Portable Generators

[MikePA]

Even if auto start on a portable generator is not allowed in Canada, electric start, in combination with the remote starter, which can be mounted inside, and the transfer switch, would mean hit the start button, let the generator get up to speed and then flip the transfer switch. Much easier than going outside and using a pull starter.

 

[firemanmike69]

Maybe I missed but but what is the difference between a transfer switch and throwing the main breaker? Is it just that the interlock transfer switch cannot be used until the main is switched off or does it somehow disconnect from grid power?

 

[MikePA]

All transfer switches disconnect your breaker panel from the power grid to prevent generator power from going out to the grid. They allow power from the grid or the generator, but not both at the same time. They can be manual or automatic.

Throwing the main breaker accomplishes the same thing, but you have to remember to do this if you decide to use an electrical outlet as an electrical inlet. If you forget, your generator power goes out to the grid and puts lineman at risk as they work to restore your power. It's one thing to put yourself at risk, however I've always believed it was not moral to deliberately put others at risk if I'd forget to switch my main breaker off.

 

[buickanddeere]

Maybe I missed but but what is the difference between a transfer switch and throwing the main breaker? Is it just that the interlock transfer switch cannot be used until the main is switched off or does it somehow disconnect from grid power?

Lord grant me patience and give it to me now. How can this be so discussed and so well known and yet people just don't get how essential a positive interlock between the main breaker and generator breaker is. By law, the laws of physics and plain old common sense. The breakers have to be break before make.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

--Looks like a nice product. $550 - 650. Pricey. Transfer switches at the time were also pricey. If utility companies want them, they should install them. Rate payers already cover all of there money making schemes- they should have to pick this one up if they want it.

Well with this thinking if the government wants you to stop at a stop sign they need to install a remote braking system in your car to make you stop and not hit anybody else.

David Kb7uns

 

[buickanddeere]

Well with this thinking if the government wants you to stop at a stop sign they need to install a remote braking system in your car to make you stop and not hit anybody else.

David Kb7uns

It's because of fools that don't stop. This will justify some power hungry burocrates into such a scheme.

 

[buickanddeere]

All transfer switches disconnect your breaker panel from the power grid to prevent generator power from going out to the grid. They allow power from the grid or the generator, but not both at the same time. They can be manual or automatic.

Throwing the main breaker accomplishes the same thing, but you have to remember to do this if you decide to use an electrical outlet as an electrical inlet. If you forget, your generator power goes out to the grid and puts lineman at risk as they work to restore your power. It's one thing to put yourself at risk, however I've always believed it was not moral to deliberately put others at risk if I'd forget to switch my main breaker off.

--Looks like a nice product. $550 - 650. Pricey. Transfer switches at the time were also pricey. If utility companies want them, they should install them. Rate payers already cover all of there money making schemes- they should have to pick this one up if they want it.

What is this tin foil hat conspiracy scheme about money making utilities ?

 

[Garandman]

Manual lock-out switches are not particularly expensive and prevent the chance of backfeeding the grid (and harming a lineman). That's what we use in Boston as it is a manual set up.

 

[buickanddeere]

Even if auto start on a portable generator is not allowed in Canada, electric start, in combination with the remote starter, which can be mounted inside, and the transfer switch, would mean hit the start button, let the generator get up to speed and then flip the transfer switch. Much easier than going outside and using a pull starter.

I never heard tell of an auto start or remote start generator being 100% banned in Canada. There are some circumstances in some applications where auto-start is hazardous and is thus illegal .

 

[firemanmike69]

All transfer switches disconnect your breaker panel from the power grid to prevent generator power from going out to the grid. They allow power from the grid or the generator, but not both at the same time. They can be manual or automatic. Throwing the main breaker accomplishes the same thing, but you have to remember to do this if you decide to use an electrical outlet as an electrical inlet. If you forget, your generator power goes out to the grid and puts lineman at risk as they work to restore your power. It's one thing to put yourself at risk, however I've always believed it was not moral to deliberately put others at risk if I'd forget to switch my main breaker off.

Thanks mike for a useful answer, unlike other on here who like to make a big deal about nothing. I do want to do things right and will most likely end up with a manual transfer switch or I guess I could just pull the meter