Different way to run electric for generator power

[vlpronj]

First off, I don't want to set up a suicide cord. I truly want to make this a safe set-up, but I'm looking for an inexpensive way to have it done by a licensed electrician, for resale purposes, but I'm not sure any would do it.

I only have two main things I want to run during a power outage; my well pump and my sump pump. I don't need a whole house generator, I'd rather have something portable and easily replaceable.

I have two 4400w peak portable generators, gas/lp powered. I want to put a power inlet on the outside, something with the basic same function as these below:

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61FsaFCqpML._AC_SL1500_.jpg

or

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71ap7TYFyBL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

I want whatever it is, to be mounted properly, running to conduit on the inside (in my 5' high crawlspace), with an outlet box near the sump pump and the well pump (which would need to be switched to a plug instead of the existing hardwiring).

If all that seems reasonable, I'd like a couple extra outlets run, just about straight up, into our master bedroom and kitchen - just to make life a little bit easier. Minimal loads would be put on these; phone charger, maybe our cable modem and wifi.

I'd run a normal extension cord from the generator to the power inlet, and plug loads into the outlets normally, in my crawlspace.

I'm certainly no electrician, but I'm hoping this could be done affordable, and it would keep things pretty simple. It would be about as simple as a manual interlock/cutout, and I don't see a chance of backfeeding power.

Anybody want to point out the flaws? I'd like it to both function properly, and look decent.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ericm]

Seems like a proper transfer switch would be less work to install and would work better as well.

 

[Noltz]

What kind of plugs do your generators have? Just 120v?

 

[vlpronj]

Both generators support 240v, also. If the cost wouldn't increase much, I'd consider an inlet for that, as well, but I didn't think I'd need it if I'm not feeding the whole panel.

Here's one of them https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/dkcAAOSwKdVfRYmv/s-l1600.jpg

 

[slow]

reliance sells somethign that is close to what your looking for, but uses a 240 inlet.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Reliance...able-Generator-Through-The-Wall-Kit/987368010

I second a regular generator transfer switch could do what your asking easily, be more "conventional" for resale.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

What you want to do is more complicated and costly than an inlet and interlock in the panel with the circuits needing gen power.

Or you could do a branch circuit manual transfer switch like one listed in the below link. less work than running new circuits to certain rooms.

http://reliancecontrols.com/indoor-pro-tran-2.aspx

reliance sells something that is close to what youre looking for, but uses a 240 inlet.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Reliance...able-Generator-Through-The-Wall-Kit/987368010

I second a regular generator transfer switch could do what your asking easily, be more "conventional" for resale.

the walmart link doesnt work

 

[Davegvg]

take a look at a generlink.

Mounts right on the meter box behind the meter.
Electrician simply plugs it in and you run one cable to it.

Pretty clever.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

take a look at a generlink.

Mounts right on the meter box behind the meter.
Electrician simply plugs it in and you run one cable to it.

Pretty clever.

Need to check with PoCo first. Not all PoCos allow those meter generator intertie adapters...

 

[slow]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Relianc...erator-Through-the-Wall-Kit-WKPBN30/307438017 Tested link for the same Reliance product.

 

[510ebl]

Reliance 510C connected to a 30a inlet. 10 circuit capable, and upgradable to 50a if you or a future owner wants to upgrade.

I did this and found that 9 circuits are all I needed. No 240v circuits in my application.

I regret somewhat not installing a 50a inlet with appropriate feed wire and buying a dog bone adapter to suit my existing generator.

 

[theoldwizard1]

What you want to do is more complicated and costly than an inlet and interlock in the panel with the circuits needing gen power.

Or you could do a branch circuit manual transfer switch ...

Option one all the way !

Lowest installation cost. Most flexible as far as what appliance/equipment you can run.

 

[AP514]

take a look at a generlink.

Mounts right on the meter box behind the meter.
Electrician simply plugs it in and you run one cable to it.

Pretty clever.

Have you looked at the Prices they want for that hookup

Go with a Reliance Controls set up. Just remember they are still back logged with orders..took 6+ weeks for my order to be made.
I used these guys to purchase mine....
http://www.steadypower.com/categories.php?category=Transfer-Switches/Manual

 

[theoldwizard1]

Go with a Reliance Controls set up.

I disagree. The Reliance Controls set up limits you to (typically) 6 circuits or 1 240V circuit and 4 120V circuits. If is also a bit tedious to install.

A generator interlock does not limit the circuits that are "covered" by the generator and is much cheaper to install. Your only limit is home many appliances you have running at the same time and the size of your generator.

 

[vlpronj]

reliance sells somethign that is close to what your looking for, but uses a 240 inlet.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Reliance...able-Generator-Through-The-Wall-Kit/987368010

This is something within my skill set. For $90, I can get my immediate concern resolved. I appreciate all the responses, but I just don't see the need for a full on transfer switch right now. This will keep the genset completely separate from the panel; I'm good with that. I only really need two circuits powered.

 

[510ebl]

Just to confirm... both the sump and well pumps are on single, 120v breakers?

The thru-wall device has no circuit protection, so unless I am missing something it would be possible to overload any single plug to the limit of the generator’s circuit protection.

 

[vlpronj]

Just to confirm... both the sump and well pumps are on single, 120v breakers?

The well pump is "hard-wired" to it's own 120v breaker. The sump pump is plugged into a power strip, on a breaker for all the basement outlets (shared with a couple dehumidifiers, and a camera).

