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George

wrote:
On Oct 12, 3:14 pm, "HeyBub" wrote:
George wrote:
HeyBub wrote:
Jordan wrote:
I am picking up a 5000w cont. / 6500w surge generator which should
be more than enough for my needs. I want to keep the refrigerator,
240v water pump, the oil boiler circualtors, and a few lights at at
time running. Practically the whole house has the CF lights so my
lighting is about 1/4 normal. My max surge is 4000w and running is
2400w. My home's 100A power panel is spread out pretty well where each
room
has its own 15A breaker which makes my transfer switch wiring a
problem. Most of the switches seem to come with one 240 breaker
(for my well) and 4 - 15A circuits (1 for Kitchen for fridge and 1
for heating). This leaves 2 rooms for lighting which is the most
miniscule part of my needs.
Rather than wiring up individual circuits is it possible to get a
transfer switch that transfers the entire power to the generator
line?
Short answer - make your own transfer switch:
Add a dual 30Amp breaker to the panel. Feed the generator to this
breaker via a 240 volt male outlet (inlet?).
This special breaker should be OFF when power is being supplied by
the mains. To enable the generator, turn OFF the main breaker, turn
ON this special breaker, connect the generator.
In sum, when the power goes out:
* Connect the generator
* Flip two switches (main to OFF, special to ON)
* Start generator
When the power resumes:
* Flip special to OFF, main to ON
* Disconnect generator
You're good to go.
Or not, what you described is not a transfer switch. A transfer switch
is interlocked to strictly connect supply 1 or supply 2 but never
both.
Ah, right. Thanks for the correction. What I propose is power transfered by
a switch, not a transfer switch.

I apologize for the confusion.

What you described doesn't accomplish any of that and assumes
you will be the only one using it, will live forever and never be
tired or in ill health or will even never drink that extra glass of
bourbon.
Correct. And your point is?- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I think what he's suggesting is that what you are proposing is illegal
and for the small amount of money involved, it's not worth it. In
fact, I would say what you proposed he do is far worse than Van
Chocstraw's suggestion to backfeed via a generator suicide cord
plugged into the dryer outlet.

Yes and aside from legality and even if there were no requirements it is
just completely wrong to cobble together a potentially lethal
nonstandard installation.

While both are illegal and code violations, at least Van's is a
clearly temporary settup. Your proposing that he add a breaker and
240V male outlet to the main panel as a permanent addition. For
starters, I've never seen such a male outlet and it seems for good
reason. Does such a thing really exist? And now you have a
permanent installation in total violation of the law, code, etc.
Suppose the installer drops dead one day? Who knows what others in
the family, future buyers etc will or won't do? Or how about one
day the guy decides to have his kitchen remodeled and the contractor
does the right thing and pulls permits. What do you think the
electrical inspector is going to say when he sees your contraption?