Power outages are commonplace and I'm fed up with them! I want to research what is needed and how to properly connect the generator to my home electrical system. Can anyone give me pointers or suggest where to look? Even if I hire someone to do the work I want to know and understand exactly what is being done.
2006-09-30 02:07:43 · 8 answers · asked by jim_grollmuss 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Definitely not a typical or recommended home owner project. I have information on my web page detailing many electrical safety aspects of home generators. Unless you are fully familiar with electical wiring and how it works, you would be better off getting someone experienced and qualified to do the work. I'm assuming this is the case as otherwise you wouldn't be asking the question...
Check my web site for information.
http://members.rennlist.org/warren/generator.html
2006-09-30 03:23:41 · answer #1 · answered by Warren914 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have a backup portable generator.
We already had our generator. To avoid having cords running all over our home, we opted to pay an electrician to install a special panel box - beside our main elec. panel box.
When the power goes off, we move the generator into place
(I recommend the optional "trolley wheels offered with generators). We run the gen. plug thru a window & plug into the special panel box .
The spec. panel box "overrides" the regular elec.panel box,
to prevent electricity from reversing. If the elec. reverses, going out into your normal lines, it is a danger for anyone working on the lines. The new box prevents that.
We have all our creature comforts - well pump, lights, tv, etc.
Depending on your gen., you may have to choose to leave some high-use items off.
Down side: It is LOUD! And, you have to go out, in the weather, to check it, refuel it, etc.
If you haven't purchased a gen. yet, you might consider the newer, whole house "automatic" generators. When the power goes off, there's a 5 second delay, and then you are right back with full power! They are expensive ($4,000 or so), but make you pretty independent! My elderly parents have one, and it helps them live, independently, in a rural location. Call your elec. company for the names of local sales/installation.
Best to you.
2006-09-30 03:46:21 · answer #2 · answered by OShenandoah 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can install a small sub panel next to your main electric panel. you can have an electrician install
a disconnect switch in it to lock the sub panel out of the main electric panel when the power goes out.
they can wire the things you want to have on during an outage to the sub panel. yyou need to be disconnected from the main power grid to use the generator. if you just hook up a generator without the switch, you will kill anyone working on the power lines where you are and if the power comes back on
and the generator is hooked to the grid it will blow up and be fried.
2015-01-27 07:27:20 · answer #3 · answered by R K 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call several local electrical contractors and ask for an estimate to install the generator of your choice. Specify that you want an Automatic Transfer Switch with the generator it will automatically switch between line and generator as needed. Guardian ( GENARC ) sells a complete setup that is excellent, ( I have installed many of their units ) they are self starting and self testing and come with an excellent accessory package for tie in.
2006-09-30 05:37:43 · answer #4 · answered by Ed W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Guardian makes a backup genset for a home. If you already have a genorator, contact a local electrician to conect it!
2006-09-30 02:15:23 · answer #5 · answered by Anarchy99 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, i understand what's your question.
i suggest a specialized website about home and garden.
it includes also any question you may meet in your life. and it also provide clear answers to all these question.
i am sure it will do great favor for you.
http://garden.sitesled.com/
Good Luck and Best Wishes
2006-09-30 03:15:10 · answer #6 · answered by garden_better 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi there, try telephoning an electrician for his advice, if he can do the job for you, ask him for a quote and how it will be done, that way not only will you know how it is done, but you can look around for cheaper quotes, good luck.
i hope this helps
yvonne
2006-09-30 02:12:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Home Depot has what you need. Check them out.
2006-09-30 02:14:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generiac is your best best.
2006-09-30 18:59:43 · answer #9 · answered by USMC Rando 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