How can you tell if an existing Generator Transfer Panel can handle a higher watt generator? Inside the Generator Transfer Panel it says 35A ..... 120 ..... 18A .... 240 .... 30A Max. We have a 4200 watt portable generator but we're thinking about getting a 8000 running - 10,000 start .... watt generator. We do want to put more on the panel so we might need a bigger one.
A 10,000 watt gen is a little under 50 amps @ 240 volts, 100 amps @ 120 volts. You'll need a 50 amp / 240 volt transfer panel rating.
When you are on the generator how much do you plan on using? We have a 6,500/8,000 watt generator and, with the whole house running, it rarely runs hard. We probably stay under 3,000 watts. The box you have now is properly rated for the 4,000 watt generator. Anything larger will pop the generator breaker in the transfer box if you push it. KaptJaq
Are you going with a standby unit? I had to put one in at work. I should have done it years ago, my hair wouldn't be as gray as it is now! Gary
Our 20kw Kohler standby on propane is a lot quieter then a 6500 gas portable that we have. That said some of the Hondas are quiet and I borrowed a 5000 watt portable from one of by drivers that was fairly quiet. Gary
If you're putting in a portable "not on demand start system" the generator @10kW max - is an advertising gimmick, 8kW will max it out - basically what the motor could tolerate for normal fuel consumption rates, or generator winding insulation The switching disconnect isn't really the main concern in swapping this over - its the feeder cable from the sub panel to the disconnect, probably 10ga rated for 30amps in it's current configuration The feeder cable will need to be upsized in addition to the switch(is has an interrupting rating and internal conductors are probably capable of carrying the current)
Check the output options of the genny. An 8k/10k may not have a 50A output. In which case a 30A setup should be fine.
They came up to give us a estimate, about all we need is a new transfer panel if that along with a new whip. They still haven't emailed us the estimate but we're hoping to get that this week.
The contractor called this morning when I was in the woods with the price, we thought the price was good so we'll go with it. He'll be putting in an outlet in the floor for my wife and we'll have a new (bigger) Transfer Panel for the generator. Hopefully we can get this done before our storm season (high winds) begins which is usually by the end of May thru August. From my talks with the electrician, he thinks we can have power to everything and then we'll control what we want on or off. Our old generator is from 1998, bought before the ice storm hit. It has been a good little generator so we'll keep it for a back up.
The contractor just called back, he's ordering everything he needs Monday. The power company will have to shut off the power when he's ready so we'll see how long that will take.
The contractor called me again, everything is in for the transfer panel but we're waiting on a floor outlet to come in which should be Wednesday or Thursday. Our storm season (high winds) is getting closer so it will be nice to get the new transfer panel in.
He seems to think just the one day. The power company said they would be here to shut the power off at 8:30 a.m.
The job got done today, power for the whole house when we lose it. We will have to watch what we are running if we want to use the hot water heater.
Wow, someone who followed through on doing what he said he'd do and when. Gotta' be a nice feeling getting that done zap. Very cool.
