Generator Generator transfer switch wiring diagram

[Barneyhunts]

Thanks, this will cause me to call my utility co. and ask!

While this isn't the least expensive, it looks like the easiest to have installed and an absolute no brainer to switch to backup power supply. It's an atuomatic switch installed at the meter base, and comes with the cord to plug to your generator. It's a very safe option that requires no wiring changes to your panel. My electric company sells these and installs them for free.
GenerLink.com - About GenerLink - The easy way to connect a home generator

 

[Barneyhunts]

Thanks, you're right, there is a lot of good info there. Thanks again, Jack

You might also check out this thread. I had a similar question and got a lot of good inputs to help.

 

[Barneyhunts]

Thanks for the quick reply, Jack

My power company does a pretty good job, so I don't need the generator enough to bother with a transfer switch. I just shut down my main breaker and anything else that I don't need so I can keep the load below what my generator can provide. I have a cord that I can hook to the generator and back feed through a welder outlet in my garage. Guess I better add that the garage is NOT attached to the house!!! I leave the garage door cracked a few feet but keep the generator out of the weather.

Just have to keep an eye on the neighbors house to see when power is restored.

Ken

 

[Barneyhunts]

While this isn't the least expensive, it looks like the easiest to have installed and an absolute no brainer to switch to backup power supply. It's an atuomatic switch installed at the meter base, and comes with the cord to plug to your generator. It's a very safe option that requires no wiring changes to your panel. My electric company sells these and installs them for free.
GenerLink.com - About GenerLink - The easy way to connect a home generator

My electric company also offers a unit like this at a price of ~$800 for a 30 amp unit and ~ $1000 for a 50 amp unit. Do you know anyone who has one and how they like it?
Thanks

 

[rambler]

This option is done by many folks, but it should at least be noted that it is illegal. You need to have the fail-safe interlock. It gets discussed every time this topic comes up, so I won't beat it into the ground. I know many do it, but folks should at least be told that it is not to code, can tick off your power company, gives you a cord with 2 male ends which is not all that safe, and has some insuance issues....

--->Paul

My power company does a pretty good job, so I don't need the generator enough to bother with a transfer switch. I just shut down my main breaker and anything else that I don't need so I can keep the load below what my generator can provide. I have a cord that I can hook to the generator and back feed through a welder outlet in my garage. Guess I better add that the garage is NOT attached to the house!!! I leave the garage door cracked a few feet but keep the generator out of the weather.

Just have to keep an eye on the neighbors house to see when power is restored.

Ken

 

[SpringHollow]

I sell portable and standby generators. I have not used the setup RonMar mentions before and it is expensive for what you get. But it is an extremely cost effective way to do safe manual switching of generator power as long as you remember to switch off most of your breakers before switching to the generator. Since I found out about these, it is usually what i have been recommending to people who want manual transfer switches. Using it on a subpanel with only items on it that could not overload your generator even if they were all on is even a better way to go. Some people do ruin appliances, etc. by overloading their generators.

Ken

You might also have a look at this site... This is the most cost effective method I have come across. If you want to see an example, go to your local Home Depot, Loews or a local electrical supply house and look at their whole house electrical panels. They usually have an interlocked generator-ready panel on display/on the shelf... This company makes UL approved retrofit kits for existing panels. The FAQ section on their website has diagrams and more info on how it works.

Generator InterLock Kit

 

[Ford850]

My electric company also offers a unit like this at a price of ~$800 for a 30 amp unit and ~ $1000 for a 50 amp unit. Do you know anyone who has one and how they like it?
Thanks

Barneyhunts,
I have not used the Generlink, or know anyone who has. I was researching what it would take to safely use a portable generator and was first interested in the Interlock kit mentioned here. My main panel is not easily changed do to location etc. I thought my sub panel would be the perfect tap in location for a generator since it is in my barn, but the Interlock does not work well for that situation. So i went back to researching and remembered my electric co-op was very vocal about using a switch and thought maybe they recommended something. I was surprised to find they actually installed these. It looks like the perfect solution regarding safety, and ease of use.

 

[John861]

I can't see paying all that money for the fancy automatic switch. I've got a simple interlock on the circuit panel, and it works great, and is relatively cheap ($150 on the site reference above). Turn the mains off, slide the interlock out of the way, turn the generator breaker on, and you set. Most people will need to go to their circuit panel anyway to turn off unnecessary circuits anyway (to lighten the generator load), so the automatic switch at the meter wouldn't be much of a convenience.

Whatever works best for you though.

-John

 

[varmint]

One thing I have not seen posted is this: if you do something that can be linked to an insurance claim (like, the house burns down, or a lineman gets zapped) your insurance company can void your policy is there is a code violation. It happens. I recall a code expert who had been offered big bucks to be available on standby for a big insurance company, to fly somewhere whenever there was a potentially large claim they thought they might escape.

 

[rback33]

This option is done by many folks, but it should at least be noted that it is illegal. You need to have the fail-safe interlock. It gets discussed every time this topic comes up, so I won't beat it into the ground. I know many do it, but folks should at least be told that it is not to code, can tick off your power company, gives you a cord with 2 male ends which is not all that safe, and has some insuance issues....

--->Paul

It's funny that you say that. My power company knew dang good and well I was feeding back through my welder plug. They also knew that I had my main turned off. They cared less how I was doing it so long as they were not getting blasted by it. My dryer and oven breakers were killed so no one could even turn them on by accident. I can run the whole rest of my house and barely tax my generator. The exception is when the well pump kicks on. You can hear that too. Microwave was unplugged, as water and food was heated/cooked on the wood stove. It can be done safely so long as you are prudent and have half a clue as to what you are doing.

BTW... how is my double male suicide plug that dangerous? It can only be used on one spot for one purpose... And my insurance company would rather have me with safe power and not make any claims than sit there for 7 days with no power and have to pay me lots of money since they cover freezers of meat and refrigerators and...