Portable Generator Question

[Hot shot]

Can you wire 2 portable generators to feed 1 line
Current setup is back feeding through 30amp plug to sub-panel in shed to main panel in house. Wire size from main to sub is 6 gauge 4 wire flat copper rated for underground, which it is but in conduit. Some type of inlet box to accommodate the 2 wires from each generator, then 1 wire to breaker in sub. Obviously would have to change Breaker size in sub and wire size to that breaker
Pic of generator I have
Someone has one for sale identical to the one I have
That would put me at 10,500 running watts
Biggest load in house is the heat pump. It’s only 2 years old
Ac part runs off a 35amp double pole
Heating part has a 60amp double pole. I would think 60 amps would only come into play when the heat strip kicks in. I would only run that by itself
But that’s just my assumption because I’m not an electrician A plug and play would be nice
Other question is why does the sticker on my generator say the max amp range is 43.8 when the plug says 30amp
Thanks for any info!


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[theoldwizard1]

Some (typically inverter generators) can run in parallel. One "sense" the others frequency and locks on.

That IS NOT AN INVERTER GENERATOR, so the answer is NO !

As for running 2 generator to make 240V, that won't work either. Their outputs are not synchronized.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

How are you isolating the service entrance that connects to the PoCo transformer?

 

[Muzzy]

Other question is why does the sticker on my generator say the max amp range is 43.8 when the plug says 30amp

Based on the nameplate shown your generator is capable of 21.9 A at 240 VAC, so the 30 A outlet is appropriate. The 43.8 A is at 120 VAC.

P = I*V so the 5250 Running Watts = 43.75 A at 120 VAC or 21.875 at 240 VAC.

 

[Hot shot]

How are you isolating the service entrance that connects to the PoCo transformer?

Cutting main breaker off


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[Hot shot]

Based on the nameplate shown your generator is capable of 21.9 A at 240 VAC, so the 30 A outlet is appropriate. The 43.8 A is at 120 VAC.



P = I*V so the 5250 Running Watts = 43.75 A at 120 VAC or 21.875 at 240 VAC.

That makes sense now


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[AngryBeaver]

you cannot parallel feed two generators without very expensive gear. the synch scope alone costs more than both generators combined.

the parallel Inverter machines are setup to provide one leg per machine, so one machine runs one 120v circuit to the outlet and the other machine runs the other 120 line to the other effectively giving you twice the "power" than one machine will provide. they are not technically paralleled.

Long story short, get a larger machine...

 

[Hot shot]

Oh well it was a good thought
Thanks for the info guys it was very helpful

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Cutting main breaker off


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Thats not acceptable and could kill someone.

If a lineman sees you have power and no transfer switch, they may cut your drop as well.

You need to get a transfer switch or interlock and do it right.

This means you will need to plug the generator in on the main panel.

Can you take a picture of the subpanel with the cover off

 

[Hot shot]

Thats not acceptable and could kill someone.



If a lineman sees you have power and no transfer switch, they may cut your drop as well.



You need to get a transfer switch or interlock and do it right.



This means you will need to plug the generator in on the main panel.



Can you take a picture of the subpanel with the cover off

The main panel in house has a 60 amp double pole feeding the shed
I probably should put some type of lockout on the main
The only reason I haven’t is it’s just me and my wife and my 25 year old son that lives here
My wife won’t touch anything in the panel
My son knows the deal
He’s actually in an apprenticeship to become an electrician
Probably not setting a good example with no lockout
or transfer switch
Is a transfer switch a smaller panel with breakers you would want to feed during an outage
My thinking was as long as the main breaker doesn’t fail allowing current to back feed to transformer I’m ok
Yal guys are the pros here and I respect and listen to what is the safest way


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[wyliesdiesels]

Since you need power in the shed when the PoCo is on, you woulsnt be able to use an interlock on the shed breaker.

Instead you would need a transfer switch between the service entrance and main panel.

Or run separate wires from the shed to the main panel and put in a dedicated breaker for the generator that can be interlocked with the main.