Generator - 30amp

[Akron]

Hello, 1st time post. Great forum!

I apologize if this has been discussed before.

I have a 20amp transfer switch with 12/3 wire running to it. I want to purchase a 30amp - 5600/8600 generator. Will the 12/3 carry this load without any issues or do I need to upgrade to 10/3? Thanks

 

[nafterclifen]

12 wire = no
10 wire = yes

 

[mike93lx]

Is there a 20a breaker in the house that this connects to? If so, that will protect the wire from overload.

If so, I would run it as is, unless you need the full 30a

 

[Akron]

Thx for the reply.

Another question then, does the transfer switch need upgraded also?

Thx

 

[Akron]

The biggest draw on my trans switch is my well pump - 240-20amp. Everything else is 120v.

thx

 

[mike93lx]

The biggest draw on my trans switch is my well pump - 240-20amp. Everything else is 120v.

thx

What size breaker is between the generator and the house? Please share some pics of the setup

 

[Akron]

I have a Gentran transfer switch (20amp) between the generator & house panel box.

 

[Akron]

 

[mike93lx]

You are fine. The 20a breaker or fuse in that will stop it from drawing more than 20a. If you can run what you want, you don't have to upgrade.

What connections are on the generator? You could be buying something smaller, although you normally have to go up in size to get 240v

 

[Akron]

I had a 5000 watt hooked-up to this already. It had a 20amp 240 plug - L14-20.

I want to upgrade the generator to a 5600 watt but it has a l14-30 amp plug. That's my concern.

Just running a 240 well pump, 120-furnace, sump, freezer, refrigerator filling out the 6 circuits on the transfer switch.

Thanks for all the advice.

 

[mike93lx]

I had a 5000 watt hooked-up to this already. It had a 20amp 240 plug - L14-20.

I want to upgrade the generator to a 5600 watt but it has a l14-30 amp plug. That's my concern.

Just running a 240 well pump, 120-furnace, sump, freezer, refrigerator filling out the 6 circuits on the transfer switch.

Thanks for all the advice.

did it run fine on the smaller generator?

in the vent that you decide to upgrade at some point, what kind of main panel do you have? if it is reasonably recent and you have two spaces available, you can use an interlock kit, which would allow you to light up the entire panel and not just 6 circuits. you'll still need to manage the load, but it is very nice being able to flip on any light or plug in anywhere during an outage.

use a 30a inlet, 10/3 wire , the interlock and you are good to go.

 

[Akron]

Yes the setup ran fine. I've had the 5000 20amp generator & transfer switch for 12yrs. Just have a chance to upgrade to a better/bigger generator but I don't want to have to switch out the 12/3 or GenTran if I don't have to.