn't know anyone who has actually needed it.
I have come to the conclusion that what I really need to do is get a Diesel Generator and then store a few hundred gallons of Diesel (I'll use it for the tractor too). There seems to be quite a few mil surplus and other Diesel generators available. They are big enough and seem to be easy to work on and there are many more Diesel tech's to be found then Generac tech's.
I am also thinking of getting one on a trailer so I can move it with me too.
Post by: trophyhunt on November 28, 2019, 11:09:29 AM
Post by: KFhunter on November 28, 2019, 11:18:01 AM
When I had my house built I had it wired for a BU Generator and had a 1k gallon propane tank installed and stubbed out. I have researched the Generac and similar to the point of exhaustion but I haven't pulled the trigger yet. I need it to ensure that I can water stock, run the freezers and fireplace fan. We have multiple longer outages throughout the year.
From what I can gather about the Generac, there are tons of great reviews from people who don't actually use them. When people actually need it, there are a ton of bad reviews (hurricanes, etc.). There are also a ton of bad reviews when it comes to Warranty, availability of service tech's, and the amount of maintenance needed to keep it up to the manual.
My Brother-in-law is an electrician and has wired quite a few Generac's (at least a dozen or 2) and he says they work great when they install but once again, doesn't know anyone who has actually needed it.
I have come to the conclusion that what I really need to do is get a Diesel Generator and then store a few hundred gallons of Diesel (I'll use it for the tractor too). There seems to be quite a few mil surplus and other Diesel generators available. They are big enough and seem to be easy to work on and there are many more Diesel tech's to be found then Generac tech's.
I am also thinking of getting one on a trailer so I can move it with me too.
That's what I come up with, we had a portable generac Dad paid waaay too much for and it was dead after a year or so, spit a valve or something catastrophic like that I don't remember exactly..the engine needed a rebuild but it cost too much and it just ended up being garbage.
been using cheap loud brigs I got for like 400 bux at walmart for years now without issue but dang they're loud
I really like the diesel tank for both tractor and generator idea
Post by: KFhunter on November 28, 2019, 11:49:02 AM
Post by: boneaddict on November 28, 2019, 11:58:22 AM
Thats sorta what I was dreaming of ....dang
Post by: boneaddict on November 28, 2019, 12:07:43 PM
Post by: Buckhunter24 on November 28, 2019, 01:13:52 PM
Post by: Fl0und3rz on November 28, 2019, 01:49:49 PM
Only advice I can offer is that Stabil is the real deal. I was lazy on yearly checks, keeping it ethanol free, etc. Years old gas with Stabil, and it started right up, with some fresh gas to top off, when we used it this year.
I've honestly not had any problems with ethanol gas in the various two strokes with Stabil.
Post by: KFhunter on November 28, 2019, 01:53:26 PM
If I were to just plug one in, and didnt have the 50 amp plug in available yet, the dryer seems like the most logical place to plug it in. I'm not sure what kind of adapting Id have to do to get the right plug on the end of the genny cord. Ive heard people say they just plug it into an outlet, but that seems a little underguaged
4 prong dryer outlet? or 3 prong outlet?
Post by: boneaddict on November 28, 2019, 02:03:40 PM
Post by: Whitpirate on November 28, 2019, 02:05:20 PM
these are super cool, expensive at $650 bux though, but easy button!
Got a link KF?
