got my pto-generator today.

v8dave · Sep 10, 2004

Lots of good information about generator hook ups here.

Bob, the sell back solar systems work as RaT describes with the addition of an overload/power fail disconnect. On a power failure a solar system isn't likey to be able to support the connected neighborhood. Plus, there is the safety issue of the utility crew restoring power. So, on a power failure the generator (solar) system is disconnected from the mains.

When I spoke with our local utility about the preferred method of connecting the transfer switch, they pointed out I was obliged to inform them of the standby power system. Obliged by law which they didn't say, but I was previously aware of.

The switch most folks are referring to is usually called a transfer switch. It transfers the house between the generator and the utility mains. In my case I have a full system transfer switch. It is a 200 amp and throws the whole house. I selectively kill the big power consumers (air conditioning) and can basically run the whole house with a less that 10 KW generator. But, we don't have an electric stove, heat or hot water (those are propane operated).

Here is a link to a net based vendor that has a good range of products and fairly understandable explainations. nooutage,com I have had a good experience in dealing with them. I'm not quite finished but, I'm building my system myself and using licensed electricians to check out my system and do the final connections.

_RaT_ · Sep 10, 2004

Dave, our "special" transfer switch is quite large. I would say the box is about 30"X30" and 12" deep. It was a hard device to find room on the wall and have it near the electric panel.
How many panels are you installing? Do you also have PG&E? Where is the rebate standing at now?

Wondering where in Northern California Mahlers lives that he doesn't get much winter sun. We get it from sun up to sun down /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif with some rainy days and a handful of foggy days.

snowman · Sep 10, 2004

Cost for me to put in a switch box for the generator off the main fuse box, along with a 15' cord for to hook the generator up to it was $600 (done by an electrician, not myself). When I flip the switch to feed power from the generator, it also "kills" the main fuse box so that there is no
back feed.

Have a 12,000 watt Yamaha generator; powers everything I need. The only circuits not hooked up are the electric range and electric clothes dryer.

One odd thing that I thought of after having most of the house circuits added is that I can't really tell when the main power comes back on. Used to leave a light switch on so that, when it lit up, I knew that the power had been restored.

Jim_Fisher · Sep 10, 2004

( Yes.. the genny does have a ground tab on it, that I'll clamp onto a piece of rebar and hammer into the ground right at the genny, in addition to hooking up the neutral / ground connection at my well just to be on the safe side
)

Good idea! That could save you a microwave oven, a couple of light bulbs, and a surge protector (don't ask me how I know this).

rcmike · Sep 10, 2004

Does anyone know of any smaller pto generators that could be ran by an 18 hp tractor? I don't need one to run my whole house, just some things (mainly some large saltwater aquariums with some expensive corals and fish) in case of another ice storm. Of course more power would always be better but it is also more $$$$.

kensfarm · Sep 10, 2004

Sorry SoundGuy.. didn't mean to overrun your post.. this is good info though.

"One bad connection is all it takes"

Def. true.. I've seen some spider-web wiring that makes you wonder why the house didn't burn down years ago.

I bought one of those (not sure of tech. name) pen sized "hot wire" detectors that lights up and blinks when you hold it up to an electrical line that's hot.. it flashes faster & makes a different noise for different amps/current. It was less then $30.. def. a must-have if your working on "someone elses" electrical setup's. I always test it before-hand on a known hot wire.. just to make sure the batteries are still good.

My old log cabin house had electric lines that just simply ended.. some on the first floor.. one in the cellar.. the one in the cellar ended up being hot.. glad I didn't touch my tongue on it! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

slowrev · Sep 10, 2004

WOW, This thing about wiring up a generator is as hot a subject as Hydro vs Gear /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

KiotiJohn · Sep 10, 2004

( Does anyone know of any smaller pto generators that could be ran by an 18 hp tractor? )
Check out this 7KW PTO generator. Says it needs 14 PTO HP to run it. John
PTO Generator
The PRICE LIST

mahlers · Sep 10, 2004

(

Wondering where in Northern California Mahlers lives that he doesn't get much winter sun. We get it from sun up to sun down /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif with some rainy days and a handful of foggy days. )

I'm deep in a canyon on the east side of the Santa Cruz Mountains - so from about November through March the sun only pokes over the top of the mountains for a couple of hours a day. In town, people in my neighborhood are known as the Mole People...

Mrwurm · Sep 10, 2004

Well, seeing as this has turned into an electrical hookup discussion, can someone explain the following ?

At my home there are three wires running from the pole to my house. The two hot wires run to a transformer that feeds my house (only my house). The neutral runs to the pole and just sort of ends there. There is a smaller wire that runs down the pole and disappears underground. This wire is approximately 8 gauge with shielding.

So, what happens to the neutral at the pole ?

(My 200 amp breaker box is also grounded to a ground rod just below the box)