Transfer switch and generator

[ndivita]

The wife and I have a place in Emerald Isle, NC. We escaped Hurricane Irene with no flooding and minimal wind damage. Lady Luck or the Good Lord one, took mercy. But the power went out, which means the two sump pumps we installed that move water from Point A to Point B on our property were unable to do so for a while during the storm. I am considering a propane-fueled generator with automatic transfer switch but I know almost nothing about what the do's and dont's are of such a set up. Any ideas or recommendations would be welcome. There is no natural gas supply on the island and there is limited space for a generator. Thanks folks....

 

[Fred W]

The automatic transfer switch & generator setups of which you speak are NOT INEXPENSIVE. If you are going to go this route you will want to just have a professional do the entire installation. You'll also need some sort of large propane tank on your property because when the power goes out you want that genny to run (untended) until it comes back on, which could be multiple days. Otherwise having the thing at all is pretty worthless.

 

[ionbeam]

...you will want to just have a professional do the entire installation...

+1 to what Fred said. Most places have building and electrical codes about generator installations and a lot of places require permits which a professional will deal with. You may not be able to sell your home with the generator or may void home owners insurance if there is no inspection. Most installations require a poured pad. Plus, a safe and proper install is likely to be beyond someone that isn't very familiar with generators and home load centers.

Then there are the little things that you never think about. My brother had a propane generator installed at his house a couple of years ago. The first storm rolled in and he anxiously awaited his generator to automatically turn on. Then, in one quick turn of events a lightning bolt hit his generator! Well, actually a tree in his yard that was nearby and the subsequent ground travel of the bolt hit his generator. He immediately got payback for the professional install when the bolt did NOT take out his home or his home's electrical system and the propane tank did not go BOOM. It totally fried his system and required a total generator replacement as well as most associated wiring and switches which insurance and warranties paid for because it was professionally installed.

 

[Aasland]

If the purpose is just to run the sump pumps, have you considered backup batteries?

While I understand that the equation consists of how much water, for how long the expected outages last, how fast your pumps pump, etc. but I thought I would throw this out there because I am guessing that is a much cheaper solution. In our area these are pretty common insurance against heavy rainstorms that take out the power for a few hours.

 

[BwanaDik]

I looked into something similar because of the hurricanes down here. Figure on about $8-10,000 for the generator and installation, possibly more. I think that was a 10kW generator so I could start my A/C. One just big enough for a couple of sump pumps (3-5kW?) would not be much less. And yes, definitely have a pro do it.

 

[garauld]

I have a 10hp generator that I manually plug in to a 50A wall receptacle when needed. Runs everything but my welder. I just flip the main breaker off before I start it up.

 

[Fred W]

I have a similar setup as Gary, but with one important difference.

I've got a simple 6500 watt, pull-start generator that I keep outside in the shed. Whenever we lose power I have to run a cord from the shed to an inlet box permanently installed on the back of the house, and that is hard wired to a manually operated transfer switch. The transfer switch controls the power to a sub panel. The sub-panel can gets fed from the generator OR the main panel, but never both.

I have the sub-panel wired with all of the important stuff for emergency events: well pump, oil fired boiler, kitchen refrigerator, lights and a few outlets. So we have heat in the winter, hot water (showers), and can keep and prepare food.

The transfer switch is the important difference. It makes it impossible for you to mistakenly run power from your genny back out through the house main. The guys working on repairing the downed lines don't like it very much when they are surprised that way. All it takes is forgetting to switch off the Main breaker one time and you could kill someone. And if they catch you, your ass is grass.

 

[garauld]

I totally agree with Fred - a transfer switch is important and should be used - I just don't happen to have one.

 

[weekend rider]

I believe the correct person is an electrcian and proper sizing of wires, breakers, switch and of course following all local and national electric codes will ensure a safe install for the customer and his/her safety

 

[Papa Georgio]

Some of you people that install gen sets for a living are a one stop shop. They tend to be owned by a Master Electrician, who would also carry a gas license or sub-contract that part to someone he works with alot.

Yes a permit is required for all Electric and gas work.

If your home is not to large a 10kw would operate the whole home. The generator would be set up by the installer to start up exercise weekly and transfer in the event of a power failure. Then you will feel better knowing your pumps will pump and your food won't spoil if you go away.

Good luck

Papa Georgio (NH Master Electrician)