Wiring Generator to Main Disconnect on Pole

[Smiles79]

My electric service comes from a transformer on a pole on the road, to a main disconnect on a pole on my property next to the house (picture attached). Is it possible/safe/legal to wire a generator inlet to it? If so, this may be easier than wiring it to my panel.

Also, my generator is only a 120v. I know this may be a deal breaker for this setup but I'd still like to know the answer to my question.

Thanks!

 

[jeepxj]

you can put a manual transfer switch in anywhere ya want after the meter.

I suppose you could bond both legs in on the gen input side of the switch letting you use 120v circuits. no idea how NEC feels about it

 

[wyliesdiesels]

My electric service comes from a transformer on a pole on the road, to a main disconnect on a pole on my property next to the house (picture attached). Is it possible/safe/legal to wire a generator inlet to it? If so, this may be easier than wiring it to my panel.

Also, my generator is only a 120v. I know this may be a deal breaker for this setup but I'd still like to know the answer to my question.

Thanks!

NO!

You need a transfer switch

 

[nadogail]

DEAL BREAKER

A 120 Volt Generator is not appropriate to feed anything but a 120 Volt load.

 

[Smiles79]

DEAL BREAKER

A 120 Volt Generator is not appropriate to feed anything but a 120 Volt load.

I understand this, I'm not looking for information there.

NO!

You need a transfer switch

Attached to my panel? I'm just curious if my thought is possible or not.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

No the transfer switch would be separate from your panel. You need a way to isolate the generator feed from the grid. How about posting some pictures of your panel so we can see what you have

 

[sparky 1971]

What does the pole disconnect look like? Is it a real disconnect, a main breaker enclosure, or a meter main with breaker spaces? In the first post you said there was an attached picture, but I don't see it. You can't do it without a transfer switch or interlock and hopefully, nobody on here will try to convince you otherwise.

 

[Smiles79]

No the transfer switch would be separate from your panel. You need a way to isolate the generator feed from the grid. How about posting some pictures of your panel so we can see what you have

I guess I misspoke, but I do know what a transfer switch is. I didn't post pictures of my panel because I'm not looking for information on how to hook up a generator to my panel, I know how I would do that. Just purely curious if it was possible to hook it up where I have the disconnect on the pole.

What does the pole disconnect look like? Is it a real disconnect, a main breaker enclosure, or a meter main with breaker spaces? In the first post you said there was an attached picture, but I don't see it. You can't do it without a transfer switch or interlock and hopefully, nobody on here will try to convince you otherwise.

Interesting that the pictures didn't show up, I'll attach them again in another reply.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I guess I misspoke, but I do know what a transfer switch is. I didn't post pictures of my panel because I'm not looking for information on how to hook up a generator to my panel, I know how I would do that. Just purely curious if it was possible to hook it up where I have the disconnect on the pole.

Interesting that the pictures didn't show up, I'll attach them again in another reply.

If you have a single disconnect as you described, then there is no safe legal way to hookup a generator inlet to it. you need either a transfer switch or an interlock but the interlock would only work if you can install a breaker side by side with the disconnect breaker.

since you didnt provide pictures we have no clue what you have and whether it will work....

 

[Smiles79]

If you have a single disconnect as you described, then there is no safe legal way to hookup a generator inlet to it. you need either a transfer switch or an interlock but the interlock would only work if you can install a breaker side by side with the disconnect breaker.

since you didnt provide pictures we have no clue what you have and whether it will work....

This is what I was looking for, thank you! Somehow I keep messing up the picture thing, meant to upload them from the beginning. They don't seem to be uploading properly.

I know how I can hook it up to the panel, so I'm good there. Thank you!

 

[Smiles79]

Test.

Yeah not sure why the pictures won't upload.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

This is what I was looking for, thank you! Somehow I keep messing up the picture thing, meant to upload them from the beginning. They don't seem to be uploading properly.

I know how I can hook it up to the panel, so I'm good there. Thank you!

how are you trying to upload the pics? does the insert image button not work?

 

[Smiles79]

I was using the "Attach files" button. It shows they upload but doesn't actually send them.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I was using the "Attach files" button. It shows they upload but doesn't actually send them.

which one is the attach files button? i dont see that option. try the insert image button. thats what i use. drag and drop the images into the box.

 

[jeepxj]

use the insert image at the top of the reply box.

 

[tdkkart]

Pole top disconnects used to be used around here a lot, my father has one at his place. These disconnects physically disconnect all legs from the grid, and made it legal to hook up a large generator on the farm. It wasn't automatic, and I'm sure all the local linemen were well aware of the extra hazard in farm country.

 

[Smiles79]

Here we go! Looks like the issue was file size, but it wasn't telling me that.

 

[jeepxj]

well thats a classic.

you'd need to bring the output from that top disconnect down to where the meter is, put a manual transfer switch in, then run the output/load from the manual disconnect back up to the top and send it out it's original aerial.

then some kinda input setup for the generator into the gen side of the manual transfer switch

if its a 100a then something like

ABB 100 Amp 240-Volt Non-Fused Emergency Power Transfer Switch (TC10323R) TC10323R - The Home Depot

GE Non-Fused Emergency Power Transfer Switch is great for running your outdoor backup generator. Ideal for running your backup generator.

www.homedepot.com

Reliance Controls 30 Amp Power Inlet Box PB30 - The Home Depot

The Reliance Controls 30 Amp Power Inlet Box is designed for outdoor use and can be hardwired directly to a manual transfer switch or transfer panel, eliminating the need for cords running through windows

www.homedepot.com

another option, those pricey and might not be allowed by your poco:

GenerLink 40 Amp Meter Mounted Transfer Switch MA24-N - The Home Depot

The GenerLink is a plug and play transfer switch that gives the homeowner the ability to use anything in their electrical panel up to the capacity of the generator. The GenerLink is UL listed and is a

www.homedepot.com