Generator breaker vs. regular breaker-is there a difference?

[Coyote machine]

Just to reiterate I am not talking about backfeeding a regular panel. The panel will be fitted with an interlock device that locks out the generator breaker when the main breaker is closed and locks out the main breaker when the generator breaker is closed.


Sure, I can definitely appreciate that, but my main question is whether or not the current breaker is acceptable to use*. Everything else is pretty standard.

*Possibly, in conjunction with a transfer switch, which is why I referred you to a qualified electrician. See below too.

I read your post carefully. I understand about the lockout function and everything you stated. I maintain the answer to your question is to consult a qualified electrician in your area who is familiar with local code requirements and follow his advice.
Otherwise you'll be relying on people who tell you things like: 'you can't change a light bulb without insurance being cancelled' - ridiculous internet drivel...
You don't say in your avatar where you're located, so it's even more difficult to advise, except generically.

 

[Travelover]

........
Otherwise you'll be relying on people who tell you things like: 'you can't change a light bulb without insurance being cancelled' - ridiculous internet drivel.............

Don't get grumpy, I was just agreeing with your stern warning in your earlier post.

 

[Morning Wood]

The 50 amp breaker will work. But I would not use it with a generator that has 30 amp output. Buy the correct double pole breaker that matches the generator. Over sizing the wire is fine. You can plan on a larger generator in the future and save the 50 amp breaker. I'm doing the same thing. Pulling wire for 60 amp generator, but installing a 30 amp breaker to match my smaller generator

 

[Travelover]

The 50 amp breaker will work. But I would not use it with a generator that has 30 amp output. Buy the correct double pole breaker that matches the generator. Over sizing the wire is fine. You can plan on a larger generator in the future and save the 50 amp breaker. I'm doing the same thing. Pulling wire for 60 amp generator, but installing a 30 amp breaker to match my smaller generator

Wouldn't the service box breaker be sized to protect the wire but the generator's own breakers be sized to protect the generator?

 

[joshuabardwell]

Wouldn't the service box breaker be sized to protect the wire but the generator's own breakers be sized to protect the generator?

I'm not an electrician, but I agree here. As long as the wire on the circuit is sized appropriate for the breaker, there's no problem with sizing the breaker larger than the genny can output. Panel breaker protects the wire in the wall; genny breaker protects the genny.

EDIT: It has been pointed out to me that you want to use a 30A receptacle. That's a deal-breaker. All wiring, receptacles, etc... that are protected by the breaker must be sized to handle the breaker's rated load.

 

[hr3]

I'm not an electrician, but I agree here. As long as the wire on the circuit is sized appropriate for the breaker, there's no problem with sizing the breaker larger than the genny can output. Panel breaker protects the wire in the wall; genny breaker protects the genny.

EDIT: It has been pointed out to me that you want to use a 30A receptacle. That's a deal-breaker. All wiring, receptacles, etc... that are protected by the breaker must be sized to handle the breaker's rated load.

In your edit sorry but your wrong the breaker on the generator is feeding the 30a plug he is talking about.. Sooo what he is doing is fine.. legal and up to code,,

 

[joshuabardwell]

In your edit sorry but your wrong the breaker on the generator is feeding the 30a plug he is talking about.. Sooo what he is doing is fine.. legal and up to code,,

You're telling me that you can put a 30 amp receptacle on a 50 amp breaker? What stops a malfunctioning 30 amp appliance from overloading the circuit and burning up the receptacle?

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[PILOON]

A breaker is sized to protect the wire. It is the weak link. Its job is to trip before the wire heats up and starts a fire. Rarely, unless exposed to water will a breaker not do its job. Very few breakers are fast enough to protect the appliance connected to the circuit.
But do make sure that any outlet and or plug is rated at or above the breaker rating as well.

Recently my welder switch shorted and I was sure glad that I had all the correct rated components all the way back to the main panel. My shop sure stunk when the plastics in the switch cooked.

 

[Lightnsound]

Otherwise you'll be relying on people who tell you things like: 'you can't change a light bulb without insurance being cancelled' - ridiculous internet drivel...

I think you might want to work on your ability to recognize sarcasm. Just saying.

BTW, a breaker is a breaker, and interlock kits are great.

 

[hr3]

You're telling me that you can put a 30 amp receptacle on a 50 amp breaker? What stops a malfunctioning 30 amp appliance from overloading the circuit and burning up the receptacle?

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using TractorByNet

The 30 amp recepitical is protected by the 30 amp breaker on the generator not by the 50a breaker..
http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSCF1719XR9kLw997WuEiVBtfHLPbUCpo64AhuH_aPNVBbraR9B

The only time the outlet gets power is when the generator is running,,