Residential generators
Residential generators
I installed a whole house generator as I live on the Texas Gulf Coast and have a lot of trees and our utility infrastructure is at best "third-world rated". I lose power maybe 4-6 times a year. I recommend anyone who wants to install a residential generator to call their local utility first as they may have rules or guidelines. I have an exterior main transfer switch which is labeled "Utility" and "Generator" for the benefit of my utility company. This stops them from removing my meter (I found out) in order to work on the lines in my neighborhood as they don't know if there is back-feed or not.
I also installed a secondary main breaker between the transfer switch and my generator (so I can get to it if I need to). The biggest tip I can provide is 1). call the utility as they may have rules or guidelines, 2). install a separate disconnect for the generator, 3). add visible and clear labeling; and; 4). grounding is your friend. Generators need to be grounded.
Anyway, the utility company has been over twice (blown transformers) and my installation seems to marvel them. They no longer pull my meter.
Around here lots of people have started installing generators after Katrina/Rita and the local utility is wary about backfeed and rightfully so.
Safety above bare minimum is cheap.
"Installation by Homeowner or Bubba" is not recommended.