 

[Davegvg]

Have you looked at the Prices they want for that hookup

Go with a Reliance Controls set up. Just remember they are still back logged with orders..took 6+ weeks for my order to be made.
I used these guys to purchase mine....
http://www.steadypower.com/categories.php?category=Transfer-Switches/Manual

mmm not so sure its apples and apples unless your transfer switch has an equal number of circuits and capacity, add that up, then installation, and its going to be a whole lot closer if not cheaper to put in the the generlink.

You are going to have to make permanent decision of which circuits you are bringing over to a reliance switch with a 10 circuit panel. Which is what 450.00 before install?

If you need any 220Volt circuits (like a well pump) you'll eat up 2.

You could install that generlink in 5 minutes and be powering your house in 10.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

mmm not so sure its apples and apples unless your transfer switch has an equal number of circuits and capacity, add that up, then installation, and its going to be a whole lot closer if not cheaper to put in the the generlink.

You are going to have to make permanent decision of which circuits you are bringing over to a reliance switch with a 10 circuit panel. Which is what 450.00 before install?

If you need any 220Volt circuits (like a well pump) you'll eat up 2.

You could install that generlink in 5 minutes and be powering your house in 10.

The PoCo would be the one installing it not the customer and many PoCos do not allow those including mine.

Op should check with their PoCo first to make sure they would even allow the device.

 

[Muttly]

You are in Jersey, why wouldn't you want your heat source in the mix?

 

[Davegvg]

The PoCo would be the one installing it not the customer and many PoCos do not allow those including mine.

Op should check with their PoCo first to make sure they would even allow the device.

Powerco could install in 5 min if they allow - like you said prior.

OP's not buying it regardless, but comparing it to a reliance switch isn't a like comparison.

 

[sky jumper]

+1 on the interlock method if you have 2 spare slots to add the required double pole breaker. use this to get the 240v through the wall https://www.homedepot.com/p/Reliance-Controls-30-Amp-Power-Inlet-Box-PB30/202213702
then you can run whatever you want within reason.
all the other goofy stuff you're talking about will probably hurt resale not help.

 

[vlpronj]

You are in Jersey, why wouldn't you want your heat source in the mix?

My standard HVAC, while gas powered, relies heavily on a two zone fan that's a big waste. I have a gas fireplace insert in the front of the house, and a wood insert in the back, that can keep the place at comfortable temps. I was at a different home after Superstorm Sandy for 13 days without power, I've tried to prioritize for simplicity whenever I can. If I switch to a gas water heater, that'll be a comfort issue resolved as well. I lived out of coolers and a large chest freezer; I'm not one to worry about the fridge, microwave, etc.

 

[510ebl]

Simplicity is good, redundancy can be better. If you are going to go with the “pass through to six receptacles” method, you should be aware of a means of connecting your gas furnace via extension cord.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Reliance-Controls-Furnace-Transfer-Switch-TF151/202216476

 

[nadogail]

Back in the day this problem could be easily handled with a triple pole, double throw knife switch.

I doubt that such an installation would be allowed in the US at the present time.

 

[Davegvg]

Back in the day this problem could be easily handled with a triple pole, double throw knife switch.

I doubt that such an installation would be allowed in the US at the present time.

Agreed.

Back in the day an average joe would mack up a double ended cord, pull the main and backfeed through the 240V dryer plug.

Now you cant trust an average joe not to screw that up.

 

[78SC4X4]

Agreed.

Back in the day an average joe would mack up a double ended cord, pull the main and backfeed through the 240V dryer plug.

Now you cant trust an average joe not to screw that up.

Guess I'm still an old time average joe. However, It's a table saw receptacle, not the dryer............

 

[Noltz]

Simplicity is good, redundancy can be better. If you are going to go with the “pass through to six receptacles” method, you should be aware of a means of connecting your gas furnace via extension cord.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Reliance-Controls-Furnace-Transfer-Switch-TF151/202216476

Related question; Does code require the furnace be hardwired? I've seen multiple videos of people putting a standard duplex plug on the end of their furnace branch circuit, and plugging in the furnace, to allow for running on a generator. If you used the appropriate cord (and not the Romex I typically see) would that be legal?

 

[TractorJeff]

Related question; Does code require the furnace be hardwired? I've seen multiple videos of people putting a standard duplex plug on the end of their furnace branch circuit, and plugging in the furnace, to allow for running on a generator. If you used the appropriate cord (and not the Romex I typically see) would that be legal?

I think there was a lengthy Thread/Discussion on the Furnace Plug issue last month?

 

[slow]

If I had a furnace and didn't have a whole home transfer setup, I would install a single point of use transfer switch, designed just for this purpose. Something like this http://www.reliancecontrols.com/ProductDetail.aspx?TF151W Which has Line, OFF, and GEN switch options.

 

[Davegvg]

Guess I'm still an old time average joe. However, It's a table saw receptacle, not the dryer............

I hesitate even bringing it as some Dudley do right always tells me Im going to kill some one and that I should never suggest, or even bring up that this is possible.

Used to be the average guy knew how to pull the main breaker, I guess we're few and far between. It takes about 6 months to get anyone qualified to come do it here and you could get caught even with the best intentions.

That said I have a whole house back up at my main place and an isolation Xfer at my rental so I did do it right, but if caught in a lurch can still keep a house powered with common sense.