Standby Generators
#46
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Joined: Jun 2015
Location: Near Lynchburg Tennessee, home of Jack Daniels
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Re: Standby Generators
of those can quickly open up the needed double space.
#47
Re: Standby Generators
I have used those in my previous house when I upgraded our service to 200A It is certainly an option and possibly easier than the alternatives. I am considering a sub or breakout panel though, containing just the items I would want on the generator. Choices...
#48
Re: Standby Generators
To me, the current transfer switch you already have looks good (excepting of course the flimsy wires feeding into the bottom from the generator). It does certainly allow you to 'overload' the generator, by turning on too many appliances/loads in the house, but it has the great feature of allowing you to use any outlet in the whole house at will. Is it the risk of overloading the generator that bothers you?
#49
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Location: Near Lynchburg Tennessee, home of Jack Daniels
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Re: Standby Generators
As I understand it it’s legal to have a wire nut splice in the main panel which may be necessary when moving wires to a new breaker location. I had to splice one circuit in my panel when I decided to add a surge protector which looks like a double breaker and takes a double space.
#50
Re: Standby Generators
Idle curiosity, the purchase inspection or Building Department inspection? I know that we had a few things which eluded purchase inspector which LADBS made us change out with a mild WTF.
#51
Re: Standby Generators
To me, the current transfer switch you already have looks good (excepting of course the flimsy wires feeding into the bottom from the generator). It does certainly allow you to 'overload' the generator, by turning on too many appliances/loads in the house, but it has the great feature of allowing you to use any outlet in the whole house at will. Is it the risk of overloading the generator that bothers you?
The rest of it DOES have certain advantages, providing I am mindful of what I am doing and use relevant breakers accordingly. As you say though, it would be possible to overload. You should really have all breakers OFF before switching anyhow, and then turn on the ones needed. To be honest, my main interest is the well pump and the barn (horses).
#52
Re: Standby Generators
Purchase 3 years ago and also Electrical inspection last year I suspect whilst it is ok as existing, it would probably not be on a new build, though I could be wrong.
#53
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Joined: Jun 2015
Location: Near Lynchburg Tennessee, home of Jack Daniels
Posts: 1,381
Re: Standby Generators
I'm not happy with the existing 30A Gen feed wires or the receptacle itself so will definitely be replacing both with a new 50A.
The rest of it DOES have certain advantages, providing I am mindful of what I am doing and use relevant breakers accordingly. As you say though, it would be possible to overload. You should really have all breakers OFF before switching anyhow, and then turn on the ones needed. To be honest, my main interest is the well pump and the barn (horses).
The rest of it DOES have certain advantages, providing I am mindful of what I am doing and use relevant breakers accordingly. As you say though, it would be possible to overload. You should really have all breakers OFF before switching anyhow, and then turn on the ones needed. To be honest, my main interest is the well pump and the barn (horses).
#54
Re: Standby Generators
Makes perfect sense and something i will need to, address. For piece of mind if nothing else.
#55
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Joined: Jun 2015
Location: Near Lynchburg Tennessee, home of Jack Daniels
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Re: Standby Generators
You
#56
Re: Standby Generators
I'm not happy with the existing 30A Gen feed wires or the receptacle itself so will definitely be replacing both with a new 50A.
The rest of it DOES have certain advantages, providing I am mindful of what I am doing and use relevant breakers accordingly. As you say though, it would be possible to overload. You should really have all breakers OFF before switching anyhow, and then turn on the ones needed. To be honest, my main interest is the well pump and the barn (horses).
The rest of it DOES have certain advantages, providing I am mindful of what I am doing and use relevant breakers accordingly. As you say though, it would be possible to overload. You should really have all breakers OFF before switching anyhow, and then turn on the ones needed. To be honest, my main interest is the well pump and the barn (horses).
#57
Re: Standby Generators
#58
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Joined: Jun 2015
Location: Near Lynchburg Tennessee, home of Jack Daniels
Posts: 1,381
Re: Standby Generators
That would work perfect. Box with new receptacle, box with breaker above, connected by weather proof conduit.
#59
#60
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Joined: Jun 2015
Location: Near Lynchburg Tennessee, home of Jack Daniels
Posts: 1,381
Re: Standby Generators
Nutek
I think this is what you would need to install a breaker that would also serve as a outside generator power cutoff switch. From description it will take up to a 100 amp square D breaker. I like square D and have used nothing else. They make a QO line and recently a cheaper homeline. I always use the QO.
I think this is what you would need to install a breaker that would also serve as a outside generator power cutoff switch. From description it will take up to a 100 amp square D breaker. I like square D and have used nothing else. They make a QO line and recently a cheaper homeline. I always use the QO.