Connecting generator thru service entrance

[kapthook]

I am wanting to be connect the new generator I bought to my power. I live in Florida where hurricanes are a when rather than if, and want to connect it correctly without any chance of ever backfeeding. Backfeeding is tempting because of the price and knowing I would be meticulous regarding it's connections. I understand probabilities however, and am unwilling to take that chance.

I have a 200 amp square d service entrance shutoff on the outside which is feeding a main panel on the inside. I would like to attach a manual transfer switch with a generator plug in between the service disconnect and main panel. From what I see most transfer switches are rated at less than 200 amps (such as Reliance Controls) or are very expensive and used (Square D products on ebay).

Has anyone done what i have am contemplating? What product meets my specs? Any input? Thanks in advance for your time.

 

[slow]

Does your squared D panel have provisions for a Main breaker inside?

http://www.gordonelectricsupply.com...ocess~search?gclid=CNL72-jiwsECFUkF7AodLRAAUA



Here are a couple of options depending on what panel you are running.

This is basically back feeding the panel, with an interlock to disable the Main when the generator breaker is enabled.

I plan on installing this when I replace my panel in the winter.

Ryan

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Does your squared D panel have provisions for a Main breaker inside?

http://www.gordonelectricsupply.com...ocess~search?gclid=CNL72-jiwsECFUkF7AodLRAAUA



Here are a couple of options depending on what panel you are running.

This is basically back feeding the panel, with an interlock to disable the Main when the generator breaker is enabled.

I plan on installing this when I replace my panel in the winter.

Ryan

^^^

This is the most reasonable thing to do, Install a main breaker kit in the panel, since it sounds as if you currently have a main lug panel, and then install an interlock on the panel with the generator breaker in the panel. Much cheaper than what you are proposing.

Charles

 

[pattenp]

Are you thinking whole house size or portable size generator? I did the breaker interlock with using a power inlet using a 8000 watt portable generator.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

The alternative if you are using a portable generator and are wanting to spend money rather than install a main breaker, is to have the power company install a

http://www.generlink.com/about_generlink.cfm

The meter comes out, the device goes in, and then the meter goes back in. Apply 30 amp/240v generator power and it goes to the panel, apply power company power and it switches to the POCO.

Expensive however, last I checked a couple of years ago, it was over $700 and the POCO will have to install it and probably insist on selling it to you, at a profit. Expect to spend possibly as much as a grand for this installation.

Charles

 

[Mustang51js]

Home Depot online sells interlock kits for sq-d for $40

 

[TractorJeff]

What is your plan for the generator plug?

 

[theoldwizard1]

Are you thinking whole house size or portable size generator? I did the breaker interlock with using a power inlet using a 8000 watt portable generator.

You can use a much smaller portable generator with an interlock kit IF you are willing to "manage" the load ! Turn off unnecessary appliances (electric water heater) and don't use appliance that draw a lot of power (electric stove, electric dryer, dishwasher and air conditioner)

The best idea I have seen for surviving a Florida power outage was incredibly simple and elegant. Set up one bedroom as the "emergency" room. Install a mini-split A/C in that room. The compressor load of a small mini-split is so low that it only require 120V, so the person installed a power cord on the outside unit along with an exterior weatherproof outlet. When the power went out, he simply unplugged the unit and plugged it into his 2000 watt inverter generator.

You could upscale this a bit to 3500w/240V and probably cover 2 bedroom. A few extension cords and you would have some lights, TV, small refrigerator and computer.

 

[Bmwsyc]

This is what I would do if I had a service disconnect separate from the main panel. I have an interlock kit and I worry, if for some really weird reason, that a pole on the main breaker were not to open, I could back feed the grid. With a double throw switch, there is physically no way both feeds could be connected.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171473534740