Finished & Tested New Generator Installation

[tmajor]

In light of the recent hurricane with extended power outages, for some, I decided it was time for a "new toy".

I bought a GP6500 Generac generator and wired it into the house Load Center. While some use a transfer switch system, where you pull certain branches, which you feel are essential, I took another route.

I bought a Square D interconnect kit for my load center, installed a double pole, 30 amp "Generator breaker" (just a regular breaker), which I wired via 10/4 to an outdoor, weather proof, "Reliance generator input" plug/box. From the outdoor box, I have a 10/4 extension to the generator.

This set-up will allow me to run anything, previously powered by the load center, while using common sense, as to what the limitations of load are and adjusting my use as required.

The interconnect kit, requires that the Main Breaker be turned off, before the Generator Breaker can be turned on.

The system works, as intended. :thumbsup: Now, I don't know whether I should hope "to need it" or "not need it".

 

[EagleTDL]

Looks like you did a nice job here! I really like the C/B Guard plate, that makes sense and keeps an "Uh Oh" from happening. As discussed in a previous post, if you are "sensible" about you are trying to pull from the breaker box, you'll have no problems at all.

FYI, throw all your small breakers off before you flip to generator power. You wouldn't belive how much of a load the clock radios in all the rooms will add... :laughing:

 

[IHDiesel73L]

Nice work. I'm looking to do the exact same thing at my house so I can stop running extension cords all over the place.

 

[eepete]

Very nice! Safe and done right. Now you get to see if the "rule of new generators" kicks in for you:

After you install a generator set-up, you'll not loose power for at least 18 months :laughing:.

Pete

 

[EagleTDL]

After you install a generator set-up, you'll not loose power for at least 18 months :laughing:.

Ain't that the truth?? I bought a Craftsman 4200W model back when the biggest they made was 5000, couple of hundred bucks cheaper. Was proud of that thing, for sure! Wired it into the C/B panel and didn't lose power (to amount for anything) for 2 years.

 

[tmajor]

After you install a generator set-up, you'll not loose power for at least 18 months :laughing:.Pete

Well, I guess, that would be OK. However, I just wish, at this point, that it would quit raining! We're beyond 17" above normal for the year, which isn't over, yet.

Thanks all, .. for the recognition of "my quality work"! :laughing:

 

[tmajor]

My SIL, thought he might like to install a similar system, however he has a 200 amp GE Load Center. So, I looked to see, what GE had available for an interlock kit. It seems, that they do have a similar kit. I don't know, if they have additional kits for other of their Load Centers.

 

[USNative]

Nice work ! :thumbsup:

 

[grsthegreat]

Well, whether you know it or not, what you put in there IS a transfer switch.

All manual transfer switches work like what you just did. In the past that is the same thing i did on new gen set installs...before the dam% state got all picky about wanting the panel sized to the generator and requiring us to install a separate sized gen panel.

They don't think the average human is capable to decide what breakers need to be turned off to allow a generator to run.

Silly really, but since I'm an electrician i have to follow their stupid laws.

Your system will work just fine...as long as you cut off the heavy 220 loads if gen set bogs down. The large 220 loads are hard on a 6k GENERATOR.

 

[DAY]

Has anyone installed a natural gas generator? My furnace guy talked about becoming a dealer a few years back. Since the lines are underground, nat gas is pretty much bulletproof. (Unless you live on the San Andreas Fault. . .)