Post by: KFhunter on November 28, 2019, 02:08:30 PM
40 amp is nearly a grand :o
30 amp is $650 ish
Post by: colersu22 on November 28, 2019, 02:10:07 PM
https://www.amazon.com/Siemens-ECSBPK03-Generator-Mechanical-Interlock/dp/B004Q01YUK/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?adgrpid=57196217478&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6umZoPaN5gIVx0XVCh0XeQGzEAAYAyAAEgLzGvD_BwE&hvadid=274742483665&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=1027770&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t3&hvqmt=e&hvrand=10798611786609623167&hvtargid=aud-836288731366%3Akwd-303529677049&hydadcr=14654_10062234&keywords=siemens+generator+interlock+kit&qid=1574979141&sr=8-3
Post by: KFhunter on November 28, 2019, 02:32:45 PM
If I were to just plug one in, and didnt have the 50 amp plug in available yet, the dryer seems like the most logical place to plug it in. I'm not sure what kind of adapting Id have to do to get the right plug on the end of the genny cord. Ive heard people say they just plug it into an outlet, but that seems a little underguaged
who'd a thunk amazon would sell suicide cords? I'm baffled how this could be allowed :o
https://www.amazon.com/getwiredusa-L14-30P-4-Prong-Electric-Generator/dp/B07KQW97VC
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51FVZGb2x4L._SX679_.jpg)
Post by: KFhunter on November 28, 2019, 02:41:24 PM
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=backfeed+generator+cord&i=lawngarden&crid=1128HU4C5X7JV&sprefix=backfeed+%2Clawngarden%2C284&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_9
Post by: Mudman on November 28, 2019, 08:43:52 PM
Post by: jackelope on November 28, 2019, 09:06:26 PM
3ft??? Huh? Wow useless. For 20ft of 50amp 220v outdoor wire and 2 plugs at Hoe depot it costs about $40.
Pretty sure 50 amps you’re talking 6/4 wire. I’m 99% sure you’re not going to get what you’re talking about for $40. I bought the stuff and made the cord from my generator to my gentran panel and it cost me double that and I’m pretty sure I used 8/4 wire.
:dunno:
Post by: Ridgeratt on November 28, 2019, 09:19:10 PM
just a little wire, some conduit and a permit. Oh ya have a propane tank dropped in the yard.
https://www.norwall.com/products/Cummins-Quiet-Connect-20kW-Air-Cooled-Home-Standby-and-200-Amp-SE-Rated-Automatic-Transfer-Switch-RS20AC/?msclkid=48be21a025ab1f88e7ba7c408cba7cc3&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Cummins%20-%20Shopping&utm_term=4582627030918135&utm_content=Cummins%20Air%20Cooled
Post by: boneaddict on November 29, 2019, 08:06:53 AM
Thank you everyone for their input, ideas and instructions. I was able to come up with a sound plan. With the pending possibility of not having a job next month I really didnt want to spend the money, but at least I got one I can take with me. Hell, tent city may be a little more comfortable if I cant pay the rent.
Post by: hunter-4-life on November 29, 2019, 09:40:17 AM
If a "Person" was to go to Lowes and buy the gen. plug and a dryer plug and some proper 30+amp wire in theory you "could" unplug the clothes dryer turn off main power supply, (Gen Transfer switch recommended) and plug your outdoor gen into dryer plug. 3500w 30amps 220v. Well, light or two, fridge etc. It is redneck yes. It works great. Be safe and smart and this isn't legal either.
I don’t recommend doing this at all. There is a reason why it’s not legal. The reason is because when the power goes out and you hook it up as mentioned you end up back feeding through your house, through your service going to the transformer and back on the downed power line. I am very against this because I am a lineman by trade and it is extremely dangerous for us. Because when we get to a downed line we test and ground it dead and then go to work. And if someone fires up a generator and back feeds then the lime comes “hot” while we are on it. This kills people every year and quite frankly pisses me off when I see it, because I’d like to go home to my family at the end of the day.
Post by: Mudman on November 29, 2019, 10:28:11 AM
Post by: KFhunter on November 29, 2019, 11:51:02 AM
https://www.auroragenerators.com/collections/off-grid-generator-power
1.2 gallons per hour at 50% load on a 50kw generator...that's impressive fuel consumption for 25kw output
there's something to be said for over sizing your generator and running it half or less of its full demand . I'm interested because I'd like to hybrid off grid my place. hooked to the grid, but don't need it.
