[PVRCNC] Re: [PVRC] Emergency generator power

Fri, 26 Sep 2003 07:03:23 -0400

Good comments, Jim and Chuck. And thanks for your courtesy which is a model
for all of us when we disagree.

I'll start working on that transfer switch.  But I've got to get something
that will switch the entire input ahead of the panel. Those little 4 or 8
circuit transfers aren't much better than extension cords, particularly when
you live out of town where everything, including water, cooking and heat is
electric and your house has over 30 different circuits and you have to
juggle the load.

73,

Jim, K4QPL

----- Original Message -----
From: "Chuck" <[email protected]>
To: "PVRC" <[email protected]>; "PVRCNC" <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2003 10:34 AM
Subject: [PVRC] Emergency generator power

> The following is NOT a pick at Jim. I simply
> reference his comments to support my response. I
> know Jim has ONLY the best intentions, is quite
> mindful of safety, and is highly competent to do
> exactly as he states he will do when he needs to
> enable his generator. I only reference it to
> point out somet things of value.
>
> K3FT
> ========================
>
> K4QPL noted (in part) -
>
> "....I  DO rely on my own intelligence to pull
> the
> main breakers first and turn them back on
> last....." <snip>
>
> "After all, climbing towers and working with HV
> linears, etc., should adequately instill caution
> and concern for others in  every ham...." <snip>
>
> "When the power goes out, I turn off both Main
> breakers and then turn off all the big ticket
> breakers except the 220V well pump, turn on the
> linking  breakers, and backfeed 220V with 50' of
> 3-10 + ground romex from my generator through the
> 220V air compressor receptacle in the garage..."
> <snip>
>
> "...Yes, I know it's not "code" but if I ever
> sell the house, it's a 5 min. job to get it back
> to the original layout." <snip>
>  - - - - - -
> TO which Cliff Bedore responded (in part):
>
> <snip> "That inspires me to add a cautionary
> note.....You should never connect a generator to
> a
> 110 or 220 bus in your house without being
> absolutely sure that the house is completely
> disconnected from the commercial mains, lest you
> electrocute the lineman who comes to
> fix your power.
>
> The electrical code does not permit reliance on a
> knowledgeable user to make sure the main breaker
> is open, and instead specifies a transfer switch
> as the only approved way to connect a generator
> -- this provides a mechanical interlock to ensure
> that the generator power  cannot feed back to the
> mains."
> -------
> And, as a final note, K3FT says
>
> I know others may have commented upon this.. and
> I'm sure the following is a bit redundant.. but
> it's a point that was driven home lately during
> the storm. Two linemen died working on power
> restoration here in MD.
>
> While NOT due to a problem with home generators
> feeding BACK into the power lines (at least not
> known to be the cause at THIS point in time).. it
> illustrates the need to go the extra mile and
> spend the extra bux if you want the transfer
> system.
>
> I checked both the NEC AND my local Maryland
> electrical code. In both cases, an approved
> transfer switch MUST be used in the situations we
> are talking about.
>
> Several reasons why QPL and others who may be
> doing this the way QPL is doing might want to
> spend the bux and do it right.
>
> First -- in a panic situation OR a sudden need
> sitatuation where the emergency strikes and we
> tend to act on our training OR learned habits...
> you MAY JUST not remember to follow the protocols
> you mention.
>
> Think about this.. HOW would you feel.. when the
> investigation into the death or injury of a
> lineman reveals taht YOUR system was the root
> cause of a lineman dying due to electrocution
> becuase you 'missed a step' (Accidentally OF
> COURSE!) in your transfer procedure?
>
> What's the cost (emotionally and mentally) to YOU
> and the others? I suspect FAR more than a few
> hundred bux.
>
> Can you honestly look in the face in the mirror
> OR face the family of the person who was hurt or
> died knowing that saving a few bux was the cause
> of the accident?
>
> Second.. How much is 'peace of mind' worth to
> you, knowing that REGARDLESS of the skill level,
> frame of mind, or focused nature of the user,
> your approved system will make it IMPOSSIBLE to
> set up a situation where a mistake will raise the
> hazard level to a lethal nature.
>
> Third.. Is the cost of legal fees, damages,
> reputation damage, (possible) jail time for
> negligence in a wrongful damage/death suit, and
> the resulting negative publicity for you, your
> family, and ham radio worth saving a few hundred
> bux?
>
> Up to you, of course.. but for me..
>
> I'll spend the few hundred bux and be thankful I
> avoided problems.
>
> As the ARRL likes to say in the slogan they've
> used for many years 'SWITCH TO SAFETY' Remember..
> you make a lot of errors with power, voltage, and
> current.. but you only get ONE MISTAKE.
>
> 73
>
> Chuck K3FT
>
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