what is the correct way to hook up a generator

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southernboys

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Hey guys just wondering what is the safest way to hook up a generator. Should I pull the meter and hook to load side of meter? Or should I hook to main breaker disconecting wires from meter and hooking up generator wires? What about a small generator to run just a fridge and some fans? tie into 20a breaker or run jumpers from the units. How should I balance the loads ie 5500watts do I still divide by volts to find correct number of amps? thanks in advance
 
Re: what is the correct way to hook up a generator

Southernboys, the safest and proper way is to use a transfer switch, double throw switch, a Gen-Tran, or Reliance type of panel, etc...

You can use W/E = I for the most part, but (and a big one at that) is when considering motor or compressor starting loads, small generators have a very hard time if there are any other loads on at the times these starting loads occur.

Some may not start at all, so human assistance is needed to selectively shed items when some others are needed.


Roger

[ July 09, 2005, 01:55 PM: Message edited by: roger ]
 
Re: what is the correct way to hook up a generator

Roger I agree but when you dont have enuff time what is the safest and easiest way?
 
Re: what is the correct way to hook up a generator

Roger is absoluletly right about the transfer switch. But I've noticed that such things tend to be in short supply during an emergency. And I'm not going to give any advice that mite get me in trouble. I have herd stories of people that would back feed into the panel on a 20 Amp. double pole breaker of the 220 V output of the generator. The generator will have over current protection. They would have the meter pulled and the main off to make sure that line voltage does not come on and blow that little generator up. Then they would only turn on a couple of 120 V circuits. Frig & lights. Making sure that everyone knew that the power source was very limmited. While I have herd that this may work, it may not be exactly code complient. In war and hurricanes some people do really unorthodox things.
 
Re: what is the correct way to hook up a generator

Peter whereas you do not have hurricanes in ny we do have them in Al and Fl. As I said I do believe in the ats as a permanent fix however when you have a major hurricane barreling down on you you try to wire it as safely as possible. as I stated I do not want to back feed to poco which is what these happy homeowners will do. I do not have a lot of experience with this stuff and thats why Ive come to this website for the correct information. Thank you for your concern Peter
 
Re: what is the correct way to hook up a generator

I do understand your situation. But I must beg to differ. We may not get several a year but we get them from time to time. Down South (NY) it is even worse.
In '99 we got hit hard and many areas were out of power for many days. Please don't think you guys have a monopoly on bad weather and hurricanes.
When was the last time Fla got an ice storm?

That being said, I personally cannot advice any other method besides some sort of transfer switch.
What about a main breaker interlock. Most manufacturers have them, with Sq D having the best selection.
 
Re: what is the correct way to hook up a generator

I agree with all. Check SqD for a generatro sub-panel.
It has a 2p30 for poco feed and a 2p30 for gen feed. There is an interlock so the gen cannot backfeed poco.
It's relatively inexpensive compared to deep frying a lineman.

Here's a link:
Generator panel

Here's more info:
SqD Backup info

BE SAFE!

[ July 09, 2005, 04:58 PM: Message edited by: tshea ]
 
Re: what is the correct way to hook up a generator

The safest and fastest way I know of using a generator during a power outage with out a transfer switch is real easy. Buy some drop cords. Make sure to get #12 conductor cords.
 
Re: what is the correct way to hook up a generator

Originally posted by southernboys:
I do not have a lot of experience with this stuff and thats why Ive come to this website for the correct information. Thank you for your concern Peter
Click to expand...
You have gotten the correct info and you don't seem to like the answer. I don't care what the situaion is there is a right way and a wrong way to do this. The choice is yours.
 
Re: what is the correct way to hook up a generator

Here is an idea I had. At some point, I'll draw it out.

I look a look at that QO setup, it looks kinda cheap. :eek:

I wonder if Siemens makes some sort of handle to span from the left bank of breakers to the right bank of breakers. That seems like it would be easier to create, than that cheesey-looking handle alternating two upright breakers.

I'd imagine it would look like a quad breaker, only with the handle stretching to the other side of the panel.
 
Re: what is the correct way to hook up a generator

Originally posted by georgestolz:
I look a look at that QO setup, it looks kinda cheap. :eek:
Click to expand...
IMO any UL listed transfer equipment is safer than a home brewed set up. Particularly in the control of people not knowledgeable in electrical work.

On the ones I have seen the linkages you see on the panels do not operate the breakers, they simply get in the way so you have to manually operate the breakers in the correct sequence.

