quote:

Originally posted by sigcrazy7:

quote:

Originally posted by radioman:

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Originally posted by sigcrazy7:
In this day of homeowners generating their own power from solar/wind and then selling the excess to the grid, you should always assume a power source downstream of the grid supply.

Solar systems go dead when the mains are gone. Seems odd, but they just collect dust during an outage.

I guess I don’t know much about solar. I used to have an aquantance who had a windmill that powered his and his dad’s house, and he sold power to the grid constantly. This was in the late 80’s. Perhaps new installs require interlocks that automatically trip when the grid fails?

Kinda makes solar useless as an alternate power source.

Solar is tied into load side of electrical meter before it hits main breaker. No way to stop power from backfeeding utility. Never thought about it before, but it makes sense for the inverter to shut down during outage.

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Originally posted by Skins2881:

Back to OP, did you have a chance to look at links? Do you want to run generator closer to panel or disconnect? Can you easily get wiring to basement for ten space or custom made manual transfer switch?

I have looked at most of your links. I am going to call some electricians on Monday now that I have some more education.

At first, I had planned on it being wired into the panel in the garage. But after this post and thinking about it, it will be much easier if it attaches to the main outside. I can then run a 50'-75' extension cord to the keep the generator behind the fence.

If I understand correctly, this will also give me the option to power every circuit on the breaker panel and switch off and on what I need and do not need.

I think I at least have enough ideas now that I can explain to the electrician what I want to accomplish.

Thanks for the help!

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Originally posted by holdem:
At first, I had planned on it being wired into the panel in the garage. But after this post and thinking about it, it will be much easier if it attaches to the main outside. I can then run a 50'-75' extension cord to the keep the generator behind the fence.

Just an FYI but just make sure the extension cord is sized correctly to take the length of the run into account.

quote:

Originally posted by sigcrazy7:

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Originally posted by radioman:

Solar systems go dead when the mains are gone. Seems odd, but they just collect dust during an outage.

{snip}

Kinda makes solar useless as an alternate power source.

Yup, The OP has the right idea. A generator is the right choice for emergency power. No question.

During an outage, think of all the people who could be running refrigeration, Oxygen machines or other home medical devices, communications equipment, limited cooking, charging batteries for night lighting, etc., for the part of the day when the sun is shining with those stupid solar systems.

It would be very helpful for the next "big disaster" that leaves a large area with no power for a long period of time if those panel systems would do something. But instead they are engineered to just sit there, and wait. I just about had a heart attack when I heard that.

(I'm obviously referring to grid tied systems, agreed there are notable solar systems which provide power during a blackout, but they are not common.)

quote:

Originally posted by holdem:

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:

Back to OP, did you have a chance to look at links? Do you want to run generator closer to panel or disconnect? Can you easily get wiring to basement for ten space or custom made manual transfer switch?

I have looked at most of your links. I am going to call some electricians on Monday now that I have some more education.

At first, I had planned on it being wired into the panel in the garage. But after this post and thinking about it, it will be much easier if it attaches to the main outside. I can then run a 50'-75' extension cord to the keep the generator behind the fence.

If I understand correctly, this will also give me the option to power every circuit on the breaker panel and switch off and on what I need and do not need.

I think I at least have enough ideas now that I can explain to the electrician what I want to accomplish.

Thanks for the help!

Don't forget to ask the people at www.interlockkit.com if they make one that will fit your existing disconnect. If so it's a one hour job. If not you have to replace the entire disconnect, which means permit and power company involvement (some jurisdictions).

As long as you trust the electrical contractor you meeting with he will suggest which one or two options are best.

Also check if your utility allows it or will sell you the meter socket transfer switch, though I've never seen one bigger than 30a. They are also very quick install.