Gas Generator to House AC connection???

[JD 4520]

Having looked into this, I rejected that idea, because if I recall correctly, the transfer switch must be rated for your full service amperage, which makes them much more expensive than, e.g., a backfeed breaker and interlock, which only has to be rated for your generator's amperage. In other words, a 200-amp transfer switch is way more expensive than a 50-amp breaker and an interlock kit. Interlock kit and breaker: about $250. 200A transfer switch: about $600.

Not sure where you may have found that price for a transfer switch. It appears that is a whole house transfer switch which is not what you want or need if you have an under rated generator. If for instance you have a 6kw generator, then get an 8 or 10 switch transfer switch which is about $250. Get one from HB or Honda equipment. IF you have a 20kw generator, then you are in a different class altogether.

 

[joshuabardwell]

Not sure where you may have found that price for a transfer switch. It appears that is a whole house transfer switch which is not what you want or need if you have an under rated generator. If for instance you have a 6kw generator, then get an 8 or 10 switch transfer switch which is about $250. Get one from HB or Honda equipment. IF you have a 20kw generator, then you are in a different class altogether.

You're right that it's a whole-house switch, but my understanding is that, if you're going to switch the entire panel, you have to buy a switch that is rated to handle your entire mains service, even if your generator is not adequate to feed all circuits in the house. In other words, if you have a 200A main service and a 50A generator, you still have to buy a 200A transfer switch. The comment I was responding to was specifically talking about having a whole-house transfer switch, as opposed to having to pre-select which circuits you wanted powered.

 

[JD 4520]

You're right that it's a whole-house switch, but my understanding is that, if you're going to switch the entire panel, you have to buy a switch that is rated to handle your entire mains service, even if your generator is not adequate to feed all circuits in the house. In other words, if you have a 200A main service and a 50A generator, you still have to buy a 200A transfer switch. The comment I was responding to was specifically talking about having a whole-house transfer switch, as opposed to having to pre-select which circuits you wanted powered.

An 8 breaker transfer switch for instance connects to just 8 breakers in your panel (likewise 10 to 10). Each breaker on the transfer switch is rated 10/15/20 amps and has two sides, left and right to balance the load. These are extremely easy to install. I have installed several.

Tell me what size generator you have. I'll give you some ideas. I'm sure others will also.

 

[CNC Dan]

but if you dont have a large enough generator, it doesnt matter how many circuits you feed, it wont work.

you just have to choose which circuits you need to run at once.
so you might run the furnace and some lights, then the fridge and the microwave, etc.

but as one other poster has pointed out, the whole service transfer switches need to be rated for the main services rating. that gets expensive.

 

[northwind318]

Been doing it the way you describe for Years,works fine .Use Twist lock connectors if you want to really feel safe

 

[whistlepig]

These are nice. A bit pricey but I would like to have one.

Honda Generators - HP2S Portable Power Systems: Basics

 

[Travelover]

Been doing it the way you describe for Years,works fine .Use Twist lock connectors if you want to really feel safe

I did the same for years, but didn't feel good about it, especially when I traveled and knew my wife was clueless about how to hook up the generator. I bought an inexpensive Gentran Vintage set up, wired it in quickly and easily and made up a step by step instruction sheet with pictures for her so she can do it in a foolproof manner.

At the time I think the cost about $150 or less.

Gentran Corporation: Generator Transfer switches for home & business

 

[joshuabardwell]

An 8 breaker transfer switch for instance connects to just 8 breakers in your panel (likewise 10 to 10). Each breaker on the transfer switch is rated 10/15/20 amps and has two sides, left and right to balance the load. These are extremely easy to install. I have installed several. Tell me what size generator you have. I'll give you some ideas. I'm sure others will also.

I think there's some confusion. I'm not the OP. I'm not sizing a generator or installing a transfer switch. I'm just commenting on the thread. Someone up-thread said that, instead of installing a transfer switch with a limited number of circuits, you could install a switch between the meter and the service panel, and switch the whole house. All I'm saying is that doing so is far more expensive than installing a limited-circuit switch or a backfeed breaker with interlock.

 

[SteveO89]

Sorry yelbike, no offense taken, it was referencing a 5-year old Holiday Inn Marketing Campaign not worth explaining further.

I'm sitting here thinking don't type this but alas, I have no inner dialog. I mean no offense and I enjoy and have learned allot from this forum over the last 5+ years but it seems every thread ends up being don't do that because there is a million in one chance grandma might be hurt. Safety is important and should be considered if someone is suggesting something that by design is unsafe. I however said "shut-off the main breaker," yes if I left the main breaker on I could possibly kill a lineman that wasn't following his safety precautions they get paid to follow. But it is much more likely I will kill a bus load of preschoolers when I have a massive unexpected heart-attack while traveling down a highway at 70mph. No one says we shouldn't drive? We smoke, drink, don't exercise and speed thru life under the premise we can control our actions but introduce the possibility of not shutting off a breaker and OMG! This is the same reason we have so many regulations many of us feel are ridiculous. Why do we do this? Let the beatings begin.

Very well said! I think the safety police are taking over and have gone way overboard, I have been backfeeding my electrical panel for years and have had no problems.

 

[JD 4520]

Would this be safe and fuctional? Shut off main 200-amp service breaker going to commercial power, plug (make a cable) generators 230v output into an outlet connected directly (no other outlets) to the breaker panel via a 50-amp breaker, shut off other breakers to direct AC power to required outlet in the home? TIA

Here's the answer: http://www.gen-tran.com/eshop/transfer-switch-vintage.asp