Transfer switch

[Fuddy1952]

Me...I would shut off power to shed. Unscrew panel to the right of breaker box. Install a single outlet box about where white box is shown, fastened to a stud. Install an outlet socket. Whatever the gauge wire there now going up to door opener outlet (say it's 12/2) I'd get a length of 12/2. This goes of course hot, neutral, ground at outlet, other end wired in panel box, the hot (black) to breaker for ceiling breaker. This new outlet could still be used since it's protected by same breaker for opener.
When power is lost, flip the opener breaker off. Plug generator into new outlet. It will feed power up to ceiling breaker only.

 

[MossRoad]

Me...I would shut off power to shed. Unscrew panel to the right of breaker box. Install a single outlet box about where white box is shown, fastened to a stud. Install an outlet socket. Whatever the gauge wire there now going up to door opener outlet (say it's 12/2) I'd get a length of 12/2. This goes of course hot, neutral, ground at outlet, other end wired in panel box, the hot (black) to breaker for ceiling breaker. This new outlet could still be used since it's protected by same breaker for opener.
When power is lost, flip the opener breaker off. Plug generator into new outlet. It will feed power up to ceiling breaker only.View attachment 671109

That would require a male-male death cord and could also allow the breaker to be turned to the on position when generator power is applied. This could back-feed the panel, or, conversely apply line power to the generator if power is restored. Neither situation is a good one.

Yes, it would work, but not a good idea.

 

[MF RED in MT]

I should have added, this is not a residential door and opener. The door is 12 x 24. I tried to open it when the power was out, it's so heavy, no way anyone can open it manually. It is a steel insulated and only 6 years old with annual servicing.

I called the installer, asking about a battery backup but they don't make one for a commercial door like this one.

I like Diggin's idea of a hanging drop cord, cheap fast & easy. But I would prefer a more professional look to it......depending on the price. If it's $1000, forget it, if it is half of that then okay.

View attachment 670974

It looks like a typical garage door opener except you say the door is 12' x 24' and a garage door should be balanced with springs so it can be hand lifted by pulling on the trolley trip emergency rope?

You don't have an emergency trip rope to release the trolley?

I am a little confused, maybe you could provide a photo of the trolley attachment at the top of the door.

KC

 

[Fuddy1952]

I agree...but all he's trying to do is power the opener. All you have to do is remember the steps and sequence.
For that matter I'd have instructions: "turn main AND opener breakers off", plug into outlet then generator.
Or you could install a recessed male outlet, then just an extension cord there to generator. Easy to buy or make a child-proof cover if you wanted.

 

[grsthegreat]

I agree...but all he's trying to do is power the opener. All you have to do is remember the steps and sequence.
For that matter I'd have instructions: "turn main AND opener breakers off", plug into outlet then generator.
Or you could install a recessed male outlet, then just an extension cord there to generator. Easy to buy or make a child-proof cover if you wanted.
View attachment 671128

thats even worse. That outlet would be live when utility power is present. Very dangerous.

 

[bigtiller]

This one almost looks like some kind of homebrew job somebody is selling:

Amazon.com: EZ Generator Switch - Generator Manual Transfer Switch Universal UL/CSA Approved: Garden & Outdoor

Is that switch John Deere green?

I like it, but it is rated at 15 amps. Is that enough? Would I be better off with a 20 amp switch?

 

[dstig1]

That would require a male-male death cord and could also allow the breaker to be turned to the on position when generator power is applied. This could back-feed the panel, or, conversely apply line power to the generator if power is restored. Neither situation is a good one.

Yes, it would work, but not a good idea.

Gee, Moss...Where's your sense of adventure? :laughing:

Seriously I agree, it is a bad idea, but the solution is even simpler. Run the opener down to that outlet in the photo. When power goes out, unplug it and plug it into the extension cord from the genny. No it's not as pretty as the rest of the shop, so paint the cord off-white and it will disappear. Or use surface mount conduit (aka wiremold) to hide it.

 

[MossRoad]

Gee, Moss...Where's your sense of adventure? :laughing:

Seriously I agree, it is a bad idea, but the solution is even simpler. Run the opener down to that outlet in the photo. When power goes out, unplug it and plug it into the extension cord from the genny. No it's not as pretty as the rest of the shop, so paint the cord off-white and it will disappear. Or use surface mount conduit (aka wiremold) to hide it.

Yes, that is the simple solution, and what i'd do if it were my garage. In fact, that is the way my garage is now... the opener cord goes across the top of one of the ceiling joists, down the wall, and is plugged into an outlet above a workbench.

