Generator Transfer Switch Setup, Better Late Than Never.
- Thread starter dlsmith
- Start date
Having seen the effects of using a breaker in this manner I can say this is not a good thing. Circuit breakers are not rated to handle a load from that end. I personally witnessed a genset trying to feed the local power grid when the breaker failed. Burned out an 8K generator. Check your codes.
If power backfed into the grid, the mains breaker was either not tripped off or defective. That is the reason for the interlock. I have a recep attached to the breaker box that has a UPS for my internet modem and switches plugged into it, if it is humming and beeping, no power is coming out of the mains.
I checked with a electrician friend, says he does these setups frequently, and that as long as the interlock is installed correctly, the wiring is the correct size and type and receptacle is an approved type, it meets local codes.
Non-GFCI circuit breakers don't care which side the load is attached to in an AC circuit, as the current flow reverses 120 times a second in a 60Hz system. They only care about when the current exceeds the trip threshold.
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I wish we could put them that close to the house here. Mine is sticking out 4' in the worst way. I have considered moving it another 25' just to have that drive space back. We have a 4' minimum to structure.
I just went by the manufacturers specifications. It’s unbelievable how quite it is. Exhaust fumes are barely noticeable standing right next to the exhaust outlet.
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I also had a manual transfer switch connected as well as the automatic one. If power is out for days or weeks on end, we can manually switch it off, move the manual switch, plug in the little Honda, or the motorhome genny, and turn on whatever breakers you need. Fantastic setup.
Looks like a very capable professional unit. The convenience when It’s suppling your home with backup power is important but the piece of mind when it’s not is awesome.
My house had one of those Generac's already installed when we bought it - that was a BIG plus when we were looking. I don't have a manual transfer though. When we have an extended outage (anything more than an hour or so, actually), I just run it a couple hours every day to fill buckets of water and keep the refrigerator and freezer cold, and we just do without the rest of the day.
I thought I would use the manual set up more. But although we have probably 5 outages a year, only one was for multiple days, and it really didn’t cost that much in fuel. I’ve manually switched it off and plugged in the Honda, made a dedicated cord, then have not used it since.
The best part of a propane fueled genny, the power doesn’t go out on a beautiful sunny day! Now during a cold snowy ice storm, about 2:30AM, surprise! The automatic switch is fantastic.
The best part of a propane fueled genny, the power doesn’t go out on a beautiful sunny day! Now during a cold snowy ice storm, about 2:30AM, surprise! The automatic switch is fantastic.