Hooking up subpanel and backup generator (detached garage) wiring question

[Stevenanto]

Hi everyone,

Been looking on the forum for a awhile as I’m looking to build my garage this summer, I’ve got quite a few questions and want to do it right the first time. I know that this community is very helpful. Please excuse me if I have such no questions.

I already have a 100 amp subpanel right beside my main, there are plenty of spots still available for more.

I would still like to install a subpanel in my detached garage. The reason being is mainly because we are looking to buy an ev in the future, and I read that aside from a dedicated charger I should have another 240 plug there, then I have to setup lights and plugs and heaters in the garage so it’ll be easy to just run one wire. The run will be above ground 50-60 feet and then in ground 20 feet. What kind of wire should I use and how should I protect it? PVC?

Now here is a complicated part, I have a generator that we use when we lose power. I’m fed up of cracking open a window in the middle of winter and running extension cords all over the house. I know that I can setup my generator to my main panel to power up certain plugs. The generator will stay in the garage for storage and outside the garage for usage. How would I go about wiring this from my subpanel in my detached garage? Is it even possible?

Thank you in advance.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

There was a thread on here about a month ago where the OP wanted to do the same thing.

Its not feasable to hookup the generator to the subpanel because the transfer switch or interlock needs to be at the main service panel.

If you want the generator hooked up near the garage you would have to run a separate feed back to the main panel.

 

[Stevenanto]

Thank you, I will try to look for that thread

 

[Stevenanto]

There was a thread on here about a month ago where the OP wanted to do the same thing.

Its not feasable to hookup the generator to the subpanel because the transfer switch or interlock needs to be at the main service panel.

If you want the generator hooked up near the garage you would have to run a separate feed back to the main panel.

Can’t seem to find the thread lol

Do you remember anything in the title?

 

[exranger06]

Basically you just need to run 4 wires from the main panel to the garage to power the subpanel. Then you need to run an additional 4 wires to go from the generator inlet to the main panel. The generator inlet must connect directly to the main panel, not a subpanel.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I think this is the previous discussion. https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=374768