An interesting generator connection

hot_rod

I wonder if the Utilities would need to sign off on these?

Looks like this meter box is home owners by the label.

A good way to maybe keep generators outside instead of in the garage

pecmsg

Here’s a little more info on it. 

https://www.central.coop/generlink-transfer-switch

dont know if allowed everywhere yet. 

Jamie Hall

Interesting. Not a bad way to get around a normal transfer switch -- which is built into the special connector on the power cord. Which is a special connector.

And yes, if it is permitted the utility would not only have to sign off on it -- but install it as well. Note the utility's seals on the bands holding it all together.

EBEBRATT-Ed

I have herd of those and from what I understand they are legal. Somehow when you plug in the generator it disconnects the house from utility power.

Most all new CB panels have a generator interlock kit you can buy. It's just a sheet metal bracket so that the panel main breaker (utility power) and the generator breaker cannot be on at the same time.

There is also a company on the internet that has made a business out of this by making interlock kits for older panels.

Zman

With Xcel energy, you own the meter socket but the type of socket needs to meet their spec.The utility would need to sign off. Clever idea!

EBEBRATT-Ed

Almost everywhere the HO owns the meter socket, and the utility owns the meter. The utility publishes an approved list of meter sockets.

PC7060

No go for Virginia homes. Our utility provider, Dominion Power doesn’t allow anything between the meter and the box. 

JUGHNE

This looks to be a problem solver for many.

I assume that this cord, when plugged in, is connected to the entire electrical service?

If so then a lot of load would have to be turned off for even the 40 amp rated generator.

I can see some stalled/overloaded generators if instructions are not followed.

And the contacts that re-engage utility have to be rated for 200 amps.

PC7060

Been around for awhile.  From this article Dominion originally licensed the technology in 2001 from PEPCO another regional utility provider.  

https://www.power-eng.com/om/pepco-technologies-signs-agreement-with-dominion-virginia-power-to-market-portable-generators/#gref

pecmsg

You still are responsible for shutting down unnecessary circuits. Not something I’d want my wife to do. 

I’ll stick with a transfer switch and outside plug!

fentonc

This is an interesting variation of the same idea: https://connectder.com/

EBEBRATT-Ed

What I have done and what is the best fool proof way is to power a sub panel off the main panel. Call the new panel the emergency generator panel.

Power the new panel with a breaker in the main panel but the sub panel needs a main breaker as well. The generator breaker (incoming power) is in the sub panel as well. Move the circuits (that you want on the generator) from the main panel to the sub panel.

Put a manual interlock on the sub panel. When the power fails start the generator go to the sub panel and switch the main breaker off (prevents utility back feed) and turn the generator breaker on.

Its a bit of work but it covers all the bases.

Jamie Hall

"Put a manual interlock on the sub panel. When the power fails start the generator go to the sub panel and switch the main breaker off (prevents utility back feed) and turn the generator breaker on.
"
at least around here, that won't pass code. Whatever arrangement used, it must positively prevent the mains from being connected at the same time as a generator is connected to the system, and the switch involved must be break before make and sized to handle the full breaker capacity of the main breakers or fuses.

hot_rod

pecmsg said:

You still are responsible for shutting down unnecessary circuits. Not something I’d want my wife to do. 

I’ll stick with a transfer switch and outside plug!

But you wife can start the generator?

EBEBRATT-Ed

@Jamie Hall

The interlock kits which are available for all new panels (and there is a guy on the internet making them for older panels although his may not be UL listed) prevent the main breaker in a panel from being turned on when the generator breaker is on and vise versa. You can only have one of those breakers on at a time. It is a simple sheet metal bracket you mount on the panel cover. Perfectly legal and code compliant.

The panel must have a "Main Breaker" the generator breaker is sized for the generator output. You can put one in a Main panel but then you are supposed to "load shed" the circuits so you don't overload the generator. This is for portable generators. The Code cares not if you have to many circuits as it will just trip the generator breaker. This is to prevent the common occurrence of a homeowner back feeding his generator into a dryer or stove outlet which they all do anyhow.

See the attached

ratio

My brother's house, next door to mine, is on a separate primary. I've got enough extension cords to plug one house in to the other...

pecmsg

hot_rod said:

pecmsg said:

You still are responsible for shutting down unnecessary circuits. Not something I’d want my wife to do. 

I’ll stick with a transfer switch and outside plug!

But you wife can start the generator?

Electric start!

DJD775

pecmsg said:

hot_rod said:

pecmsg said:

You still are responsible for shutting down unnecessary circuits. Not something I’d want my wife to do. 

I’ll stick with a transfer switch and outside plug!

But you wife can start the generator?

Electric start!

I'm lucky that my wife can pull start our generator. I refuse to add a battery to it since it is rarely used and it typically starts in 2 pulls or less. There is zero chance my wife could get the generator setup if the power went out but she is capable of disconnecting the load and restarting when needed.

ChrisJ

hot_rod said:

You still are responsible for shutting down unnecessary circuits. Not something I’d want my wife to do. 

I’ll stick with a transfer switch and outside plug!

But you wife can start the generator?

My wife can pull it out of the crawl space, plug it in connect the gas hose and start it 

She can also flip the interlock and turn the main off and generator on.

My 8500 Watt generator has no issues powering the entire house minus the central air.   It'll do that too with a little care.

I have no problems with my wife handling this when I'm not home.  She's more than capable.

EBEBRATT-Ed

@ratio

My brother-in-law was a builder. Back in the 80s I wired a few houses for him. He didn't have a generator. So, we would waste out a 250' coil of Romex and run it to the nearest house. If it was the first house on the street, he would get one of the neighbors to let us get power from them. He would just pay their electric bill for the month. No battery tools back then. If you got there on the wrong day between me, the plumber, the duct guy and the sheet rocker and the roofer it might become an issue.