Posted: 8/4/2014 12:32:38 PM EDT
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So having just had to use my genset a bit in earnest for the first time, I think it's time to go to the next level and make things much easier by setting up a small transfer switch, so was hoping to get some input as to best model etc.
We have: A very small cabin in the mountains, the main breaker box is inside in the back small addition that has the bathroom and laundry room, this was an add-on so this box used to be the main box period I think. On the outside of the addition is the big main box with meter and 4 giant 200 amp breakers all hooked together, a bit ridiculous for my tiny 1-bedroom cabin as I don't imagine it wuld draw more than 60-80 amps with everything on, there's also a couple of 30's and a 20 in this main box, looks like they may go to outside lighting and possibly the well. It has a set of huge gauge (maybe 00) wires that run to the inside box. Inside box has the rest of the breakers and they are labeled which is cool. I only need to run the well, water heater, and fridge, maybe a spare outlet to plug a fan and/or other things into. My small solar set-up does all the emergency lighting (emergency lighting is 12 volt LED lighting and completely separate from regular house wiring) and can even do the entertainment center (from inverter) and will be expanding it a bit soon. We are not looking to run the genset constantly, just 2-3 hours a day in an emergency to pump/heat water and cool the fridge/freezer back down and make some coffee. My genset is a 3500 watt Champion, runs great, still pretty much brand new. so 30 amps or so at 120, less obviously at 240 and it will do either. Thanks for any and all tips hints etc. |
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I should have a transfer switch in event my wife needed to connect the generator. I turn off my main breaker from the street and feed back into the house from a 240V receptacle I added for my welder. Not correct but it works for me, for now. It does give me the flexibility of combining L1 and L2 if I use my smaller 120V genset.
Guess I'd better watch and learn from this thread. |
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Transfer switches are a great way to minimize the hassle of using a generator to provide back-up power when the grid is down. They give you the ability to choose which circuits the generator will provide power to.
An alternative to the transfer switch is a Generator Interlock Kit, which is manufactured specifically for each individual panel. It is a very simple design that basically requires you to first manually turn off your main disconnect in your circuit breaker box. You then also turn off all branch circuit breakers in the panel as well. Once this is accomplished, the interlock will allow you to then power on a dedicated circuit breaker that is connected to your generator. This allows you in theory to then back-feed your entire panel. Notice I said "in theory" back-feed the entire panel…most basic generators used for back-up power do not supply enough wattage to power most typical homes. SO, you selectively choose which circuits you want to power by manually turning on and off each individual breaker as needed. Basically works under the same principle as a transfer switch, but requires much less in terms of additional wiring and is much more reasonably priced than most transfer switches. See this link: Interlock Kit |
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I bought a transfer switch, but ended up with an Interlock kit with a backfeed breaker and 30 amp 120/240v inlet box (uses a L14-30 120/240 v cable).
I saved a few hundred bucks. Interlocks won't work with all panels, and it can be defeated if you ignore the warnings, but it passes code here in NC. Turns out a transfer switch was too limiting and I couldn't power my kitchen due to the kitchen being set up on a separate sub-panel on a 120/240v coupled 50 amp breaker in the main panel: too complicated for my transfer switch. So the electrician recommended the Interlock Kit. I sent the transfer switch back. There are many interlock switches available. I like mine, it's really sturdy laser cut stainless. With the 10 circuit transfer switch, I had to choose the 10 things to power ahead of time, with the interlock I can choose what to run out of any of the circuits, even my 240v dryer so long as nothing else is running. Here is my setup in the archives: http://www.ar15.com/archive/topic.html?b=10&f=19&t=673859 |
| Thoughts on these: http://www.generlink.com/about_generlink.cfm |
