Need To Install Generator

[MadDog 80]

Came into a brand new 60k diesel generator from a supplier in trouble. Saved about 10k.

It's an overkill but I want it installed because I paided only 8k for it.

Have a 400 amp ATS, have a 800 gal fuel tank, have a backhoe, need a 100 ft run.

Qoutes are $5,500. Sounds way high.

I will use an electrician to oversee project.

Biggest question is can a general electrician do this being they may not have ever installed a genset? Start-up adjustments?

 

[Cami]

The generator is overkill?

Can you take the time to sell it then use the money to buy a smaller genset AND pay for the installation?

Dumb question: What's a general electrician? All the electricians I work with are designated industrial maintenance electricians. They do everything electrical that an instrument mechanic doesn't.

 

[George2615]

You might be better to call in a rep. from a generator company. They must have some in your phone book. We have several in my area who would come in and advise what is needed and how to go about doing it. Once installed they could make any adjustments needed.

 

[tommu56]

If you have the manuals most electricians should be able to do it.
frequency is set by the rpm and voltage is from a regulator.

The 400 amp service is the killer do you really need that much?
Put the transfer switch at the house and only one set of power leads out to gen and another set of control leads out too.
Check voltage drop on these because they are probably 12v and going 100ft will have some drop.

tom

 

[Stimw]

I sold a 3 phase machine to a guy with a home made single phase converter to go with it. He called a "Licenced Electrician" who told him that "he got taken" there is no way that the converter could convert single to 3ph. I told the guy to find a real Electrician, and that he saw the machine working here before he bought it!
All Electricians are not created equal!

 

[BobRip]

I sold a 3 phase machine to a guy with a home made single phase converter to go with it. He called a "Licenced Electrician" who told him that "he got taken" there is no way that the converter could convert single to 3ph. I told the guy to find a real Electrician, and that he saw the machine working here before he bought it!
All Electricians are not created equal!

I agree. There is a wide range of knowledge about electrical equipment. If you get somebody who has done it before (preferably many times), you will get a less expensive and better installation. Why do you want to pay for the electrician's education, and that's the best case.