The generator tag has no wiki summary.
8
votes
3answers
21k views
Can I backfeed a portable generator into my house's electrical system?
Is there a safe way to power my house using a portable generator? The power rating for the generator is 6kW, and I want to run my electric water heater (4.5kW) and my refrigerator (0.5kW) and possibly ...
6
votes
3answers
1k views
What is a good generator for emergency backup?
So recently, during Irene, I learned that my car's lighter outlet was insufficient to power a sump-pump (hello, two inches of water in the master bedroom) Thankfully, the car's circuitry was fine but ...
6
votes
2answers
948 views
Are generator interlock kits permitted in residential applications?
There have been some questions on the site lately, that reference using interlock kits with portable generators.
This has inspired me to read through article 702 Optional Standby Systems of the ...
5
votes
1answer
178 views
Is it reasonable to create a 30amp branch circuit for the purpose of feeding the panel from a generator?
I recently purchased an 8kW generator (Briggs and Stratton). It has a 4-wire twist lock outlet that can handle 30 amps.
Suppose I were to:
Run a 10/3 NM cable from the panel in the basement out to ...
4
votes
2answers
210 views
What Good and Affordable Alternative Power Source Would You Recommend?
I am woking on a startup (read: using my computer always). 80% of the time, I generate my own electricity with a petrol/gas generator.
On new years day, the Nigerian government increased the price of ...
4
votes
1answer
146 views
Can I retrofit a wind-power system for my home?
I live in a VERY windy place. My neighborhood is a new development of your typical suburban single family homes. There isn't really room for a full windmill, nor would it look very well. But there has ...
4
votes
2answers
207 views
Will my wood platform support my generator?
I built a wood platform out of pressure treated lumber 6ft X 4ft 2x6 with beams every 16 inches and 2x6 deck. It is bolted into the house 2x10 on the 6 ft rear wall and carriage bolted to an existing ...
3
votes
2answers
1k views
How do I troubleshoot my generator and transfer switch installation?
I recently mounted a 10 circuit Transfer switch and attached about half of the wires to the electrical panel. After I start and plug in the generator, some of the circuits work fine (well pump, which ...
3
votes
1answer
3k views
How can I get a standby generator with GFI to work with a 2-pole transfer switch?
I have a home standby generator that is equipped with a GFI, and my original electrician (who has long since flaked out on me leaving me in a lurch with this) installed a standard 2-pole transfer ...
3
votes
1answer
410 views
Should a generator transfer switch have continuity between all contacts in the “Gen” position?
I am finishing up installing my generator transfer switch today and I think I have a wiring problem...
I have a six circuit transfer switch wired in with a power inlet box outside. Everything is ...
3
votes
1answer
203 views
Does a replacement propane supply line have to be made of a special material?
One of the propane rubber hoses in a portable generator has cracked and broken in several spots while the other one is in fine condition. As a stop gap a washing machine supply line was cut and used. ...
2
votes
3answers
253 views
How can I shut off circuits when I have a generator with an automatic transfer switch?
We had professionals install a generator with an automatic transfer switch. I showed them our circuit-breaker box and told them which circuit numbers should be on generator power. Okay, everything's ...
2
votes
1answer
1k views
Generator carburetor problem, is it the float?
Hopefully this is an appropriate place to post:
I had to use my generator today and it ran fine for about an hour but when I went outside to check on it, I noticed it was dripping gas from the ...
1
vote
2answers
168 views
Why won't my portable generator start?
With a storm bearing down on the mid-Atlantic US and robocalls from the local power utility warning of the possibility of extended power outages, I figured tonight would be a good time to check the ...
1
vote
1answer
592 views
What size wire do I need to connect a portable generator inlet to my main panel?
I am planning on installing an interlock kit and backfeeding my panel with my portable generator. The backfeed will be to a 30 amp breaker, coming from the 240/30A outlet on my Generac 5500. The ...
1
vote
1answer
102 views
How do I select the right generator?
I'm looking for advice on what kind of generator I should get for my mobile home. We have had 3 pretty bad storms (2 hurricanes, 1 blizzard) and am looking to give my home backup power.
Now I have ...
1
vote
1answer
143 views
Wood heating - Problems with power failures. Need some advice
My sister uses wood heating in here house.
Her heating system has temperature control but of course does not work without electricity.
If electricity goes off the temperature can grow ...
0
votes
1answer
96 views
How can I install this automatic transfer switch?
I currently have a Gentran 3028 subpanel connected to a 12,000 watt generator over a 30 AMP branch and the utility/main panel over a 60 AMP branch. I want to replace the Gentran with a APC UTS10BI. ...
