Portable Generator

[gerry]

Is there any code preventing the use of a double pole double throw center off 20amp A/C switch being used as a disconnect for a residential furnace to be connected to a portable gen. when the power is loss. He just wants to be able to plug his furnace into his generator throw the switch and start it so pipes won't freeze.Thanks for the infor.

 

[ron]

Re: Portable Generator

Sounds ok to me. Will the "emergency" side be permenently wired to a male cap?

 

[gerry]

Re: Portable Generator

Thanks for the quick response Ron,have to see the situation,either I'll pigtail with hard usage with a cap or a box.

 

[david]

Re: Portable Generator

I think you would want to run the feed from gen. through a service disconnect before going through the switch you are using to transfer your stand by power.

 

[bennie]

Re: Portable Generator

A generator, unless it supplies the entire premises wiring system, is not a service supply source.

 

[ron]

Re: Portable Generator

I assumed that since it was a small gen, it would have a set mounted breaker to protect the wire and its load.

 

[david]

Re: Portable Generator

702.2 Definition.
Optional Standby Systems. Those systems intended to protect public or private facilities or property where life safety does not depend on the performance of the system. Optional standby systems are intended to supply on-site generated power to selected loads either automatically or manually.


?selected loads?, I would think selected loads would not include the entire premise wiring system.

The furnace load is most likely a 15 or 20 amp load. Their was nothing in the original post indicating that the 20 amp circuits was being protected by 20 amp over current protection.

 

[david]

Re: Portable Generator

702.6 Transfer Equipment.

Transfer equipment, located on the load side of branch circuit protection, shall be permitted to contain supplementary overcurrent protection having an interrupting rating sufficient for the available fault current that the generator can deliver. The supplementary overcurrent protection devices shall be part of a listed transfer equipment.