Finally broke down and picked up a small generator and 10 circuit Reliance manual transfer switch! The generator is a 3500 watt continuous DuraMax with duplex outlet and 30A 115/230 outlet. Got the generator for $299.00 with free shipping and transfer switch for $345.00.. I can now run the essentials and it's about time! Ray
That's gotta' be a nice feeling Ray. I'll end up doing that one of these days, for those middle of winter power outages we seem to get every year.
We got out generator last year. Still haven't hooked it up to a transfer switch either. Whole house generator would be nice. It's only the price holding me back. Lol.
Looks good Ray I've been wanting a generator too ,lived in this house for 22 yrs. now most we ever been with out power is 24-36 hrs. it still sucked I'm leaning towards one of the smaller Honda's or Yamaha's a bit pricey ,but probably all that I need run the stove and internet keep Beer cold I'm good
http://www.rakuten.com/prod/duromax-4400-watt-7hp-gas-powered-generator/216777968.html I picked this up for under $300.00, no tax and free shipping.. Came with wheel kit that included never-flat tires too.. Ray
Recently they had the Durostar version of that genny for $295.00 .. The difference is it was red instead of blue.. Nice genny for the $$ Ray
I've been waiting for months to get my generator connected. Now that all the scaffolding is off the house, Sandy repairs done, I need to get someone to do it. Any advice? Are all the switches pretty much the same? It's a 7500 watt gas generator that save us and the neighbors during Sandy
One important aspect- do it before any storm hits or you won't be able to find the contractors. I did my own by back-feeding a 12/3 wire from the 30 amp 220v outlet I mounted on the back of the house, to the panel at a 220v breaker. I have a 9350 peak, 7500 continuous genny with a 15 foot long extension cord so I can keep the genny away from the house a bit. At least buy your equipment asap. It took me months to get the right stuff post Sandy last year. The transfer switch is a bit pricey and not a neccesity (for a homeowner install). Simpson Electric was working the job above you and have been around a long time. Sure they could help you. PM me if you want a name for contact and referral.
Not hard to install.. I would recommend the same one I installed. Backfeeding is illegal and I will not recommend doing it.. If you electrocute the power company people you have to consider the consequences.. A good electrician can install a transfer switch in under a day.. Call around for prices.. This is the transfer switch I installed and it is rated up to 7500 watts: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Reliance...i_kw=&ci_gpa=pla&ci_src=17588969#.UlSZtxxUO00 Ray
Being a homeowner doesn't exclude you from the law or the NEC .. Doing the wrong things endangers your family and home... I could have backfed my service and saved a bundle however if I were not home and someone flipped on the main people can be killed so $350.00 seemed like short money to make it legal and safe.. Just my 2 cents.. Ray
Nice job Ray! I did the same thing a couple years ago with the same Reliance transfer box but a slightly smaller 3250 generac. HM- If that 7500 generator is enough to run the entire house (probably is if you have no big electric loads like a water heater) and you want to save some money and be a little simpler, you can also consider putting an interlock breaker in your main panel if one is compatible. The interlock is a device that allows you to switch over all circuits to the generator while disconnecting from the grid. It physically prevents both from being on at the same time. I chose the unit Ray has, which only allows me to connect 10 circuits, because my generator is small and I would have to do too much load balancing, turning off circuits, etc to avoid tripping the generator breaker. Easier for other household member to understand if I'm not here. Whichever option you choose, please call an electrician if you are not very well versed in electrical. There are a lot of safety concerns, grounding issues, etc to be considered here, and you have to work in a panel around a potentially live main. Ray is a pro, and I researched the codes and requirements extensively before doing mine.
Whats the difference between going with a transfer switch and an interlock? I got my generator with the house when I bought it and being that the previous owner was an electrician I made him hardwire a hook up outside (he had been back feeding with mains still connected...) Here's my setup
Interlock disconnects the main and switches the entire panel to generator. Transfer switch allows you to put some circuits on generator and leave other on main. I use the transfer because Id have to remember to turn off a lot of circuits on generator or Id blow the generators breaker. If you have a lot of critical circuits on one leg of the main, the in transfer allows you to rearrange them in a balanced load fashion on the two 120volt legs of the generator. Its more foolproof for my wife to use if I'm not around. Also I know immediately if the power comes back on because all the other circuits will light up. Interlock, OTOH is much simpler to install and a lot cheaper. It is also safe and code legal and I think a fine option if you havea big gen or are ok with turning off excess circuits manually. The thing that's not safe/legal is a backfeed breaker with no interlock.
