Generator backup power

[Larry Caldwell]

You won't find an interlock available for all panels. Search for one that is made for your panel and see if it exists.

It is very important to understand the ground to neutral bond! I think you need to make sure you don't bond the neutral and ground in two locations. It is usually bonded at the panel so in that case you would make sure it isn't also bonded at the generator. Mine has a strap that i disconnect at the genset. If I want to use it away from the house it needs to be connected. Likewise I think you wouldn't want to bond a sub panel if the main panel is bonded but again, you should check with a real electrician on this.

The generator ground is for the frame of the generator, not for the neutral. They are often used under adverse weather conditions, and little electric bugs can run around the insulation. You ground the frame to keep from shocking yourself if the insulation fails. Always follow the generator installation manual instructions.

 

[fatjay]

If you don't have a main breaker, how are you disconnecting from the power company? I imagine not all power companies are as mean as Pacificorp, but if you energize a line around here they will pull your electrical service and you don't get it back until your entire house has been brought up to current code.

I have a main breaker, it's just not separate from the other breakers. The main is plugged into a standard spot with all the other breakers. Every interlock I've seen is designed for the main being separate from the others.

 

[TheMan419]

It is reading threads like this that reaffirms my decision to have an electrician do all my electrical work.

We had to upgrade to 200 amp service for our barn. So main panel at house was replaced. I had gen sub panel installed at that time.

 

[grsthegreat]

your panel has to have the main breaker on it in order to use a manual interlock. the picture of the ch panel above post does not show a main breaker.

 

[fatjay]

The main breaker is the upper most left breaker. It's not separate from the rest of the breakers.

 

[fatjay]

What happens if, after the power is back on, can I switch on the main before switching off the generator, that way I wouldn't have to lose power completely again. In DC this is possible, but I wanted to make sure it's fine in AC.

 

[Larry Caldwell]

What happens if, after the power is back on, can I switch on the main before switching off the generator, that way I wouldn't have to lose power completely again. In DC this is possible, but I wanted to make sure it's fine in AC.

There is no way to do this if you install an interlock. Perhaps it would be best if you hire a professional to install your generator system.

 

[LittleBill21]

What happens if, after the power is back on, can I switch on the main before switching off the generator, that way I wouldn't have to lose power completely again. In DC this is possible, but I wanted to make sure it's fine in AC.

you get to use your generator as a fire starter as it will prolly catch on fire or explode. Do not try to keep both running thats the point of the interlock. use a flash light for the 30 seconds.

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

What happens if, after the power is back on, can I switch on the main before switching off the generator,

NO! NEVER!

Is that plain enough for you?

 

[houstonscott]

What happens if you disconnect from grid, run on generator while solar PV is powered up.