Posted: 2/25/2016 9:59:14 AM EDT
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I purchased and had installed this switch
http://m.lowes.com/pd/Reliance-6-Circuit-Transfer-Switch-Kit-with--30-Amp-Inlet-Box/4640157 I then purchased this generator http://m.lowes.com/pd/Smarter-Tools-GP-9500EB-7500-Running-Watts-Portable-Generator/4781033 The power just went out for the first time and I'd like to try it, but it looks like the switch is rated for 7500 watts, but the generator is up to 9500 with a running of 7500. Am I going to have problems? Also, I'm not sure I like being limited to just a few circuits as they are tied to furnace, well, and a few outlets. I'd like to manage it better. Is there a better option? |
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Also, I'm not sure I like being limited to just a few circuits as they are tied to furnace, well, and a few outlets. I'd like to manage it better. Is there a better option? Read about panel interlock switch. If your electrical panel has two spaces available for a new 2-pole breaker you can remove the transfer switch and wire the generator directly to your existing panel. You will still be limited to what the generator can provide on that 30 amp circuit but you can provide power to every breaker in your main panel. Hope that makes sense. |
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Read about panel interlock switch. If your electrical panel has two spaces available for a new 2-pole breaker you can remove the transfer switch and wire the generator directly to your existing panel. You will still be limited to what the generator can provide on that 30 amp circuit but you can provide power to every breaker in your main panel. Hope that makes sense. Quoted:
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Also, I'm not sure I like being limited to just a few circuits as they are tied to furnace, well, and a few outlets. I'd like to manage it better. Is there a better option? Read about panel interlock switch. If your electrical panel has two spaces available for a new 2-pole breaker you can remove the transfer switch and wire the generator directly to your existing panel. You will still be limited to what the generator can provide on that 30 amp circuit but you can provide power to every breaker in your main panel. Hope that makes sense. Thanks for the info. That sounds like what I should have opted for instead of the switch. If you overload the generator, I assume it just stalls? Sounds like this gives you more options and the ability to juggle. Any idea on cost to install? I don't mind most projects but hate electrical. |
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Thanks for the info. That sounds like what I should have opted for instead of the switch. If you overload the generator, I assume it just stalls? Sounds like this gives you more options and the ability to juggle. Any idea on cost to install? I don't mind most projects but hate electrical. Quoted:
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Also, I'm not sure I like being limited to just a few circuits as they are tied to furnace, well, and a few outlets. I'd like to manage it better. Is there a better option? Read about panel interlock switch. If your electrical panel has two spaces available for a new 2-pole breaker you can remove the transfer switch and wire the generator directly to your existing panel. You will still be limited to what the generator can provide on that 30 amp circuit but you can provide power to every breaker in your main panel. Hope that makes sense. Thanks for the info. That sounds like what I should have opted for instead of the switch. If you overload the generator, I assume it just stalls? Sounds like this gives you more options and the ability to juggle. Any idea on cost to install? I don't mind most projects but hate electrical. The interlock and breaker are probably around $200 plus labor for your area. If the wire is too short to reach the main panel from the existing transfer switch assume additional cost. If you overload the generator the breaker on the generator should trip, not stall the generator.. FWIW, I may have understated what your generator can provide on that 30 amp circuit. I have since looked at the manual for your generator, it mentions 7200 watts at 240 volts. |
| Don't forget the power inlet box. It's a female generator plug in a weathertight box. HD sells them. Do it yourself if you can wire an outlet you can wire a interlock. Look at schematics for the 4 wire cord on your genny. You can buy a male 4 prong end for the genny cord. The kind is specific to the female. I thought it was all the same and ended up making another trip to get the right one. |
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Thanks for the info. That sounds like what I should have opted for instead of the switch. If you overload the generator, I assume it just stalls? Sounds like this gives you more options and the ability to juggle. Any idea on cost to install? I don't mind most projects but hate electrical. Quoted:
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Also, I'm not sure I like being limited to just a few circuits as they are tied to furnace, well, and a few outlets. I'd like to manage it better. Is there a better option? Read about panel interlock switch. If your electrical panel has two spaces available for a new 2-pole breaker you can remove the transfer switch and wire the generator directly to your existing panel. You will still be limited to what the generator can provide on that 30 amp circuit but you can provide power to every breaker in your main panel. Hope that makes sense. Thanks for the info. That sounds like what I should have opted for instead of the switch. If you overload the generator, I assume it just stalls? Sounds like this gives you more options and the ability to juggle. Any idea on cost to install? I don't mind most projects but hate electrical. Can you tell us what make and model main electrical panel you have? It's usually printed on the inside of the panel's door. Then we can point you to an interlock kit that would work with your panel. |
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Its an Eaton 200 Amp Max according to the sticker inside the door. I don't see a model number. Maybe its inside?
On the same label it says "For Mechanical Interlock use: kit # BRMIKCSR" . I googled that and Home Depot has one for $63. The current generator outlet runs up and out the side of the house within 5 feet of the panel. I would like to have it run to the back of the house and install the outlet there. So it sounds like I need the kit, proper power line to make the run, and proper breaker, and then try and salvage the current outlet box from the side of the house. Plus the cost of the Electrician. Is that everything? For those that have an interlock, is it worth the expense and effort for one if I already have the 6 circuit (really 5 as the wells is doubled up) switch? Think I can disconnect the switch and get some $ for it? |
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You should have just fed the panel. Like others have mentioned, you can power all the circuits depending on their load. A transfer switch is still needed to ensure you don't back feed into the utility side when running on the gen.
Most load comes from motors on startup. keep that in mind when you're calculating what to run on emergency power. There are plenty of power calculators online to determine your load. |
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You should have just fed the panel. Like others have mentioned, you can power all the circuits depending on their load. A transfer switch is still needed to ensure you don't back feed into the utility side when running on the gen. Most load comes from motors on startup. keep that in mind when you're calculating what to run on emergency power. There are plenty of power calculators online to determine your load. The interlock prevents the main breaker and back-feed breaker from both being 'on' at the same time. |
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For those that have an interlock, is it worth the expense and effort for one if I already have the 6 circuit (really 5 as the wells is doubled up) switch? i'm not done writing it yet, but this should help you: http://losdos.dyndns.org/wiki/reference:generator_oracle#interconnection ar-jedi |
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i'm not done writing it yet, but this should help you: http://losdos.dyndns.org/wiki/reference:generator_oracle#interconnection ar-jedi Quoted:
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For those that have an interlock, is it worth the expense and effort for one if I already have the 6 circuit (really 5 as the wells is doubled up) switch? i'm not done writing it yet, but this should help you: http://losdos.dyndns.org/wiki/reference:generator_oracle#interconnection ar-jedi Thanks. Very informative. I think I'm going to swap out the switch and install a interlock. Just hate that I dropped $300 on the switch initially. Im thinking I should be able to get something for it after I make the switch to the interlock |