Post by: Lumpy Taters on November 29, 2019, 09:16:21 PM
If a "Person" was to go to Lowes and buy the gen. plug and a dryer plug and some proper 30+amp wire in theory you "could" unplug the clothes dryer turn off main power supply, (Gen Transfer switch recommended) and plug your outdoor gen into dryer plug. 3500w 30amps 220v. Well, light or two, fridge etc. It is redneck yes. It works great. Be safe and smart and this isn't legal either.
I don’t recommend doing this at all. There is a reason why it’s not legal. The reason is because when the power goes out and you hook it up as mentioned you end up back feeding through your house, through your service going to the transformer and back on the downed power line. I am very against this because I am a lineman by trade and it is extremely dangerous for us. Because when we get to a downed line we test and ground it dead and then go to work. And if someone fires up a generator and back feeds then the lime comes “hot” while we are on it. This kills people every year and quite frankly pisses me off when I see it, because I’d like to go home to my family at the end of the day.
As someone else that works in the electrical industry please rethink doing this yourself. He is right about this type of thing killing people every year. It burns down houses and causes all kinds of pain and suffering. I know its easy to look up things on the internet and diy, but we have code for a reason. An approved transfer switch or main source lock out is a must. You might know to shut of the main every time but what happens if someone else does it?
Post by: Stein on November 29, 2019, 09:25:28 PM
Again, if it doesn't make sense you can spend a couple hundred on a licensed electrician and not have regrets when things go bad.
If you really want to be tightwad, put the generator in your back yard and run an extension cord through the window to power your refrigerator and a plug in lamp or two.
Post by: Ridgeratt on December 04, 2019, 08:24:44 PM
Post by: KFhunter on December 04, 2019, 09:50:09 PM
2 -3 (maybe longer) years ago propane was well north of $5/gallon, those propane standby generators can burn 3-7 gallons per hour pretty easy. I thi nk my sisterinlaw paid over 7 dollars a gallon as she got gouged due to being on contract (at least I own my tank)
15kw propane burns like 3.4 gallons per hour, 35kw is almost 7 gallons per hour.
I think it would be ok for in town with frequent but short outages, but if your out in the sticks near the end of the line you can be out for extended periods. I heat with propane, so if I were on a trip I could come home to an empty tank, a cold house, and thousands of dollars to fill it back up.
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Post by: Special T on December 04, 2019, 11:27:21 PM
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Post by: KFhunter on December 05, 2019, 07:39:30 AM
Also for me storing fuel is a non issue since I use it in my tractor, I burn quite a bit of diesel in it. Others could use it in their trucks if they stored on road diesel, or gas in their cars.
Its not hard to cycle in fresh fuel if setup right. On my current setup I burn the gas in my atv, lawnmower etc.
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Post by: skeeter 20i on December 05, 2019, 07:50:50 AM
Wiring in a transfer switch is pretty darn easy. Not sure if it has to be done by an electrician but ...... I bought a honda motor knock of generator at costco for about 1k. It is 6800 watts at peak. Transfer switch cost me about $350 (8 circuit) and about an hour to install. I only run non ethanol, and fuel it up in October. Start it up every other week to run for 10 minutes until March. Then drain the fuel let it run dry and put it away. Only thing I would do different was to buy a 10 circuit switch instead of an 8.
:yeah: x2 this is exactly what I have done and would do differently next time. The actual switch is a nothing to install.
Post by: ballpark on December 05, 2019, 08:06:26 AM
I wouldnt be on an auto set up....so the first thing I'd do would be to switch the main power off at the meter. That would stop backfeed or the other way when the power came back on.
Don't forget your jacuzzi tub :chuckle:
Post by: boneaddict on December 05, 2019, 10:35:55 AM
Post by: jmscon on December 05, 2019, 12:12:48 PM
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on December 05, 2019, 01:00:47 PM
I wouldnt be on an auto set up....so the first thing I'd do would be to switch the main power off at the meter. That would stop backfeed or the other way when the power came back on.
