Automatic Transfer Switch / Generators

[themiller]

I have been thinking about getting a whole house automatic installed, as I never want to have the experience of a flooded basement again. I have 1" NG line where I want it, and the panel is not too far away.

I currently run 2 x EU2000i's with the connector cable and along with my little army of extension cords do a bang up job of everything except for the well - if I'm home.

I'd really like a small footprint automatic system 7 or 8kw - just enough for the 2 x sump pumps, my well pump (3/4hp), itty bitty furnace blower, modern basic fridge, and 5 exterior lights (all 13w CFL). No AC, no interior circuits, lights, nada, zip zilch.

Recommendations? I like the footprint of the 7kw Generac - but have been told it's about to be refreshed with a newer, better engineered system. Anyone have experience with the Briggs or Kohler systems?

Thanks.

 

[nehog]

First recommendation is to either post in the Electrical forum, or as a moderator to move this thread there.

Second recommendation is that a fully automatic system without load shedding can be expensive: the system must be designed to handle the building's load, if automatic you can't undersize the generator or the transfer switch.

There are many threads already in Electrical that answer the relevant questions. Just search and you will find them.

 

[bdamico]

lots of threads on this

 

[themiller]

Doh! Just remembered we had electrical forum. Sorry all.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Second recommendation is that a fully automatic system without (I think he meant to WITH) load shedding can be expensive: the system must be designed to handle the building's load, if automatic you can't undersize the generator or the transfer switch.

True. "Load shedding" turns off high current items when there is not enpugh power for everything. Typically, A/C, electric water heater, electric stove, electric dryer, possibly even well pump (but not sump pump).

You had better being sitting down and in your "calm place" when you read the quote.

 

[thammel]

I installed an 8kw Winco with automatic transfer switch. I did everything but the propane hookup that cost me $250. We already had the buried propane tank. The gen and switch cost me $3100. The system works great. It's an ASCO switch that switches power to a subpanel. This is enough for my well pump, refrigerators and freezer, etc. Very happy with the result and the system.

Tom

 

[CNGsaves]

I installed an 8kw Winco with automatic transfer switch. I did everything but the propane hookup that cost me $250. We already had the buried propane tank. The gen and switch cost me $3100. The system works great. It's an ASCO switch that switches power to a subpanel. This is enough for my well pump, refrigerators and freezer, etc. Very happy with the result and the system. Tom

Pics of your Winco setup?? This inside an enclosure??

Is it tri-fuel that it will run on LPG, NG or regular gasoline??

 

[thammel]

The pics should help. It comes with an enclosure. This is natural gas or propane capable. The portable Winco version is tri-fuel.




Tom

 

[Torque1st]

If it is just the sump pump and basement flooding you are worried about, they make water powered sump pumps also. There are threads here on that subject also.

 

[theoldwizard1]

If it is just the sump pump and basement flooding you are worried about, they make water powered sump pumps also. There are threads here on that subject also.

Those only work if you have "city" water.

 

[Torque1st]

I figured people from Chicago might have city water.

 

[nehog]

Second recommendation is that a fully automatic system without (I think he meant to WITH) load shedding can be expensive: the system must be designed to handle the building's load, if automatic you can't undersize the generator or the transfer switch.

True. "Load shedding" turns off high current items when there is not enpugh power for everything. Typically, A/C, electric water heater, electric stove, electric dryer, possibly even well pump (but not sump pump).

You had better being sitting down and in your "calm place" when you read the quote.

No, I did mean without. Without means your backup system must be sized to a much larger load. So bigger generator set, for example. If your house has a 200 amp feed, then your generator must be able to supply that power if it is automatic start and change over.

 

[rockwithjason]

you can move the loads to a sub panel and then size the unit to the sub. that will reduce the size and cost of the set up but you will have to install the sub.

 

[nehog]

you can move the loads to a sub panel and then size the unit to the sub. that will reduce the size and cost of the set up but you will have to install the sub.

Yep, manual pre-wired load shedding! Works well too, as long as one understands which panel is which and which is connected to the generator set!