Friday, September 17, 2010

Back up generator - Dave

So, A couple weeks ago I posted something to the survival group about a new less expensive option for hooking up your house to a generator. Although you can still use dedicated transfer switches and circuits, they are not necessary.
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Here is the finished product. The top right breaker is now a special dual pole 30 amp which is wired to the outside of the house (next picture). The bracket which fits on the panel is a sort of lock-out which prevents the 200 amp mains from being on, while the generator is feeding the panel. Same principle as the transfer switch only cheaper. Since this backfeeds the panel, every circuit in the house could be used (limited of course by the power you have in the generator).
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Outside hookup.
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Although this increased the cost, we went with 75 ft of 6 GA wire... This allows us to move the generator well away from the house to an outbuilding and the 6 GA is capable of handling a larger generator up to 50 amps. The spare box, and breaker shown are for when the larger generator is installed, right now we have a smaller 30 amp 7500 watt gen.
Its such a simple solution I'm ./pun SHOCKED! that it wasn't created sooner. Anyone wishing to install even a TINY generator to their house can complete the task on the cheap.

4 comments:

warren said...

I suspect this is not your first concern, but why isn't this done more often? Are there code issues that you can think of?

Dave said...

When you ask why isn't it done more often, who are you refering to? Homeowners? To the best of my knowledge there are no code issues with this type of device as it still prevents any backfeeding of the grid which would injure a line worker...

warren said...

Sorry...yes, just curious why folks spend a ton to get a regular switch-over box when this does seem like a much simpler/cheaper solution. I don't know codes esp so I wondered if I was just missing some pitfall...

Thanks for your thoughts on it...

Dave said...

My guess is that its a very recent development, It wasnt that long ago that a transfer switch was the state of the art and there were no other options really... Someone figured out, you can do basically the same thing, Save all the money with rewiring and install a sliding lock-out. As a homeowner, I wouldnt mess with 200 amps but a pro could install one easily. I dont mind working with a wall outlet but once it gets to 200 amps or in the panel, I'm done and hire out. You're very welcome. Anytime.