 

[strantor]

I agree...but all he's trying to do is power the opener. All you have to do is remember the steps and sequence.
For that matter I'd have instructions: "turn main AND opener breakers off", plug into outlet then generator.

What you described is, as far as i know, not against code. It's quite common to have multiple outlets on a single breaker. Generator transfer switches are required to be designed in a way that it is physically impossible to energize the (assumed down) grid. But there is no transfer switch here. Just two outlets on one breaker. Totally normal. Now, what you choose to do with that outlet, like feeding generator power into it with a dead man cord, I don't know where that falls on the spectrum of legality. I would officially advise against it. Unofficially, if you know enough to even think of performing the prescribed actions, then you probably know enough to not cause an issue. But your audience may not, and may be getting dangerous ideas.

This part however I'm afraid I must condemn both on and off the books:

Or you could install a recessed male outlet, then just an extension cord there to generator. Easy to buy or make a child-proof cover if you wanted.
View attachment 671128

 

[mikester]

Here is a pic of the breaker box.
Just to make sure it isn't an easy job, it is surrounded by 2x4's and covered with metal.
This is one of the reasons why I asked about installation difficulty.
What do you think? Attack it or hire it out?

View attachment 671025

It's an easy job if you know what you are doing. Based on your questions you should be hiring an electrician. If you are worried about cost get 3 quotes and adjust your expectations.

 

[Diggin It]

Is that switch John Deere green?

I like it, but it is rated at 15 amps. Is that enough? Would I be better off with a 20 amp switch?

Contact the seller. Looks like they make them, so they might be able to customize. But does your opener need 20A?

 

[MossRoad]

Gee, Moss...Where's your sense of adventure? :laughing:

......

It stops at licking 9v batteries.

 

[MossRoad]

Here is a pic of the breaker box.
Just to make sure it isn't an easy job, it is surrounded by 2x4's and covered with metal.
This is one of the reasons why I asked about installation difficulty.
What do you think? Attack it or hire it out?

View attachment 671025

Looking at the picture, that's the door opener switch to the left of the panel, correct?

If so, does the power come out of the breaker box, go to that switch, then control the outlet for the opener?

If so, are there any knockouts on the bottom or top of that switch box?

 

[MossRoad]

Looking at the picture, that's the door opener switch to the left of the panel, correct?

If so, does the power come out of the breaker box, go to that switch, then control the outlet for the opener?

If so, are there any knockouts on the bottom or top of that switch box?

If so, you could mount a box below or above that switch box with an on-off-on switch and a generator input (male) outlet and there's your neat, easy and under $100 solution.

 

[grsthegreat]

Looking at the picture, that's the door opener switch to the left of the panel, correct?

If so, does the power come out of the breaker box, go to that switch, then control the outlet for the opener?

If so, are there any knockouts on the bottom or top of that switch box?

Those switches carry low voltage control wires, not 120 v.

 

[MossRoad]

Those switches carry low voltage control wires, not 120 v.

Well that sucks.

 

[MossRoad]

Those switches carry low voltage control wires, not 120 v.

It's just a garage door opener switch? Like my little doorbell button?

 

[grsthegreat]

It's just a garage door opener switch? Like my little doorbell button?

its not much different than the standard door opener button fed off of doorbell wire. You just complete a circuit . Some of these buttons in commercial jobs require a person to hold the down button the entire time to close door to prevent accident.

 

[TractorGuy]

I've never seen ANY garage door that doesn't have a release mechanism so it can be manually opened. If yours cannot be lifted by hand there is an issue with the installation.

My release latch is higher than I can reach but I bent a simple wire that hangs down just enough to unlatch and latch it.

As far as connecting a generator goes the panel interlock with an outside plug in is the least expensive way to go. That way you can power your lights and opener from one connection.

 

[grsthegreat]

my roll up has a manual interlock, but the door is so large and heavy i cannot roll it up by myself. its also 14' tall. i fiddled with it the first time i lost power and had to manually open door. didnt take me long to install gen backup to shop so i would not have to do that again. Also, i like having lights work. i can even run my compressor if need be. my interlock cost $69 plus about $60 for outside plug. these take about 30-45 minutes to install. no real skill needed as long as your not a total wad. when power fails i simply roll gen outside thru mandoor, try to remember to turn on fuel shut off and flip on switch on generator, while its warming up i plug in the 10' cord to building and generator, then by the time i go indoors and switch the interlock, gen is warmed up, and i have power to panel.