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?

On Oct 12, 7:59�am, 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?

dont forget having enough fuel on hand for such a load. a real
gasoline piggie, and since few gas stations have backup generators, no
gas no power.

some existing main panels have a lock out main breaker to allow legal
backfeeding of your home.

either main OR generator but not both at once,.

a main transfer switch should be available

Years ago, I studied the various catalogs, and did some
division on their numbers. I came up with a galon of gas
provides 4,000 watts for one hour. Think that's what I ended
up.

As such, plan to feed your generator a galon an hour.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"bob haller" wrote in message
...

dont forget having enough fuel on hand for such a load. a
real
gasoline piggie, and since few gas stations have backup
generators, no
gas no power.

On Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:37:57 -0400, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote:

Years ago, I studied the various catalogs, and did some
division on their numbers. I came up with a galon of gas
provides 4,000 watts for one hour. Think that's what I ended
up.

As such, plan to feed your generator a galon an hour.

In real life you don't run things at full load. My 5500watts Briggs
and Stratton with a 7 gallon lasts 13 hours at 1/2 load. [and in
practice that seems to be about what it gets.]

The Honda should do better as it regulates engine speed.

Jim

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.

4000w surge? Do you have a special no-surge pump? [and don't
forget the defrost cycle on your frig and freezer] I don't have a
pump and kicked off my 5500w generator last winter. [daddy forgot
and used the microwave] But it did run the frig, freezer, a bunch
of lights & the furnace.


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.

Here are some 8, 10, & 12 Gen-tran transfer switches-
http://www.apelectric.com/Manual-Tra...ches-s/128.htm


Rather than wiring up individual circuits is it possible to get a
transfer switch that transfers the entire power to the generator
line?

I imagine-- BTW- If you're hiring an electrician for this you might
want to ask him about putting a 150 or 200amp service panel in.
Probably not a lot more when he's right there. My insurance
company was trying to get me to upgrade my 150 a few years back.

Jim

"Jordan" wrote in message
...
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?


*You could do something like this company offers:
http://www.interlockkit.com/index.htm

John Grabowski wrote:
"Jordan" wrote in message
...
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?


*You could do something like this company offers:
http://www.interlockkit.com/index.htm

Yep. $150 for a 6x6 inch bit of sheet metal with a couple of holes.

My view is: If the power company wants their linemen protected from
backfeed, they should provide the interlocks.

On Oct 12, 10:31�am, "HeyBub" wrote:
John Grabowski wrote:
"Jordan" wrote in message
....
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?

*You could do something like this company offers:
http://www.interlockkit.com/index.htm

Yep. $150 for a 6x6 inch bit of sheet metal with a couple of holes.

My view is: If the power company wants their linemen protected from
backfeed, they should provide the interlocks.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

backfeeds are illegal, linemen have died, and the illegal connection
proscuted.

but truly is saving a few bucks worth risking lives?

bob haller wrote:
*You could do something like this company offers:
http://www.interlockkit.com/index.htm

Yep. $150 for a 6x6 inch bit of sheet metal with a couple of holes.

My view is: If the power company wants their linemen protected from
backfeed, they should provide the interlocks.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

backfeeds are illegal, linemen have died, and the illegal connection
proscuted.

but truly is saving a few bucks worth risking lives?

Certainly. Chances are, if a lineman IS killed, you didn't know him. So, ask
yourself the next time you're standing in the long line at the movie or
restaurant....

HeyBub wrote:
bob haller wrote:
*You could do something like this company offers:
http://www.interlockkit.com/index.htm
Yep. $150 for a 6x6 inch bit of sheet metal with a couple of holes.

My view is: If the power company wants their linemen protected from
backfeed, they should provide the interlocks.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -
backfeeds are illegal, linemen have died, and the illegal connection
proscuted.

but truly is saving a few bucks worth risking lives?

Certainly. Chances are, if a lineman IS killed, you didn't know him. So, ask
yourself the next time you're standing in the long line at the movie or
restaurant....



Do you really have no disregard for human life?

My guess is that you are a bored housewife who posts lots of nonsense
looking for attention...

HeyBub wrote:
John Grabowski wrote:
"Jordan" wrote in message
...
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?

*You could do something like this company offers:
http://www.interlockkit.com/index.htm

Yep. $150 for a 6x6 inch bit of sheet metal with a couple of holes.

My view is: If the power company wants their linemen protected from
backfeed, they should provide the interlocks.


Thats quite a point of view. Why should the power company (funded by its
customers) pay to install equipment to protect from someone who simply
doesn't care and just wants to do it their way? In this particular case
what equipment would they install and where would they install it to
protect against someone clueless enough to defy all common sense and
standard practice?

On Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:31:31 -0500, "HeyBub"
wrote Re Generator wiring options:

Yep. $150 for a 6x6 inch bit of sheet metal with a couple of holes.

My view is: If the power company wants their linemen protected from
backfeed, they should provide the interlocks.


I like the way you think.
--
I filter all messages from google groups.

I'm sure that will be a great comfort to the widows, and
attorneys for the power company.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"HeyBub" wrote in message
m...

My view is: If the power company wants their linemen
protected from
backfeed, they should provide the interlocks.

Stormin Mormon wrote:
I'm sure that will be a great comfort to the widows, and
attorneys for the power company.

