Am I going overboard? 30a Generator Input

[HamAndEggs]

I just had my entire electrical system overhauled, and before I fix up the walls I'm thinking of installing a 30a power inlet and interlock kit for a generator

The reason this might be crazy, is that I don't own a gasoline generator, and I've already paid for (Pending install, long wait!) a 27kw Natural Gas generator

My thinking is that at some point I'm sure I'll have a gas generator, and then at least I can still have lights if the natural gas goes out (Never has, not sure if it ever will. I'm Houston)

Good idea, or am I just taking things too far?

 

[dcg9381]

I don't think this is overkill.. I might do the same (drop in an interlock kit) where I have a whole house unit - it'd allow "partial power" scenarios. Just remember that loading is manual.

 

[a_whale]

<deleted>

 

[jeepxj]

doesnt hurt. under 100 buck insurance policy.

 

[Noltz]

I did exactly this when I was dropping power into my garage. I made a mistake though; I used 8/3 Romex instead of individual conductors. If I had used 8 gauge conductors I could have put a 50A inlet on in the future. Code prohibits 50A in Romex, but it's okay if they're loose. I didn't plan on such a big generator but a good deal showed up.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I did exactly this when I was dropping power into my garage. I made a mistake though; I used 8/3 Romex instead of individual conductors. If I had used 8 gauge conductors I could have put a 50A inlet on in the future. Code limits #8 NM-b to 40a, but it's okay if they're loose. I didn't plan on such a big generator but a good deal showed up.

fixed it for you

 

[HamAndEggs]

Thanks guys, it confirms I'm not crazy

I'm going to add it in!

 

[nadogail]

Thanks for letting me know about the limits on NM-B Cable. I ran THHN 8 Gauge to feed my welder. I might use that same circuit, if and when, I feed the house from my generator.

 

[b-boy]

My thinking is that at some point I'm sure I'll have a gas generator, and then at least I can still have lights if the natural gas goes out (Never has, not sure if it ever will. I'm Houston)

Good idea, or am I just taking things too far?

Honestly, I know several people with NG generators.

It might be a coincidence, but every one of them has told me that it failed during at least 1 power outage. Usually it's a dead battery or some error code that was flashing on the unit that no one noticed.

I think you need to be prepared, and having a backup is never a bad thing. I converted my generator to run on NG and gasoline in case one is not available.

 

[Backfeed]

Don’t quote me but I believe 30a inlet will only feed up to a 7000kw generator anything larger will need 50a just food for thought depending on what size portable generator you plan on buying.

 

[HamAndEggs]

I got my garage panel upgraded today as well as getting the interlock installed. 30a breaker in there now, but the inlet was out of stock so it goes nowhere

I might grab the 50a, seems to make sense

This panel has feed through lugs and feeds my house, and the 60a breaker goes to the garage sub panel. It will be upgraded to 125a when the breaker arrives, all out of stock

New garage sub

I'll be "upgrading" to AFCI/GFCI breakers soon

Its nice to have all this capacity and space to add more circuits!

 

[HamAndEggs]

Before...

 

[PoorUB]

27KW is over 100 amps. Why put in a 30 amp generator connection? Although 30 amps will go a fair distance to power a home unless you have electric heat.

 

[HamAndEggs]

The 27kw Generator comes off the transfer switch on the line side, before the main breaker on the panel

But, if I want to connect a gasoline generator, I can now use it with the inlet

 

[NickH]

It may be redundant, but I wouldn't call it over kill. It's a very low-cost, easy to install way to ensure you can power your place in the event of grid power AND utilities going out. I'd do it too if I was in your shoes.

 

[dcg9381]

27KW is over 100 amps. Why put in a 30 amp generator connection? Although 30 amps will go a fair distance to power a home unless you have electric heat.

I dunno, maybe your primary generator fails.. Or you decide you're looking at an extended outage and you don't want to burn 27KW worth of propane/natural gas all day...

 

[HamAndEggs]

I dunno, maybe your primary generator fails.. Or you decide you're looking at an extended outage and you don't want to burn 27KW worth of propane/natural gas all day...

Its not all or nothing, so under normal load the natural gas usage isn't too bad. And natural gas is cheaper here

The 27kw liquid cooled unit supporting 12kw uses less natural gas than the 22kw air cooled unit supporting 10kw

Its actually pretty good

 

[HamAndEggs]

Here is the finial product. Very happy with the outcome

 

[nadogail]

That is a very good looking installation.

Because my "Homebrewed" generator has a 10KW Peak rating I intend to feed my house through my welder power connection after opening the service disconnect.

Standing by for the Flame Cannons.

 

[dcg9381]

10KW Peak rating I intend to feed my house through my welder power connection after opening the service disconnect.

We call that the "suicide cable" method..

 

[quickfarms]

We call that the "suicide cable" method..

That’s OK even in California provided you have a lockout on the main breaker and the connection point next to the panel

 

[dcg9381]

That’s OK even in California provided you have a lockout on the main breaker and the connection point next to the panel

That's non-suicide. Female cable and interlock kit.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

That is a very good looking installation.

Because my "Homebrewed" generator has a 10KW Peak rating I intend to feed my house through my welder power connection after opening the service disconnect.

Standing by for the Flame Cannons.

so you will be using a suicide cord?

 

[quickfarms]

This is how we do it in California

 

[slow]

This is how we do it in California

While a suicide cord is really bad, a 4 wire to 3 wire suicide cord is even worse as your not connecting the neutral, OR connecting the neutral to the ground, both are bad ignoring the suicide cord having a hot end when connected to the generator.

 

[quickfarms]

While a suicide cord is really bad, a 4 wire to 3 wire suicide cord is even worse as your not connecting the neutral, OR connecting the neutral to the ground, both are bad ignoring the suicide cord having a hot end when connected to the generator.

Since the connection is at the service entrance the inspector and power company do not have an issue with the neutral and ground being connected since they are connected a foot away

 

[slow]

well that is better than using a regular 3 wire dryer plug, Amazed that an inspector for a CA company would allow that setup.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

This is how we do it in California

no that is how YOU do it in california but the majority of us here in california do it the right way...

 

[Steve in UT]

 

[dcg9381]

This is how we do it in California

This is why California has far too many rules..

 

[AP514]

This is how we do it in California

REALLY.........