Back-up Generators

[dstig1]

Thanks for the info GRS. Looks interesting, but I'm not sure if it would help my friend's setup or not. Looks like it is best installed from the get-go, and his (normal) panel was all set up years ago.

 

[grsthegreat]

Thanks for the info GRS. Looks interesting, but I'm not sure if it would help my friend's setup or not. Looks like it is best installed from the get-go, and his (normal) panel was all set up years ago.

ive installed these in old wires houses by simply replacing the existing panel with the new panel. that way i didnt need to install a transfer switch and a gen panel at all.

 

[dstig1]

I don't see how that is a benefit. You need to pull out everything from the old panel and put it in the new one. Vs just adding the transfer switch to the system. ??? Seems like at least the same amount of work.

 

[kude]

I don't understand where this panel replacement idea comes from. My understanding is that that the transfer switch is located between the meter and your panel. I had an old 100 amp hodgepodge setup upgraded to a 200 amp panel several years ago and I'll be darned if I let an electrician talk me into replacing a new panel when it may not be necessary. My understanding is the generator needs to be located near your panel and the meter.

I guess if you have an old out of date panel, it would be a good time to bring up your electrical to a modern standard.

I am considering a generator since a storm put the power around here out for three days. I was lucky but the town was down. And next time I could be affected. I saw that Generac is also going to the plastcic cases although I like the squared off metal look better.

I just need to figure what size is right. The gererac site calculator says 25kw , 27kw, 30kw. I am not liking spending that much considering the pricing.

 

[hr3]

I don't understand where this panel replacement idea comes from. My understanding is that that the transfer switch is located between the meter and your panel. I had an old 100 amp hodgepodge setup upgraded to a 200 amp panel several years ago and I'll be darned if I let an electrician talk me into replacing a new panel when it may not be necessary. My understanding is the generator needs to be located near your panel and the meter.

I guess if you have an old out of date panel, it would be a good time to bring up your electrical to a modern standard.

I am considering a generator since a storm put the power around here out for three days. I was lucky but the town was down. And next time I could be affected. I saw that Generac is also going to the plastcic cases although I like the squared off metal look better.

I just need to figure what size is right. The gererac site calculator says 25kw , 27kw, 30kw. I am not liking spending that much considering the pricing.
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Your right to a point about the panel upgrade.. some guys like to do it that way.. We install the whole house transfer switch 90% of the time,, the other 10% we only do the circuits that are necessary..

As for the generator being close to the panel..not necessary.. you can put the generator where ever you want,, it's only time and money to run the wires to your transfer switch,, We did a 20kw monday and it was 110' feet away from the transfer switch..

 

[grsthegreat]

Heres the problem, unless you have a 100 amp ( for 100 amp service) or a 200 amp generator, you cant just put the transfer switch ahead of the panel. If you have a 50 amp gen set trying to power up a 200 amp panel, you will have an overload to the generator and it will shut down. So what alot of people do are buy a 50 amp generac (home depot special) auto start generac generator and they want to power their 200 amp panel. I tell them we cant power the heat, water heater and stove with this unit. So i have to install a smaller 50 amp panel next to the 200 amp panel (if theres room) with a 100 amp auto transfer switch between the two. I power the new 50 amp panel from thew house panel, then i have to re-run all the circuits that the owner wants to run off of the generator to the new panel. 6 hours later, hes up and running, with alot of drywall repair.

Unless you install a generator that can power up your entire panels actual load, the simple installation of the transfer switch IS NOT the proper way to do it, and here in Idaho, the Inspector WILL fail the install.

Or, i pull out the old panel and install the new panel (1-2 hrs work) add a feed to the generator and I'm done. The new panel is a legal split bus panel that will LEGALLY allow the installation of the lower amperage generator as you can move circuits to balance the load to match generator output.

 

[hr3]

Unless you install a generator that can power up your entire panels actual load, the simple installation of the transfer switch IS NOT the proper way to do it, and here in Idaho, the Inspector WILL fail the install.

Then what is the breaker on the side of the generator for ??? To keep it from overloading..???? I'm glad I don't live in Idaho.. In Maine we go by the National Electrical Code...

 

[grsthegreat]

Then what is the breaker on the side of the generator for ??? To keep it from overloading..???? I'm glad I don't live in Idaho.. In Maine we go by the National Electrical Code...

Why would people in Maine try to get away with powering up a 200 amp house with a 50 amp generator????? i'll need to check my NEC book about that code

 

[hr3]

Because here we don't have much if any AC and can get by with what we have..I have a 200a service and acording to TED,, I have never seen more than 60a on my panel.. Soo I don't run the hot tub when the power is out,,

 

[grsthegreat]

Well from my standpoint, I cannot in good conscience sell a client the idea that i can simply add the transfer switch to his loaded out panel and he should expect it to be trouble free automatic transfer without a hitch. What happens if the power fails in winter and he forgets to turn off the hot tub heater (automatically keeps hot tub to 102 F) and forgets to turn off water heater and emergency back up heat unit.....

You can see where i am going with this. I have to guarantee my install for 2 years.