Back up generator ideas

[grainger12002]

looking for input on wiring a sub panel, transfer switch or just the kit that converts the panel with a lever on it....we seem to loos power alot and i dont wnat to backfeed the panel, i want to set it up once and be done, any ideas,suggestions ?
Thank you~

 

[mikehaugen]

My thoughts on doing this if I ever get a generator (my power out in the boonies has been quite reliable so I may not even bother) is to wire the generator through a breaker in the main panel. That way, when needed you can switch off the main breaker and switch on the generator breaker (technically you would be backfeeding through the breaker), then when power goes back on switch off the generator breaker and switch on the main. It would not be uninterrupted if that matters to you, but would be cheap. I am sure it is against some code somewhere, but I don't see the danger in it. I do see an inconvenience since you would have to be constantly checking for power on the line side, unless you attached some sort of light to it with a switch for when the power was working. If someone here that is more familiar with residential wiring sees a problem with this, I would like to know.

 

[woodsman74881]

They make a kit specificaly for switching your main breaker to generator breaker in you main panel. It is called a interlock Kit. I have installed several for customers over the last few years in my business. Only one catch to be legal doing this. Your generator has to have a floating neutral, not a bonded neutral, check before you buy.

Inerlockkit.com is the website where you can check them out and order.

 

[unbidden]

We used a Reliant Manual Transfer Switch. I was fortunate to find an electrician that did the job for $150. However, after watching him do the job, it's not at all difficult, and I would do the next one myself. The switch does come with an instructional cd. It cost a friend of mine $350 to install the same switch.

 

[BrandonR]

It depends on what you need the backup generator to accomplish. My house has a simple interlock in the main panel. I've chosen to go with a minimal approach using my inverter camping generator (1700 watts) to have lights/entertainment so I only have a 15-amp 120V ( very inexpensive ) power inlet. I don't expect it to run any heating in our all-electric house. If I need heat during an outage I'll use a propane powered heater to keep the house from freezing up. I can cook with propane in the camper or on the patio with a camp stove. Our outages have all been short so far.

 

[unbidden]

my other post is #4
By the way, I should have mentioned I run a Briggs + Stratton Elite 8,000 (10,000 surge) and eaisly run heat, hot water, water pump, frig, and yes, fios tv/internet as well as needed lights.

 

[msb1766]

This is the system I have. Watch the video.
How Does a Generator Work? | GE Home Generators

 

[techman]

looking for input on wiring a sub panel, transfer switch or just the kit that converts the panel with a lever on it....we seem to loos power alot and i dont wnat to backfeed the panel, i want to set it up once and be done, any ideas,suggestions ?
Thank you~

Check out: Generator InterLock Kit - Kit Selection

A little expensive for what you get, but it is approved by UL or somebody.

paul

 

[reb]

Plug "generlink" into your search engine. I haven't seen one, but they sound interesting.

 

[whistlepig]

You can go cheap (budget is a kinder word) like I did. Just a transfer box for the well pump and extension cords through the windows for everything else. Or buy one of these.

Honda Generators - HP2S Portable Power Systems: Basics