I have everything connected except for the transfer switch to the house. I just want to make sure I am doing this correctly.
2006-08-15 08:23:41 · 8 answers · asked by ship_planner2000 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
What kind of automatic transfer switch do you have? Does it have a built-in loadcenter (panel)? Is it a weatherproof one with a built-in main breaker?
Depending on the brand of generator that you have, this will probably not be a DIY project. Generac generators comes with very good DIY installation instructions for their 7kW - 16kW generators. They prefer to have their larger generators installed by a professional.
If your transfer switch has a built-in loadcenter (panel), I recommend installing it right next to your existing breaker box. You need to install a conduit between your transfer switch and generator. In this conduit, you will run your 2 - hots, 1-neutral and 1-ground for the power from the generator. Additionally, depending on the requirements, you need to install a minimum of 2 conductors that sense utility power and allow the generator to start.
The conduit size depends on the size of wire and number of conductors in the conduit. The wire size is determined from the generator size. All of these specifications should be in your installation instructions.
You also need to install a conduit between your transfer switch and existing breaker box. In this conduit, you need the utility power to feed the transfer switch and the circuits that you want your generator to control during an outage. These circuits are already in your existing breaker box, you just need to transfer them into your transfer switch.
Don't forget to ground your generator. The instructions will have the specifications for grounding. Typically, you need to drive an 8' x 5/8" ground rod next to the generator and connect a #6 bare copper wire between the ground rod and a lug provided on the generator's frame.
As I mentioned earlier, this is not really a DIY project. If you are unsure of any of the steps involved, I highly recommend hiring a licensed electrician. If you are going to do this yourself, definately get an inspection when you are done, just to be sure.
Be sure to check with your local building codes to see if they have any additional requirements. I also recommend getting the 2005 edition of the NEC and read Article 445.
If you need further assistance, please visit -
http://electricalblog.gilchrist-electric.com
2006-08-15 09:12:05 · answer #1 · answered by gilchristelectric 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should really have an electrician do the installation. Gilchristelectric gave a long explanation but didn't mention anything about grounding. Depending on if the transfer switch switches the neutral or not you have a separately derived system (SDS) or not, and the grounding is different between the two. If you screw it up, it is dangerous. Even electricians can find the rules for transfer switches and generators confusing. This is not a DIY job.
2006-08-15 10:02:08 · answer #2 · answered by An electrical engineer 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I sold stand-by generators for years; A stand by switch automatically turns on your generator when it senses loss of power for more than 30 seconds.It will also turn off after it senses power for same.The best advantage is that you can fuel these with NG or LP fuels.NG fuel is supplied via a pipe in the ground and may not be available in all areas.LP gas comes from a 500 gallon tank that has to be buried in your yard provided many permits and approvals.The stand-by costs @ $3k for the unit and up to $10k. Then there is the fuel cost and installation.A stand-by switch is made to be DIY friendly but I would consult an electrician just to CYA!.It will only power certain circuits on a unit of 5K-10K. If you want to power everything,look into getting a 12k watt for a 100 amp service or a 24K for a 200 amp service.It will also add RESALE value back into your home.They also are made to last 30 YEARS
2006-08-15 08:37:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
As everyone is eluding to, if you dont completely understand this switch, then its time to call an electrician. Its not worth damaging something or yourself.
2006-08-15 15:52:33 · answer #4 · answered by dak0tawayne 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To do this safely and up to code, you need a licensed electrician to do this. If you do it wrong you could have a fire or hurt someone in you local utility. Then you will be liable.
2006-08-15 08:34:20 · answer #5 · answered by gary o 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
keep this in mind, if u screw up and u have a fire or other damage due to the fact that u installed it wrong ur insurance will NOT cover the damages........
lic. gen. contractor
2006-08-15 09:04:33 · answer #6 · answered by bigg_dogg44 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should have have a licened electrician to do it right.
2006-08-15 08:31:04 · answer #7 · answered by markm 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
follow the instruction my cristal ball is in the shop for repair
2006-08-15 08:29:50 · answer #8 · answered by aussie 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