A customer would like a backup generator installed to power his entire house. I am going to use a manual disconnect on both sides of his main panel, do I need to install one outside where the generator is located? And if so, I know that it has to be in sight of the generator, but where in the NEC specifically does it state distance if I can see 100 ft. to his house from the generator. Any logical and specific input would be appreciated.
Disconnect for a backup generator
- Thread starter cavscout
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
Re: Disconnect for a backup generator
The Article 100 definition of ?In Sight From? says the limit is 50 feet.
However, I do not understand what you mean by,
The Article 100 definition of ?In Sight From? says the limit is 50 feet.
However, I do not understand what you mean by,
How do you plan on connecting the generator?
A
a.wayne3@verizon.net
Guest
Re: Disconnect for a backup generator
Line of sight or 50 ft.But is it ?look at 445.18 no min no max.
Line of sight or 50 ft.But is it ?look at 445.18 no min no max.
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
Re: Disconnect for a backup generator
In wasahington state its 15 ft.
In wasahington state its 15 ft.
Re: Disconnect for a backup generator
What the customer wants to do is if there is a power outage he will manually disconnect the power supply from the power company. He then will start the gas generator outside via pull start engine and close the disconnect from the generator to the main panel. This is the route that the customer wants to take to keep construction and material costs to a minimum but still achieve his goal.
What the customer wants to do is if there is a power outage he will manually disconnect the power supply from the power company. He then will start the gas generator outside via pull start engine and close the disconnect from the generator to the main panel. This is the route that the customer wants to take to keep construction and material costs to a minimum but still achieve his goal.
luke warmwater
Senior Member
Re: Disconnect for a backup generator
I would not recommend that you do this install in the proposed manner.
And how are you going to achieve the required mechanical interlock???
I would not recommend that you do this install in the proposed manner.
luke warmwater
Senior Member
Re: Disconnect for a backup generator
If your customer wants to use a manual switch, then you should be using a DPDT service rated switch.
If your customer wants to use a manual switch, then you should be using a DPDT service rated switch.
volt102
Senior Member
- Location
- New Hampshire
Re: Disconnect for a backup generator
As far as the question of whether or not you need a disconnect outside leads to an other question first, will you be running the outside feeder into the house at another location other then at the transfer wswitch? And even then, the extra disconnect could be located inside.
As far as the question of whether or not you need a disconnect outside leads to an other question first, will you be running the outside feeder into the house at another location other then at the transfer wswitch? And even then, the extra disconnect could be located inside.
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
Re: Disconnect for a backup generator
I think this installation is going to kill the owner! I do not jest.
Luke had the right question. Here is the code answer:
I think this installation is going to kill the owner! I do not jest.
Luke had the right question. Here is the code answer:
izak
Senior Member
- Location
- Springfield, MO
Re: Disconnect for a backup generator
i think this installation could kill a lineman!
i recently helped wire a house where the owner, armed with a few stupid ideas from the local supply house, took it upon himself to install a 30 amp, 250 volt dryer outlet below the panel and wanted to use it to backfeed a 2 pole 30 amp breaker in the panel..
when the power goes out, he will use a double male cord and plug his generator into that outlet...
what happens if there is a line down, upstream of the homeowner's transformer, and a lineman comes to fix it, and gets fried by 7200 volts all because the homeowner FORGOT to turn off his main??
i think this installation could kill a lineman!
i recently helped wire a house where the owner, armed with a few stupid ideas from the local supply house, took it upon himself to install a 30 amp, 250 volt dryer outlet below the panel and wanted to use it to backfeed a 2 pole 30 amp breaker in the panel..
when the power goes out, he will use a double male cord and plug his generator into that outlet...
what happens if there is a line down, upstream of the homeowner's transformer, and a lineman comes to fix it, and gets fried by 7200 volts all because the homeowner FORGOT to turn off his main??
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