Don't forget your jacuzzi tub :chuckle:
Gotta have the important stuff in operation.
Post by: HikerHunter on December 05, 2019, 02:56:58 PM
Its stuck in my craw that the pump is a 3hp pump. Its down 400 feet. I'm not positive. It might just be 1hp. My memory isnt what it used to be.
A little late, but for what its worth, if you're getting flow from your well pump and its truly down 400 feet, your craw is right. You'd be disappointed with the performance of a 1hp at that depth.
Post by: Ridgeratt on December 05, 2019, 04:30:14 PM
lets see if I understand this right. With the transfer switch I can only run the items that come off the 8 circuits or so, regardless of how many watts I'm putting out, but if I backfeed it through the dryer plug I can basically run anything I want off my main breaker panel and can adjust circuits there depending on the watts generated, used, need etc. (yes of course the main coming in would be shut off. I get that!, no really I do.
Bone
You could only run what the output of the generator is usually a 30 amp or 50 amp 220 receptacle. Or if you have 2 20 amp 120 volt circuits.
I am trying to understand why some folks are thinking they need to power the entire house. Even the Skool district I used to work for we only fed vital loads. Lights and the important loads. Not the classroom receptacles. But to each there own on needs.
Post by: boneaddict on December 05, 2019, 04:35:47 PM
Post by: Ridgeratt on December 05, 2019, 04:42:05 PM
One 120/240V 30A locking outlet, a 120/240V 50A outlet (14-50R) and four 120V 20A GFCI outlets
What I see is that you have a 30 amp RV Recp. 1 50 amp 240 Recp. and then a pair of Duplex Recep just like in your home next to your chair. How many reset do you have on the face plate? The other is they are not gangable usually they are a one or the other.
There are only 4 resets on the panel on this unit
Post by: boneaddict on December 05, 2019, 04:53:05 PM
Post by: KFhunter on December 05, 2019, 05:36:25 PM
Oh I see you said your twist lock 30amp is 120/240 volts? I don't get that? Is it not for an RV?
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Post by: KFhunter on December 05, 2019, 05:45:18 PM
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Post by: highside74 on December 05, 2019, 06:28:13 PM
Post by: boneaddict on December 05, 2019, 06:32:33 PM
Post by: KFhunter on December 05, 2019, 06:57:10 PM
Didn't read the whole thread but we used a panel interlock and wired in a 50 amp generator plug into a double pull 50 amp breaker. You flip the interlock to shut off power company feed and then flip the 50 amp breaker. The generator then feeds the whole panel. Pick and choose which circuits you want on and turn the rest off.
that's the easy button, but I'm not sure all panels can be retrofitted for this :dunno:
what's it cost to install a whole new panel? I guess if it isn't full you could move all the breakers down and put in a new 50a up top and use an interlock.
Post by: Mudman on December 05, 2019, 07:12:21 PM
Still sitting in the back of my truck. I was just pulling that off of specs. No idea. I think my first hurdle is that my well is on a second service, right next to my meter and main cut off. I'm concerned if I go the electrician route and transfer switch and (50 amp input plug) I wont have power to the well. ???True but ya could maybe install 220v direct burial wire in between panels for Backup genny use only? Unless its a country mile!!!
Post by: KFhunter on December 05, 2019, 07:14:47 PM
No room to add a generator circuit, I got one single pole left! (at the very bottom right)
Post by: highside74 on December 05, 2019, 07:17:52 PM
Post by: KFhunter on December 05, 2019, 07:20:30 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on December 05, 2019, 07:25:15 PM
how would they know once they got that smart meter on it? I plan to put in a gate once I get my smart meter and no one will be coming in, least of all to check my meter.
They have to install it, electricians can’t mess with the meter.😉
I love my gate, tax man has to take pics from the road.🤣
Post by: boneaddict on December 05, 2019, 07:26:55 PM
Post by: Stein on December 05, 2019, 07:50:27 PM
All you need is two open slots in your service panel for the incoming power. You may need to move the existing breakers around since this has to be near the main service disconnect breaker. From there, it's a few feet of wire to an outside generator receptacle. It's a 1/2 day job for an electrician and maybe $250 in parts unless your panel can't take it and then it's a bit more complicated.
