[TheForge] Generators in TheForge Digest, Vol 92, Issue 4

[Paul N]

I'd recommend some sort of interlock or transfer switch for safety, 
rather than just relying on remembering to trip the main. I believe 
backfeeding without some sort of safety interlock is illegal. Besides, 
if you add a small sub-panel with your critical circuits, you can leave 
the rest of the house on the main, so you instantly come back on line 
when commercial power is restored.

The interlocks are generally cheaper than the real transfer switches 
(Ex: http://www.interlockkit.com/) or you can get by with something a 
lot cheaper like this: 
http://ecatalog.squared.com/fulldetail.cfm?partnumber=QO2DTI

Then you can build your own transfer panel for a small fraction of the 
cost they charge for those off-the-shelf.

Of course, messing around inside live panels is dangerous and scary 
under the best of circumstances. Be sure you do research beyond the 
blacksmiths so you know what you're doing.

**Paul


On 9/6/11 5:37 AM, Vincent_Nakovics at nps.gov wrote:
> An alternative to a box is.
>
> I have  a nice 50 Amp 220V line that I just plug and back feed my generator
> into. It runs my Refrigerator, computer and TV setup (wife tells me this is
> much importante!) lights and a fan. My generator is rated at 5500. it only
> has a 21Amp 220 output so it is maxed out there. I still have two 20 Amp
> 120v lines that I can use off the generator if I need to. It worked out
> pretty good the last two storms.
>
> You "MUST TURN YOUR MAIN BREAKERS TO OFF!!!" Your power employees will
> appreciate not getting electrocuted.  Now I am not an electrician, but a
> learned Engineer friend of mine tells me he has done that with great
> success for 20 years and there are no safety hazards beyond turning off the
> main breaker.
>
> Well just an idea.
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Vince
>
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