Portable residential generator

Status
Not open for further replies.
S

shaw0486

Senior Member
Location
baltimore
Hey guys,
I have a customer that wants a portable generator installed to operate a few small loads how do you guys ussually do this. I have installed a few perminant generators. However i am not familiar with a portable installation. I am not sure how to keep the home owner from back feedeing the grid. I assume i would install a manual transfer switch with fed by the normal power and by a plug for the generator to plug into?
 
shaw0486 said:
I am not sure how to keep the home owner from back feedeing the grid.I assume i would install a manual transfer switch with fed by the normal power

Yes, or one of these interlock kits.

http://www.nooutage.com/interlock_kits.htm

I assume i would install a manual transfer switch with fed by the normal power and by a plug for the generator to plug into?
Click to expand...

And one of these in the amperage required.

http://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/Reliance-Controls-PB30/p1088.html
 
Most of the legal installs here use either a "transfer console" provided by the generator manufacturer or a 'generator panel"
In both cases you select which circuits you wish to power by the genny.
The manufacturer console used often here is Generacs and consists of manual switches and an flanged inlet shown in masterinbama's post.
The generator panels have tow interlocked mains so the panel is fed by the utility OR the generator
 
ENGINE GENERATORS FOR PORTABLEUSE (FTCN)​
GENERAL​
This category covers internal-combustion-engine-driven generators rated15 kW or less, 250 V or less, which are provided only with receptacle outletsfor the ac output circuits. The generators may incorporate alternatingordirect-current generator sections for supplying energy to batterychargingcircuits.
When a portable generator is used to supply a building or structure wiring system:
1. The generator is considered a separately derived system in accordancewith ANSI/NFPA 70, ‘‘National Electrical Code’’ (NEC)
2. The generator is intended to be connected through permanentlyinstalled Listed transfer equipment that switches all conductors otherthan the equipment grounding conductor.
3. The frame of a Listed generator is connected to the equipmentgroundingconductor and the grounded (neutral) conductor of thegenerator. When properly connected to a premises or structure wiringsystem, the portable generator will be connected to the premises orstructure grounding electrode for its ground reference.
4. Portable generators used other than to power building or structurewiring systems are intended to be connected to ground if required by​
the NEC.
 
Last edited:
For lowest possible cost I would opt for a power inlet box, cord set, and a mechanical breaker interlock. If you want to go with something fancier then the options are almost limitless.
 
shaw0486 said:
the only problem is that i only have a 5kw genny. Wont that make an issue if the ho didnt turn off the other loads
Click to expand...

Well yes, if the HO tries to run more than 5000 watts of load, but it also gives the HO entire control over what they want to run. The code allows this in 702.5(B)(1). If we were talking about an auto transfer switch things would be different.
 
shaw0486 said:
infinity the only problem is that i only have a 5kw genny. Wont that make an issue if the ho didnt turn off the other loads
Click to expand...

5 KW will be very limited on what it can run. If the HO has motor loads, it will require watching what is running at the same time.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top