Utility main off > move interlock bar > close generator main.
 
Re: what is the correct way to hook up a generator

Originally posted by southernboys:
.... I do not have a lot of experience with this stuff ....
Click to expand...
sb,

Are you a licensed contractor with insurance?

If not, you should not be hooking up generators and you should not give advice to anyone as to how to connect their generator to their house wiring. You are asking to be sued. If you connect a home without inspection and permit and a death occurred, I believe you may be prosecuted for manslaughter and will serve jail time.

[ July 10, 2005, 11:21 AM: Message edited by: hardworkingstiff ]
 
Re: what is the correct way to hook up a generator

Sorry that Dennis is headed your way but thankfull he missed us.
What i would suggest since you are out of time is to back feed your panel for this time.Turn main breaker off and put tape over it.You need to be sure your the only one that might be in the panel.Put a pad lock on it if needed.This is not a real safe or code compliant way to go.It will keep the frig and lights on.A lot depends on who is in control here.

The way i did this was with a Cutler Hammer panel.
I used a dummy 2 pole breaker to hold a sleeve that has a steel 1/4 inch by 5 inches rod.The dummy breaker goes into space #1 & 3 with it turned on.It does not hook to any wires and only holds the sleeve.I used J B WELD to hold the sleeve.Now into # 5 & 7 i installed 20 amp 2 pole for the generator.The pin slides so that i can only have the generator breaker or the main breaker on at one time.
This now allows me to run a selected load.I suggest keeping the frig on one leg and everything else on the other.This way the motor can start.Will try to take a pic and post it later

[ July 10, 2005, 12:03 PM: Message edited by: jimwalker ]
 
Re: what is the correct way to hook up a generator

See, now I DO NOT agree with Jim's last post. In fact I am surprised he wrote such a post on this site.
I think we all know better, even in an emergency!

Other than some sort of transfer or interlock the ONLY safe way is with drop cords.
 
Re: what is the correct way to hook up a generator

Pete, are you talking about hooking up an emergency generator or hooking up a generator in an emergency. The two are not quite the same thing. To hook up an emergency generator you start with all the proper permits and buy all the the proper materials ( transfer switch). This is all done in advance of the emergency. During an emergency all power is lost and many businesses and homes are destroyed ( flash light batteries may be in short supply ). It may take a week to get materials and two weeks to get an inspection. That's why they call it an emergency. At a time like this if you were to disconnect the utilities power ( which may be off for two or three weeks ) and feed your panel from a generator, what's the safety issue. You are not going to hurt any linemen because it's impossible ( feed disconnected and taped ). Your house is still protected by the same over current devices. You are just feeding from a much more limited source. You know that you could be in trouble if a child tripped on an extension cord in the dark( provided by you). I would check to see if the local authorities will approve ( with a wink and a nod ). When you get enough people with no homes and no place to go the rules sometimes bend a little. Unless you go the whole nine yards you are not legal anyway and by then the emergency is over.
 
Re: what is the correct way to hook up a generator

I would agree with Growler.

With no notice, in an emergency, I too would be tempted to shut off the main, duct tape it, and plug a generator into the dryer, or hardwire it into the panel. In my own residence.

As an EC in the path of a predicted hurricane, I would add a few t/s's to my overhead and wait for the phone to ring shortly after landfall. I would complete all contracted work according to the NEC.

Emergency or not, the same liability issues are there. Keeping your head in emergencies will probably keep you out of court and keep people from getting hurt.
 
Re: what is the correct way to hook up a generator

georgestolz said:
I wonder if Siemens makes some sort of handle to span from the left bank of breakers to the right bank of breakers. That seems like it would be easier to create, than that cheesey-looking handle alternating two upright breakers.
Click to expand...
I have seen the "modified" Siemens panels and I thought those were cheesy.
Cutler Hammer also makes a generatro panel with the interlock bracket.

Either way, whatever panel or transfer switch scheme you use, make it safe!

The 4 ways of doing things:
Right way, Wrong way, easy way, hard way!

Do it the Right way and easy way!!
 
Re: what is the correct way to hook up a generator

I like the wrong way. :mad:

Given time, someone will get someone else killed. I am glad I am not working in the aftermath of the storms. The thing about this thread that scares me is that some people that I know are down there getting ready to help with the power outages. If someone slips up, someone will kill one of my friends. :eek:
 
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