Generator Transfer switch connection choices

   / Generator Transfer switch connection choices #61  
Everything is wired up as described above and a neighbor electrician looked it over before we confirmed that it works as intended!
 
   / Generator Transfer switch connection choices
  • Thread Starter
#63  
Howdy,

Here is a short clip of the PTO generator running with a 19kw load
 
   / Generator Transfer switch connection choices #64  
how this for a generator... its a 45KW generac

IMG_20140813_095732582.jpg

ankes the 22KW generac look like a toy


IMG_20140813_095813695.jpg
 
   / Generator Transfer switch connection choices #65  
Okay...so this area is outside of my "comfort zone" but not really out of my skill level.

I have a question regarding the "transfer switches" and lockouts etc. If I want to install/have installed a whole-home generator and I happen to already have a brand new unused 2nd entire 200A breaker box, could I use the breaker box as the "transfer switch" somehow?

I understand I will need to lockout the utility line when I power up the house, but I'm trying to come up with a fiscally responsible solution using stuff I already have.
 
   / Generator Transfer switch connection choices #66  
I see that 'tiger power' meter is labeled 'kw'. Does anyone know if it is truly kw. It is most likely showing kva.
 
   / Generator Transfer switch connection choices
  • Thread Starter
#67  
Okay...so this area is outside of my "comfort zone" but not really out of my skill level.

I have a question regarding the "transfer switches" and lockouts etc. If I want to install/have installed a whole-home generator and I happen to already have a brand new unused 2nd entire 200A breaker box, could I use the breaker box as the "transfer switch" somehow?

I understand I will need to lockout the utility line when I power up the house, but I'm trying to come up with a fiscally responsible solution using stuff I already have.
Howdy,
If you look over the choices.... a 2nd panel really does not help anywhere. New construction? or existing construction?

It really depends on the size of the generator. A lot of the large generators will come with a automatic transfer switch. If you are doing the generator yourself, then a interlock might work for you. Manually shutting off your main breaker, moving slide lock, turning on your generator circuit breaker, firing up your generator.
 
   / Generator Transfer switch connection choices
  • Thread Starter
#68  
I see that 'tiger power' meter is labeled 'kw'. Does anyone know if it is truly kw. It is most likely showing kva.
Howdy,
The Tiger Power generator is listed as power factor 1.0. So it would be 30,000watts=30kw=30kva with a ample 90kva surge rating
2010 Tiger 30kw serial.jpg
 
   / Generator Transfer switch connection choices #69  
Howdy,
If you look over the choices.... a 2nd panel really does not help anywhere. New construction? or existing construction?

It really depends on the size of the generator. A lot of the large generators will come with a automatic transfer switch. If you are doing the generator yourself, then a interlock might work for you. Manually shutting off your main breaker, moving slide lock, turning on your generator circuit breaker, firing up your generator.

Thanks. This would be for existing construction. The more I thought I about it, the more I realized what you said: the extra panel really doesn't help.

I would do the installation myself along with some family that are licensed electricians.

I'm looking for something to run our entire house and the entire system needs to be very easy to operate, all while not going overboard on generator size. Though I could certainly handle manual switches/lockouts my wife would have zero interest in dealing with such things...let alone starting a gennie. So I'm going to end up getting an automatic universal transfer switch and a generator that fires up automatically too. The house is mostly run on natural gas, with only a few electric appliances: A/C, refrigerator, deep freezer, microwave, dish washer, clothes washer. We also have to run our 2 sumps, the well pump and the septic with an aerator. I'd guess if I want to run every single thing in the house, I'm probably looking at a 15-17kw unit.
 
   / Generator Transfer switch connection choices
  • Thread Starter
#70  
Thanks. This would be for existing construction. The more I thought I about it, the more I realized what you said: the extra panel really doesn't help.

I would do the installation myself along with some family that are licensed electricians.

I'm looking for something to run our entire house and the entire system needs to be very easy to operate, all while not going overboard on generator size. Though I could certainly handle manual switches/lockouts my wife would have zero interest in dealing with such things...let alone starting a gennie. So I'm going to end up getting an automatic universal transfer switch and a generator that fires up automatically too. The house is mostly run on natural gas, with only a few electric appliances: A/C, refrigerator, deep freezer, microwave, dish washer, clothes washer. We also have to run our 2 sumps, the well pump and the septic with an aerator. I'd guess if I want to run every single thing in the house, I'm probably looking at a 15-17kw unit.

Howdy,

Yes, for automatic start generators which are installed, they will probably include a ATS (automatic transfer switch) If you are looking at that route, I would suggest you think about the things you want to run. Then think about the absolutely necessary things that need to run. Any company that sells installed generators will do some kind of home power audit, and discuss prices of the size of generator. The only other tip I can give you is.... The preferred generator should be liquid cooled. I know air cooled is cheaper etc.... since you have natural gas, that's a option, diesel, propane.

good luck
 

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