Time to check out the generator.

[grsthegreat]

Those main breakers are not like switch rated breakers, there not meant to be switched off over and over again.

 

[jwinner]

Tested both of mine recently, Honda EU2200i and a surplus diesel Multiquip. I keep wishing the power would go out!

 

[ponytug]

Those main breakers are not like switch rated breakers, there not meant to be switched off over and over again.

That, to me is the other big downside to the interlock systems. The first one being that they aren't made for that many panels, and second that the 3rd party ones aren't allowed by code, at least around here.

All the best,

Peter

 

[grsthegreat]

The usual manual transfer switch may only be used once a year, its when its used for exercising, it gets too much use. Most of my customers with portable generators never exercise them under load anyways…heck, its hard enough to convince them to even just run them a few times a year.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I have a manual Reliance transfer switch with a main breaker. I wonder if it sufferers the same weakness as the one in my breaker panel.

This main breaker design is causing me to rethink using the house as a generator test load. The diesel generator manual suggests testing quarterly at half load or more. I try and do it monthly if I can.

It isn't clear just how long these main breakers would last being tripped 8 or 12 times per year.

 

[tradosaurus]

I had to run my 10,000 watt generator for 3 days after a mild ice storm. I'm probably going to buy an additional 13,000 watt generator that uses a 50 amp breaker. My current generator uses a 30 amp breaker and it won't run the central heat nor floor heaters consistently.
I'll use the 30 amp generator to run my carport accessories where the well pump is situated. Should be able to charge at least one EV.
I do run my generator for 5 minutes each month to verify no issues. It boggles my mind that people stow their generator without starting it and wonder why it won't work when they need it.
I also only keep 10 gallons of fuel on hand as 5 gallons will run the generator for 8 hrs and there is a non-ethanol fuel station just down the road.

 

[ponytug]

@bdhsfz6 I think a load bank would be a great addition. Houses don't make great load banks in my option because not only are they not great loads, fixing houses can be pricey if something goes wrong with your generator while "testing".

There are lots of ways to make a workable load bank, depending on local conditions and operator experience. You can buy them, new and used, but I personally have never seen an inexpensive one, though I know folks who have. Some folks dumpster dive old electric heaters, or ranges. The stoves work well in that built in they have a range of loads easily switched, but the down side is red hot elements out in the open to being a problem, so they need some care and watching. I know of more electrically experienced folks reusing/rewiring discarded dryer heating elements and wiring them up with fans to make a load bank. An off the shelf large space heater or a couple of smaller ones work well, too. YouTube has lots of examples. Personally, I find the water heater versions with exposed elements just too hazardous for my tastes.

As a general practice, slowly turning up the load is both easier on the generator, and often informative about any potential issues.

Good luck!

All the best,

Peter

 

[bdhsfz6]

@bdhsfz6 I think a load bank would be a great addition. Houses don't make great load banks in my option because not only are they not great loads, fixing houses can be pricey if something goes wrong with your generator while "testing".

There are lots of ways to make a workable load bank, depending on local conditions and operator experience. You can buy them, new and used, but I personally have never seen an inexpensive one, though I know folks who have. Some folks dumpster dive old electric heaters, or ranges. The stoves work well in that built in they have a range of loads easily switched, but the down side is red hot elements out in the open to being a problem, so they need some care and watching. I know of more electrically experienced folks reusing/rewiring discarded dryer heating elements and wiring them up with fans to make a load bank. An off the shelf large space heater or a couple of smaller ones work well, too. YouTube has lots of examples. Personally, I find the water heater versions with exposed elements just too hazardous for my tastes.

As a general practice, slowly turning up the load is both easier on the generator, and often informative about any potential issues.

Good luck!

All the best,

Peter

I just ordered two of these 5000W heaters:

Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

Each has 3 heat settings so I can vary the load.

I can also use them to warm up equipment in the barn if necessary. Also to warm myself while working on the equipment.

 

[ponytug]

I just ordered two of these 5000W heaters:

View attachment 2197165

Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

Each has 3 heat settings so I can vary the load.

I can also use them to warm up equipment in the barn if necessary. Also to warm myself while working on the equipment.

I use the 10kW version. Works great! I think two 5kW is actually probably more useful. You might check the wiring underneath the bottom panel when you get yours. My 10kW had some wires resting on some rather sharp sheet metal edges.

All the best,

Peter

 

[not2old]

They are a decent very inexpensive way to go.

Apparently they are not to code in Canada. I haven't taken the time to find out the penalties if they find one, but plan to do that before installing one. I've also recently heard that they are going to make it illegal to hook up a portable generator to your house.