Generators - Page 10 - Dorkiphus.net

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  #91  
Old 11-01-2012, 11:03 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jazzbass View Post
I can't believe for an instant that thing meets code.
They seem to imply that it does meet code:
http://www.interlockkit.com/warranty01.htm
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Last edited by Fairfax 944; 11-01-2012 at 11:37 PM.
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  #92  
Old 11-01-2012, 11:15 PM
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Ugh. Please use a transfer switch and wire your generator up correctly. Getting this stuff wrong has consequences. Not "oh no I blew a breaker" or even "oops, I fried my new generator" consequences, but "I killed a lineman" consequences.
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  #93  
Old 11-02-2012, 12:29 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jazzbass View Post
Ugh. Please use a transfer switch and wire your generator up correctly. Getting this stuff wrong has consequences. Not "oh no I blew a breaker" or even "oops, I fried my new generator" consequences, but "I killed a lineman" consequences.
Chris,
I rarely disagree with you on anything, but this arrangement, without a doubt meets NEC code. It has a mechanical interlock to prevent either circuit breaker from being on at the same time, I've seen much larger switch gear with essentially the same arrangement and they are just fine as long as they are physically intact. I've been an industrial electrician for over 25 years now so i can say with some authority that this is safe if installed as shown. Local code "may" require a transfer switch, but NEC does not.
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  #94  
Old 11-02-2012, 12:39 AM
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Originally Posted by tdatk View Post
Chris,
I rarely disagree with you on anything, but this arrangement, without a doubt meets NEC code. It has a mechanical interlock to prevent either circuit breaker from being on at the same time, I've seen much larger switch gear with essentially the same arrangement and they are just fine as long as they are physically intact. I've been an industrial electrician for over 25 years now so i can say with some authority that this is safe if installed as shown. Local code "may" require a transfer switch, but NEC does not.
Yeah, you're right. I know electrically this can be done correctly. It's the big red IF is the part that worries me. It just seems very hack-ish to me, that's all. When dealing with things that could unsuspectingly kill people, I always advise to pay the money and do it right.

To me its kind of like the harness bar vs roll bar debate for DEs. A harness bar is fine IF installed correctly, but when it comes to safety I'm a "no shortcuts" kind of person.
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  #95  
Old 11-02-2012, 12:58 AM
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Thanks for the ideas, links and recommendations; it appears that I should be able to install a safe, reasonably straightforward, and cosmetically satisfactory solution.

Eric


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Originally Posted by Vicegrip View Post
Yes there are. Unless you have a big azz genset you don't switch the entire house grid over and a Honda 2000 is not a big genset. y
You can get a tie in point installed in the basment and wires run to the service panel. In the basment you will have a box that has a big resessed plug and a row of switches. you run a power cable from the genset to the plug on the box and then flip the switches one at a time changing over from grid to gen set. Most folks myself included mount this device right next to the service panel but it can be placed elsewhere and the wires run in a fat conduit.
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Originally Posted by jbailey930 View Post
transfer switch something along the lines of this
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...&storeId=10051
with surface mount works. you can size up the number of ckts and amps to suit your needs and gen.
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Originally Posted by SkankyFrank View Post
You don't have to mount it inside next to the main fuse panel, you can put it outside or in the garage and run the back up circuit wires from it to to the main panel. Running the circuit wires to the main panel can be much easier than running the power cord to the back up panel when it is next to the main panel because the circuit wires are much smaller and easier to "fish".
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Originally Posted by smdubovsky View Post
Yes. There are similar UL/NEC approved off-grid type setups where there is a sheet metal 'rocker' on two adjacent breakers. I'll try to find a pic. As long as you can mechanically prevent both from being on at the same time it should meet UL/NEC code. Now a home brew metal solution is *NOT* UL approved but you're within the letter of the law I think.

Edit: Square D transfer sw. UL/NEC approved: (there are other w/ the slider types approved.)
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  #96  
Old 11-02-2012, 08:07 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jazzbass View Post
I can't believe for an instant that thing meets code.
Keep in mind that there is another reason why this device won't meet code.

The latest version of the electrical code (adopted by Fairfax County) requires that your backup generator system be able to simultaneous power all circuit that are connected to the generator. Under the old code, it was legal for you to manually flip off circuit breakers and only power those that the generator could support.

So, if your electrical inspector is having a bad day or is being strict, you can't power your entire mail breaker panel with a 5Kw generator, but you must install a subpanel with limited breakers.
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  #97  
Old 11-02-2012, 08:47 AM
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A friend turned me on to this unit for a decent price.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00130GGRM

Only 3500/4400 watts but also 69db and $570. It should power my well pump, fridge, some lights.... as long as I dont turn them all on at the same time.
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  #98  
Old 11-02-2012, 08:54 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fairfax 944 View Post
The latest version of the electrical code (adopted by Fairfax County) requires that your backup generator system be able to simultaneous power all circuit that are connected to the generator. Under the old code, it was legal for you to manually flip off circuit breakers and only power those that the generator could support.
IIRC, NEC covers the wiring not the removable generator. You don't need a genset there to pass inspection. A permanently wired unit is a different story.

Or is this some other local building code for fairfax? Has ffx adopted nec 2008 yet?
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  #99  
Old 11-02-2012, 09:05 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by smdubovsky View Post
IIRC, NEC covers the wiring not the removable generator. You don't need a genset there to pass inspection. A permanently wired unit is a different story.

Or is this some other local building code for fairfax? Has ffx adopted nec 2008 yet?
Fairfax County has adopted NEC 2008. This load shedding issue was a concern for me when I installed a permanently attached propane generator. I didn't realize that this provision may not apply to a removable generator.
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  #100  
Old 11-02-2012, 10:09 AM
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^ could prolly find it myself but a link would be nice. BTW no e-mail? I know you're busy but I wanted to make sure you had the right address.
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