Question:
The current issue of Consumer Reports test two transfer switch/boxes and discusses proper circuit division. Randy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ><good advice deleted> >engine. One problem I forsee is generator capacity and preventing family >members from turning on too many appliances, >The correct (but expensive) solution is to have a separate sub-panel >connected to the transfer switch. This panel will have the breakers >for critical devices, like the refridgerator, furnace blower, and >some critical lights. >The rest of the (unnecessary) stuff will be on the main panel. >Now, the only problem is to size the generator properly… >– >| University Technology Services, the Ohio State University | >| Department of Electrical Engineering, the Ohio State University | >| http://reflector.uts.ohio-state.edu/~ivy/ |
Response:
<good advice deleted> >engine. One problem I forsee is generator capacity and preventing family >members from turning on too many appliances,
The correct (but expensive) solution is to have a separate sub-panel connected to the transfer switch. This panel will have the breakers for critical devices, like the refridgerator, furnace blower, and some critical lights. The rest of the (unnecessary) stuff will be on the main panel. Now, the only problem is to size the generator properly… — | University Technology Services, the Ohio State University | | Department of Electrical Engineering, the Ohio State University | | http://reflector.uts.ohio-state.edu/~ivy/ |
Response:
Looking for some basic information on installing a power transfer switch and a power generator. This would be used in case of power failure. I don’t know much about these transfer switches. What should I look for, what’s a good brand, and where can I get one? As for generators, how should I determine just how much power I will need? At a minimum, it should have enough HP to keep the gas furnace, and our two refrigerators going. More would be better, of course. Again, what features should I look for? I know the Honda generators are good, but their prices are pretty high. Finally, I’d like some pointers on the installation itself. Though I will likely get an electrician to set things up, I’d still like to know…For example, should the transfer switch be installed near our regular switch box, which is located in the garage? For venting purpose, I’d assume that the generator should be run outside? If so, how should the wires run from outside to inside? Any info or pointer would be greatly appreciated. George
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Looking for some basic information on installing a power >transfer switch and a power generator. This would be used >in case of power failure. >I don’t know much about these transfer switches. What >should I look for, what’s a good brand, and where can I >get one? >As for generators, how should I determine just how much >power I will need? At a minimum, it should have enough >HP to keep the gas furnace, and our two refrigerators going. >More would be better, of course. Again, what features >should I look for? I know the Honda generators are good, >but their prices are pretty high. >Finally, I’d like some pointers on the installation itself. >Though I will likely get an electrician to set things up, >I’d still like to know…For example, should the transfer >switch be installed near our regular switch box, which is >located in the garage? For venting purpose, I’d assume that >the generator should be run outside? If so, how should >the wires run from outside to inside? >Any info or pointer would be greatly appreciated.
Doesn’t sound like a Do-it-yourself job to me. You need an experienced electrical contractor who has done that type of work before. The regular electrician who installed such a system in my aunt’s home had no idea what he was doing. The generator started automatically when power went off, but when the power came back on the main breakers in the breaker box blew and also the breakers on the generator. It cost them a good bit to have it reinstalled properly by an expert.
Response:
A good transfer switch has a sensing circuit on it to detect power outages. Momentary outages are usually ignored, longer term outages start the generator and switch the load from the utility to the generator. When the power returns, the switch delays transfer until time has passed and the utility power is steady. Most switchgear manufacturers make them in all sizes, usually rated in switchable amps. Automatic Transfer Switch, Square D, etc. check a search engine. One problem I forsee is generator capacity and preventing family members from turning on too many appliances, or of course, the momentary surge when your heater and appliances all start up at once while on generator. Or, you can switch it manually when power fails. — Richard I also hate spam so please discard the "stop" from my address for a personal reply. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Looking for some basic information on installing a power >transfer switch and a power generator. This would be used >in case of power failure. >I don’t know much about these transfer switches. What >should I look for, what’s a good brand, and where can I >get one? >As for generators, how should I determine just how much >power I will need? At a minimum, it should have enough >HP to keep the gas furnace, and our two refrigerators going. >More would be better, of course. Again, what features >should I look for? I know the Honda generators are good, >but their prices are pretty high. >Finally, I’d like some pointers on the installation itself. >Though I will likely get an electrician to set things up, >I’d still like to know…For example, should the transfer >switch be installed near our regular switch box, which is >located in the garage? For venting purpose, I’d assume that >the generator should be run outside? If so, how should >the wires run from outside to inside? >Any info or pointer would be greatly appreciated. >George
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