Generator Generator transfer switch wiring diagram

[gemini5362]

DON'T DO THIS!!! Not only is it illegal. It is very dangerous. All somebody has to do is flip the main back on accidentially (or have it fail) and the guys fixing the lines can be killed. You'll loose everything.

Obviously it works, but is is just plain wrong!!!

Andy ( EE in Power Engineering)

I am wondering if the safety police will mention that the guys fixing the lines should treat it like it is always hot and use insulated gloves and insulated tools while fixing it

 

[RobS]

Rob, you need to turn off the main breaker, but you don't have to disconnect power from the house / meter to install it or to use it.. The second link has an installation and usage video, if you want to see the nitty gritty.

OK, I think we're trying to same the same thing. Install required main breaker disconnect, useage does not.

Reminds me, I better run mine this weekend for it's periodic exercise.

 

[RonMar]

I am wondering if the safety police will mention that the guys fixing the lines should treat it like it is always hot and use insulated gloves and insulated tools while fixing it

They surely are supposed to, but tired people make mistakes... and also to mention, that unless it is the feed line to your home that is down/disconnected, if you should inadvertently connect your generator to backfeed the grid, it will probably try and stand on it's ear and fail miserably in it's attempt to meet all your neighbors electrical needs...

 

[SpringHollow]

Another reason to do this with a proper interconnect is that someone else (not a lineman) might be doing something stupid down line from you because the line is dead. Usually two tired people doing something stupid causes a problem. Three tired people almost always causes a problem.

For years, I ran my generator by shutting off the main breaker and back feeding. Then i realized I might not always have control over the situation. For example, say there is an ice storm and we lose power. I start up the generator then start working outside and hurt myself. Someone takes me to the hospital. My wife or a neighbor tries to take care of the house and flips the main since they do not know any better (actually my wife does - I educated her in depth what to do, what not to do , and why). Someone gets hurt because of it. Admittedly, a very small chance. But I am not willing to risk someone's life even under those small odds just so I can save $150. Wish this device were available to me then. (However, I am very happy with my automatic standby generator. )

A decision we each have to make for ourselves.

If that makes me part of the dreaded safety police, then so be it. I am much more willing to take risks that only affect me although having family and friends, there probably really is no such thing.

Ken

 

[Travelover]

Another reason to do this with a proper interconnect is that someone else (not a lineman) might be doing something stupid down line from you because the line is dead. Usually two tired people doing something stupid causes a problem. Three tired people almost always causes a problem.

For years, I ran my generator by shutting off the main breaker and back feeding. Then i realized I might not always have control over the situation. For example, say there is an ice storm and we lose power. I start up the generator then start working outside and hurt myself. Someone takes me to the hospital. My wife or a neighbor tries to take care of the house and flips the main since they do not know any better (actually my wife does - I educated her in depth what to do, what not to do , and why). Someone gets hurt because of it. Admittedly, a very small chance. But I am not willing to risk someone's life even under those small odds just so I can save $150. Wish this device were available to me then. (However, I am very happy with my automatic standby generator. )

A decision we each have to make for ourselves.

If that makes me part of the dreaded safety police, then so be it. I am much more willing to take risks that only affect me although having family and friends, there probably really is no such thing.

Ken

This is almost exactly my thought process. When transfer switches cost $300 plus another $200 to install, it was tough to swallow. But for $150 it is an excellent value.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I too used to throw the main switch and clip onto the splitter box terminals with big alligator clips!

I just recently installed a 200 amp automatic transfer switch, (bought off E-Bay), but in the mean time the hydro forestry crews have done a stellar job, and my power doesn't as much as flicker anymore. Go figure!

Just as a side note, I had installed a fused, selectable flashing light or horn, on the live side of the main switch. This way I was alerted when the hydro came back, which I found HIGHLY useful when running a genset with no automatic provisions!

 

[Travelover]

..............
Just as a side note, I had installed a fused, selectable flashing light or horn, on the live side of the main switch. This way I was alerted when the hydro came back, which I found HIGHLY useful when running a genset with no automatic provisions!

If you use a Gen Tran or similar transfer switch that only runs selected circuits, the other circuits will come alive, letting you know that power is restored. Of course you need to have something like a light or radio plugged into one of the other circuits.