Can all generators be wired to Transfer switches? (some plug load only?)

[R-mm]

Hey all

My dad gave me a nice Reliance xfer switch as seen here: https://www.northerntool.com/shop/t...MIo4itm7v93wIVhI3ICh1RCA_SEAQYBSABEgIMmfD_BwE

A small inverter gen (1st pic) would do everything I need, but these units almost always have standard 120v female receptacles as opposed to the 240v NEMA twist-lock receptacles seen on larger units (2nd pic)

I can make a custom cord but my instinct is that with only one "hot" the smaller generator won't power the two hot panel?

Thanks

 

[R-mm]

Writing this post helped clarify the question in my mind... the issue is wiring 120 > 240. Since I already have a free and installed 240v xfer panel, I believe my options are to make a 120v > Twist lock cable and either:

1. Jump the incoming single hot to both hots in the xfer switch box
2. Accept only 3 of 6 xfer switch circuits powered.

Since this is a pure emergency pipes-not-freeze install for me the later is fine but presuming the former is safe it is tempting.

No I will not exceed the capacity of the 2000watt unit, its mostly LED lighting with the only 'real' loads a small furnace and refrigerator. No 240 loads, no well pump etc. Small condo.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

That is correct. You also wasnt to make sure your generator is big enough to carry the entire load you're wiring into the transfer switch, unless you plan on load monitoring somehow.

Tommy

 

[R-mm]

Yup I have a clamp meter and the xfer has load monitors on it. I have a pretty good idea what my condo pulls

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Your refrigerator alone may pull down a 2k genny.

Tommy

 

[R-mm]

Fridge is rated 4.5 amps 120v - am I missing something?

 

[LS6 Tommy]

OK, that's a pretty small load, but just FYI, you need to consider inrush current for startup. Motors are not steady state loads like heaters or lights.

Tommy

 

[7635tools]

I always get a kick out guys who want to hack stuff in cause they’re cheap. Get the right generator and install it correctly.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[R-mm]

The right generator is one that is easily stored, reliable, quiet and right sized. I'd sooner buy a 120v xfer switch than a big loud oversized generator to keep my pipes from freezing maybe once every two years.

 

[goodwrench]

small 2000 watt inverter generators are a perfect choice if the loads are small. if all you need is a fridge and some lights and electronics. they are way more efficient. as to connecting to the panel, make a cord with a plug to plug into the generator. then the other end put a plug that matches you panel inlet, and jumper the 2 hot terminals together. mark the cord with a big tag that says it is jumped together. but your loads will be limited with only 1800 watts these generators are rated at. not sure what kind of heat you intend to power.

 

[R-mm]

I was just shopping for the parts to do this when I came across this, which is not only convenient but tells me that others are after the same thing I am:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/AC-WORK...g-L14-30R-2-Hots-Bridged-AD515L1430/303075096

The heat would be a small Rheem natural gas furnace rated at 6.8amps max

 

[oledude1952]

Looks like the OP has solved their issue, so I'll just add a thought. Whenever I read a post where one is living in a condo, I think of two questions...

One... Is the condo rented or owned by the OP ?

Two...Will there be a outside space available large enough to run their genset outside their condo, to be sure no one gets CO poisoning from its exhaust fumes ?