You will need to buy the right one for your panel, they make a ton for all the different panel configurations.
The utility owns the meter and you will have a tough time convincing them to put that thing in there.
Post by: baker5150 on December 05, 2019, 08:01:31 PM
The right hand breaker can not be “on” if the main is on.
This makes you legal, and safe. It’s also cheap and works in most any panel.
Edit
These are sold At Home Depot and Lowe’s. Don’t be cheap be safe.
Post by: Gobble Doc on December 05, 2019, 08:24:39 PM
I got something like this and it’s great. Just plug in the generator. Runs well pump, septic, and a few house circuits. We ran for 9 days when we had a wind storm. Only problem was when kids were little and flipped a switch messing around. The septic tank got a little full.
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Post by: SniperDanWA on December 05, 2019, 10:09:18 PM
Didn't read the whole thread but we used a panel interlock and wired in a 50 amp generator plug into a double pull 50 amp breaker. You flip the interlock to shut off power company feed and then flip the 50 amp breaker. The generator then feeds the whole panel. Pick and choose which circuits you want on and turn the rest off.
that's the easy button, but I'm not sure all panels can be retrofitted for this :dunno:
what's it cost to install a whole new panel? I guess if it isn't full you could move all the breakers down and put in a new 50a up top and use an interlock.
I put in a 125amp panel with two 50amp breakers this summer. The cost to power company to cycle off power was free and $80 to reconnect. The panel was $150 with one 50amp breaker and I think $34.99 for the second 50amp. I could be off on the breaker cost. I needed some wire between the two panels, that was $30. That was it. I run one 50amp as the main and the other 50amp as service to the other panel. If I’m right, I spent about $300 to $350 with misc parts. Works great. Manual transfer switch, but that works well and 6 breakers when on gen that power 90% of the house.
Post by: Stein on December 06, 2019, 06:55:17 AM
The power company won't reconnect until you have the state inspection done. I lucked out and they pulled the new aluminum conductors I bought from the transformer underground to my house and made the connections on both sides.
If you aren't upgrading the service conductors, it's a 1/2 day job if you are taking your time.
Post by: baker5150 on December 06, 2019, 07:37:22 AM
Nope, I'd need a bigger panel.
No room to add a generator circuit, I got one single pole left! (at the very bottom right)
You can simply replace some of your existing single pole breakers with single pole tandems. Free up a ton of space in there.
Cheaper and easier than a new panel or sub-panel.
Post by: KFhunter on December 06, 2019, 08:21:44 AM
Post by: Ridgeratt on December 06, 2019, 08:30:56 AM
Nope, I'd need a bigger panel.
No room to add a generator circuit, I got one single pole left! (at the very bottom right)
You can simply replace some of your existing single pole breakers with single pole tandems. Free up a ton of space in there.
Cheaper and easier than a new panel or sub-panel.
Or there is always this idea!!
You should be fine with either. Had a contractor do this install on his floor sander in a skool over here. :IBCOOL:
Post by: Skillet on December 06, 2019, 08:34:56 AM
Post by: Gobble Doc on December 06, 2019, 08:40:44 AM
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Post by: Redstar on December 08, 2019, 03:58:51 PM
We have a transfer panel, it's worth the money for ease of use and piece of mind in my opinion. Because you know that Murphy guy makes sure the power only goes out in the middle of the night when it's raining or snowing... Flip the switch, plug in generator, and everything on the circuit operates like normal. Here's the Amazon affiliate link to the model I have if you're interested in more info on it https://amzn.to/2Ly4pJi (https://amzn.to/2Ly4pJi)
Late spring seems to be the best time to buy a generator, I got mine for a little more than 50% off of what they list for now.