Opinions on Generac generators

[sammyg2]

Originally Posted by cstreit

inb4 gererator!

LOL I was reading this thread thinking, someone better mention it or you guys are slipping ..............

[MotoSook]

Yes. You simply back feed the panel. Be absolutely sure the main is OFF!

[porsche4life]

Be sure that the TV/SAT unit and any computers are surge protected before firing them up with the generator. They tend to not make the most even power...

[trekkor]

Originally Posted by Soukus

Yes. You simply back feed the panel. Be absolutely sure the main is OFF!

Copy!


KT

[trekkor]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

Be sure that the TV/SAT unit and any computers are surge protected before firing them up with the generator. They tend to not make the most even power...

Thanks for the reminder.
I think that's how I ruined my computer at Reno-Fernley running off generator power all weekend.


KT

[porsche4life]

The insane amount of dust in the air didn't do your computer any favors. I was a bit worried about mine, and its almost sealed.

[intakexhaust]

My brother had a personal tour with the pres. and had some time looking over his cars and other collection. A grand senior gentleman with a brilliant mind. I won't go into the details but even at his age this guy could probably take apart a 959 and re-assemble it. He's a hand's on guy and machinest. BTW: Depending on what price level products your'e after, overall most are decent. I'm not a fan of B&S motors but its a long time and local supplier to Generac.

[Dantilla]

Originally Posted by Soukus

Turn main off to get off grid. Get a cable made to connect the 220 to the AC plug outside. You'll then have 220 to the panel. Single phase so all your 110 circuit will be powered to. Or simply make a cable a go buy one to plug into a 110 outlet. Main must be off and all nonessential circuits. including 220 circuits. Amperage limited in case 2. Not so much in case 1.

This is illegal in most areas, as it give line guys the Heebie-jeebies that they may get a jolt if the main is not off. To be legal there must be a separate disconnect at the panel to insure there is no possibility of energizing the lines leaving the building.

I know this is done quite a bit, but you should know that your power company will throw a Tizzy fit if they learn you are doing this.

[spuggy]

Originally Posted by Dantilla

This is illegal in most areas. as it give line guys the Heebie-jeebies that they may get a jolt if the main is not off. To be legal there must be a separate disconnect at the panel to insure there is no possibility of energizing the lines leaving the building.

I know this is done quite a bit, but you should know that your power company will throw a Tizzy fit if they learn you are doing this.

Yes, you absolutely need a transfer panel to isolate the line from the generator.

Had a sparks over recently who mentioned a woman in the PNW currently facing manslaughter charges for killing a line man - after she back-fed it with her generator while he was working to splice the break.

[spuggy]

Originally Posted by trekkor

Anybody have some info on how to connect an aux wire into the electrical panel on the house and run selected circuits during an outage?


KT

Went with the "Reliance 51406C Pro/Tran Transfer Switch" for my Generac 5000. Google it.

That's a 6 circuit, individually switched (break-before-make), manual transfer switch with load meters for each leg. The box goes inside, and you install an external, weatherproofed inlet to suit on the outside of the house.

Consider startup current when calculating the load - some stuff sucks a lot of current as it starts up but takes little when running (like any big motor), and balance the house circuits/load over the two legs (2500W each).

Wire the transfer switch into the SUPPLY (house) side of the circuit breaker box (transfer switch has it's own re-settable breakers) and feed the generator into the inlet of the box. Use the 220 twist lock (L14-20) output on the generac.

[trekkor]

More good info.


KT

[cairns]

Just installed a 20KW generac. It is no louder than a lawnmower. From inside the house it's hard to tell it's actually on.

Went through two years of looking before finally coming back to Generac.