I am unexcelled at "comforting" widows.

As for the attorneys, can you say "contributory negligence?"

On Oct 12, 12:31*pm, "HeyBub" wrote:

Yep. $150 for a 6x6 inch bit of sheet metal with a couple of holes.

My view is: If the power company wants their linemen protected from
backfeed, they should provide the interlocks.- Hide quoted text -
..
During storm damage conditions it may or may not be possible for power
company staff to install temporary short circuits on downed lines.

With an attitude like that no wonder there are problems in society!

If I want to sneeze in your face I should have every right to do so!
I'll shoot my gun off anywhere I want; passing motorist and
pedestrians should install metal plate armour in their vehicles and
wear bullet proof clothing.
If want to I'll **** in any river, pond, water supply, swimming pool;
to hell with the fish or health of other humans!
Fireworks? Sure fire them off anywhere you want; who cares about grass
fires or someone else's property.
If I want to drive 100 mph in a school or pedestrian zone I'll do so.
Sex. Yes anywhere any time with anyone; and ignore catching (or
transmitting) AIDS or other STDs!
Vaccinations. Don't bother to sterilise his/her arm; just stick in the
needle!
Boating? If I want to cut across the bow of another
boat .............................. THEY should avoid
me ................ Oops: CRASH!!!!! ......... HEEEELP! Hey can anyone
lend me a life jacket .................... !.

John Grabowski wrote:

"Jordan" wrote in message
...
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?


*You could do something like this company offers:
http://www.interlockkit.com/index.htm

Really nice find. That is the way to go.

SquareD has an equivalent device.

--
bud--

"John Grabowski" wrote in message
...

"Jordan" wrote in message
...
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?


*You could do something like this company offers:
http://www.interlockkit.com/index.htm
I agree, for your needs, this is the safest and least expensive way to go

Yes.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Jordan" wrote in message
...
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?

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.

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.
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.

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?

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.

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?

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?

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?


So are you a gadfly or do you really believe what you write?

On Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:15:05 -0400, George
wrote:

[snip]

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.
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.

Of course, perfection isn't...

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.


Here we freaking go again. Has it been a month already?
--
aem sends...

This web page is by far the best I've seen online for home transfer
panel information.

http://members.rennlist.org/warren/generator.html

Wish he wouldn't use the top 8 inches or so of web page to
complain about bad hookups. Just tell the right way, and
explain why each part of the right way is right.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Jim Grollmuss" wrote in
message ...

This web page is by far the best I've seen online for home
transfer
panel information.

http://members.rennlist.org/warren/generator.html

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?

Something I would have liked but I had a transfer panel installed to
handle the critical items. Excluded were the big energy users like
electric stove, air conditioner, clothes drier and water heater.
Transfer switch in transfer box isolates circuits needed which include
freezers, refrigerator, well, and furnace. Other circuits are still on
and when electricity is restored a light or something will pop on
letting you know.

I've never used more than 7 gal of gas a day as I turn off generator
when sleeping or out of the house. Refrigerator and freezer are fine if
off for less than 12 hours and I usually wait an hour to see if power
will be restored.

Wow! Seven galons. My little Coleman has a one gal tank. For
winter power cuts, I run it for an hour or so in the evening
to run the furnace. It has been a while, but I don't think I
ever totally fill the one galon tank. Use oil lamps and
flash lights for light.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Frank" wrote in message
...

I've never used more than 7 gal of gas a day

Stormin Mormon wrote:
Wow! Seven galons. My little Coleman has a one gal tank. For
winter power cuts, I run it for an hour or so in the evening
to run the furnace. It has been a while, but I don't think I
ever totally fill the one galon tank. Use oil lamps and
flash lights for light.


My PowerBoss has 5,500 running watts and 7,350 peak. I think tank is 7
gal but I've never run more than a tank in one day. Last time I used it
was last week. I had a furnace check scheduled and power went out 4
hours before furnace guy was to arrive, so I turned on generator when he
called and said he was on his way. He had no problem checking out
furnace and there was power to the furnace room light so he could see
well. Power came back about 2 hours after he left.

It's unfortunate the degradation in our power grid. We live in an area
with a lot of trees and power company does not trim enough. After 11
outages one year lasting up to 3 days, I bought generator.

Eleven outages? That's enough to really make you think about
alternatives. For a while, I had a marine battery on a float
charger. I still have the marine battery. But, the float
charger boiled the battery dry and killed it. Someday I may
trade it in, get another battery. The goal was to run a
power inverter, and from there to the furnace. So I could
quietly run heat for an hour or so, when the electric was
off. The inverter didn't have enough power, and after that I
got a different furnace.

Do you have several UPS at your place, to provide a bit of
run time for floor lamp, computer, that kind of thing?

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Frank" wrote in message
-

My PowerBoss has 5,500 running watts and 7,350 peak. I
think tank is 7
gal but I've never run more than a tank in one day. Last
time I used it
was last week. I had a furnace check scheduled and power
went out 4
hours before furnace guy was to arrive, so I turned on
generator when he
called and said he was on his way. He had no problem
checking out
furnace and there was power to the furnace room light so he
could see
well. Power came back about 2 hours after he left.

It's unfortunate the degradation in our power grid. We live
in an area
with a lot of trees and power company does not trim enough.
After 11
outages one year lasting up to 3 days, I bought generator.