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vdotmatrix

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If it is 120VAC @ 15A, this will work

Screenshot 2026-05-06 131203.png
Yes exactly….i now think i should have a couple 115v circuits in this for lights. It wouldn't run for very long, just long enough to open and close the doors when needed in a power failure! I have this brand in my home in Northern Virginia 10-12 circuits. But yes, at the very least, i am leaning towards this solution from the start. Thx
 

theoldwizard1

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Yes exactly….i now think i should have a couple 115v circuits in this for lights. I have this brand in my home in Northern Virginia 10-12 circuits. But yes, at the very least, i am leaning towards this solution from the start. Thx
I do not like that "style" of transfer switch. You have to "guess" at which are the most important circuits. If you are wrong, it is a lot of re-wiring.

For home, or a very small shop (NOT 3 phase), use a generator interlock.
 

BurtEggley

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Clamp an amp meter on it, see what the wattage is that it needs. Then you can decide the easiest way to power it next time in an outage. Worse, if the motor ever goes bad, what then? So, short term might be a power backup for it, long term might be to replace it with one that has a motor and manual override, like a chain drive.
 

carcruse

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So the solution is to have a generator at the ready for the unplanned random outage and to assume the generator will always have fuel and will start on the 1-2 pull?
Preparing for unplanned random power outages are one of the main reasons 3.4 billion portable generators were sold in 2024.
 
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vdotmatrix

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I do not like that "style" of transfer switch. You have to "guess" at which are the most important circuits. If you are wrong, it is a lot of re-wiring.

For home, or a very small shop (NOT 3 phase), use a generator interlock.
I know I’m gonna get a 1 to 4 circuit transfer switch. I haven’t decided on exactly which one but I know this is what I’m gonna do. I’ve done this job before it’s not that hard. I just came to this forum to see if I could get any better ideas on the OP from people. I just have to power the door motor and a light. easy peasy.
 
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vdotmatrix

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Preparing for unplanned random power outages are one of the main reasons 3.4 billion portable generators were sold in 2024.
The particular rare situation that the planets will align where there would be a power failure, and I would need to open this door to get some heavy equipment out is simply so remote. but I would like to have the capability to do this if I needed to I just need a way to get the power up there and I think the transfer switch will fill the ticket.
 
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vdotmatrix

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Pretty simple to pull that one breaker, remove the wire and wire an plug on it to fit the generator.
yes, very simple. There are so many videos on doing this. I pulled an electrical permit when I installed the one at my house. Here, way out in the park brush nobody’s gonna give a ****, but I’m pretty sure this will be good.
 
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vdotmatrix

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So the solution is to have a generator at the ready for the unplanned random outage and to assume the generator will always have fuel and will start on the 1-2 pull?
haha. rest assured, I think I have two or three portable generators plus the generator on the welding cart attached to the welder not a concern. it’s not for a freezer or a refrigerator. It’s to just pull open the door thx
 
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dcg9381

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I know I’m gonna get a 1 to 4 circuit transfer switch. I haven’t decided on exactly which one but I know this is what I’m gonna do. I’ve done this job before it’s not that hard. I just came to this forum to see if I could get any better ideas on the OP from people. I just have to power the door motor and a light. easy peasy.
Why don't you just put an interlock and generator inlet on the panel? Way easier than what you're suggesting if your panel will take an interlock and has available breaker space.

1778102626406.png

Most of us have never seen a commercial door that doesn't have a release and can't be disengaged. That's why you're getting all the "WTF". But seems like someone managed to get in a pickle...
 

carcruse

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do you think there’s a risk of back feeding?
No, as there is no longer a connection to the building power source. I'm done it 3 or 4 times over the years. Only takes me about 2 minutes to connect the plug and the same time to reconnect it when power to building is restored. Portable generator sits outside with an extension run between it and the temporary plug.
 

PCustoms

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OP needs to call an electrician, or a door service.

Too bad he has no idea who installed this...
 

nadogail

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Coronado, CA
I can think of ways to power a 125 Volt door opener, if the grid is down and you have a generator but no Transfer Switch.

McGuyver would open the Service Disconnect separating the shop from the Grid. Then Backfeed the disconnected shop circuit from the generator.

Extreme Situations call for Extreme Measures. Sometimes we just have to do something, even if it’s prohibited.
 

PCustoms

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That had to be a *****! Standing still that long with both feet together would be brutal!

I couldn't do it, I'd have to move around a bit to stretch my legs. Something like lunges or stair climbing would be perfect to avoid cramps
 

Codyboy

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So the solution is to have a generator at the ready for the unplanned random outage and to assume the generator will always have fuel and will start on the 1-2 pull?
Yes. Mine is fueled ( with 25 gallons on standby) and starts on 2nd pull. Every time.
 

Codyboy

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I know the feeling. I was stuck on an escalator for two hours when the power went off at work.
I'm really hoping this is satire/sarcasm. (Or auto-correct got you)
However, your state (NY) does check out.

So one day there were some new yorkers riding in the bed of a pickup truck and it went off the bridge and into the river.
They all drown because the tailgate was stuck closed.
 

Codyboy

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But aren't you now (or used to be) a linesman? Seems like that is actively betting against the home team...

/S
Bwahahahah.
No bets when its a sure thing.
Power will go out.
But yes and it ***** when you can't even get your own power back on . Mostly due to higher priority customers. Hospitals, 911 call center, police and fire stations.
Many times during extended outages I've had to drive past my neighborhood to go get other higher priority customers back on.

A very very long time ago before a lot of records were kept and switching circuits without calling it in were not that big of a deal...sure.
Pull up the facilities mapping (on paper then) figure out what switches to open to clear a fault and what to close (after making damn sure no one else was working on what you're going to energize). Bam.
Much more scrutinized nowadays.
 
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