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Re: OT: Emergency Generator Transfer Switch Posted by Tom G [Email]  (#1951) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Tom G) on Tue, 3 Sep 2013 13:56:03
In Reply to: OT: Emergency Generator Transfer Switch, B Millar   [Profile/Gallery]
, Tue, 3 Sep 2013 10:53:19
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Well, here's what I did (I live in NE and got the wonderful camping experience in my living room experience last winter).
I think it all comes down to money (doesn't it always). The auto transfer systems with a 7.5K-10K generator that automatically transfer and start up the generator are about $10K after purchasing generator, switches, permitting, and labor, maybe more depending on what/when and where you get it done. Some of my co-workers have had this type system installed and most have gone with natural gas for fuel. I've lived in NE since 96 and it was rare for me to lose power, but it has gotten more common recently.
I've lost power only two-three times in 15 years, so therefore, I opted for a "basic" system. I have forced hot air natural gas. I mainly want a little warmth (winter months) and/or food not to spoil (summer). Mine is gasoline powered (slight disadvantage because of gasoline hazard as opposed to natural gas/propane or even diesel). Because my electric needs are small, I have a small generator (20-30 amp). My total cost was probably less than $500. Mine is back fed into main panel via manual blade transfer switch.
Most of the auto transfer switches are pricey. The less expensive manual transfer switches I've seen have metal guards to manually prevent inadvertent back feed of generator power into the electrical grid by switching main on at same time. They are more expensive than the type I have.
I've tested this and it works fine. As long as the manual transfer switch is open, (it's a blade switch), there isn't a physical connection between the commercial input power and my emergency generator.
Because I use gasoline, I have to keep an eye on weather (last blizzard provided 2-3 day warning). After the storm, I used the gas in my older cars.
I felt comfortable in the main panel because I familiar with electrical wiring, I been to high voltage training, have the proper tools and know my own limitations.
Most of the people I know that have portable generators back feed in one fashion or another into the main panel with manual cut overs.
posted by 155.178....
, Tue, 3 Sep 2013 10:53:19, Wed, 4 Sep 2013 06:54:08, Wed, 4 Sep 2013 18:15:01, Thu, 5 Sep 2013 05:30:11, Tue, 3 Sep 2013 13:56:03 <-- Viewing This Message, Tue, 3 Sep 2013 11:25:42, Wed, 4 Sep 2013 03:15:11
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