spdt or 3 way switch?

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lowvoltman

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I was thinking of using a spdt toggle switch as a simple change over or transfer switch. could you use 2 generators with 120v each to feed 1 load. using the switch to switch between generators? could you tie the neutrals together?
what do ya'll think?
 
lowvoltman said:
I was thinking of using a spdt toggle switch as a simple change over or transfer switch. could you use 2 generators with 120v each to feed 1 load. using the switch to switch between generators? could you tie the neutrals together?
what do ya'll think?
Click to expand...

Depending on conditions...without isolation of internal leakage, common unit grounding could shorten functional life-spans. 8)
 
lowvoltman said:
could you tie the neutrals together?
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Tie them together temporarily through a 100 W incand. bulb [as a precaution to limit current] and check for current flow in the neutral due to differences in capacitance to ground with each generator.
I'd expect only a few mA, if anything, and virtually zero volts on the neutral when measured with respect to ground.
 
Basically I was planning to use a 30 amp spdt switch wired to bring 2 seperate lines in and 1 out. 30 amp 120 volt from 1 generator and the same from a different generator. each protected by its own breaker. I would tie the neutrals together and the grounds together.would like to do this so I could shut down 1 generator but keep the juice flowing to the load. Does anyone see a problem with this scenario?
 
Most 3-ways are not rated for two different supplies to a single load, they do not contain enough internal line-line insulation.
 
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