Generator plug now works water pump

[Mousefield]

Having lived out in the country for 12 years we have had power outages every year. Only 3 properties on the hydro line down to our place so we are last on the list if there are a number of outages in our area. Several years ago we had some real wicked wind storms, lost power twice for 5 days and once for 3 days. After that we got a larger generator and panel for the house. So no more electrical cord running through the house, the generator panel runs 8 house circuits. Problem was no water as our well and 2000 gallon storage tank are at the shop over 200 feet away. So had the electrician out to put in a generator plug so when we loose power we can now plug in our second generator that is at the shop and have running water. The submersible pump in the tank is 220 volt and it supplies our house and 2 mobiles. Once we put it in it is just so simple and fool proof. Just unplug the cord from the hydro receptacle on the wall and plug it into the generator cord. Impossible to feed back to hydro when the power comes back on, it can only be plugged into one at a time, hydro or generator. Did 3 test runs and it worked properly all 3 times. :thumbsup: We would only run the generator 2-3 times a day for say 30 minutes, that way we can all flush and wash dishes and fill water containers.

 

[TheGoose]

That's an ideal set-up. Thanks for sharing.

 

[whistlepig]

We have a similar set up except ours is a disconnect box with a pigtail that plugs in to a 220V cord direct to the generator. We have to isolate (disconnect) the box when the pump is running off the generator. For fridges, lights, etc. we run extension cords to the generator. This is a safe and economical way to power a house. We don't have that many power outages here.

 

[Patriotic Stabilist]

Hubby set us up a hook up in the well house. I have my printed instructions out there. First turn off the main breaker to everything. That is in bold black letters. Then I go through the list, step my step to get it all going, not that difficult. Our well pump is also 220 but its all in a box powered by the generator. It's a 7500 kw with 13500 surge so it handles it. It will not run my dryer, the old one it did, I think this one has to many electronics. Will run everything in the house but that and the central air. It might run the air alone but we don't want to try it.

In the winter it will run everything. We also run our tenants fridge and some lights. We have a separate one he can use. But now I can also go in the motorhome and have it all if I need to, so that will work too. We are wired! It's sure handy to have when you need it.