I am hooking up a standby generator and need some help with the transfer switch?
Question:I want to hook up a 15 KW automatic generator to an existing outdoor main box (200 amp service) that holds a house circuit of 60 amps (double pole) and an air conditioning circuit also 60 amps dp. The transfer switch that is shipped with the unit is indoor rated with 12 individual circuits and simply will not work for my needs. Anyone out there who can advise me? Thanks.
Answers:
You need to check with your local building codes department to ensure you are able to install the generator and transfer switch yourself legally. Transfer switches are very tricky and if not properly installed you could seriously injur or possibly kill someone. This project will require an electrical permit.
It sounds like you have a Generac or Guardian generator. Place the transfer switch indoors right next to your breaker box. If you need the A/C connected to the generator, move the circuit from the outside meter/main box into your transfer switch.
Generac power systems includes an installation DVD and good instructions for installing their prewired air cooled models. Please follow their instructions step by step. I can get you these instruction if you need them.
This is a project for a qualified or licensed electrician. If you do not understand the instructions included with your generator, then I highly recommend hiring a qualified or licensed electrician for this installation.
If this is a Generac or Guardian generator, a typical installation for their prewired air cooled models will take approximately 4 hours. However, this will vary depending on how difficult it is to get a cable from the transfer switch mounted by your breaker box to the generator. Most electricians offer free estimates.
If you need further assistance, please visit:
http://electricalblog.gilchrist-electric...
Check local regs.
Big liability if switch is not properly installed.
You will probably have to have transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician.
See if you can get a credit on the switch furnished w/ unit.
qualified contractor can make recommendation for suitable switch.
Good luck
How much work is involved to move the required circuits to an indoor panel which could be fed via the transfer switch? Under normal power the panel would receive power from the main panel, and only during backup operation would they receive generator power.
I have a few pointers on my web page, perhaps something there would give you an idea on how to put things together.
http://members.rennlist.org/warren/gener...
what you want your generator cannot provide. two 60 amp circuits still equal 120 amps times 220 volts is 26.4 kilowatts...you would need a 35 kw generator to handle this load...rule of thumb concerning generators is that if you exceed 3/4 ths of the full load it will eventually make the generator malfunction..that's why the transfer switch is not what you want ...the generator you have cannot carry this load...the reason for the switch you have is that you can only connect 13 kw load to it ...so you have to decide what you want to run when power is off and generator comes on... the air conditioner circuit alone at 60 amps is all your generator can handle...that circuit alone is 13.2 kw...if you go more than this your voltage regulator will burn up because of power surges such as when your a/c circuit would start . the amp load would be higher than the rated load for a few seconds...you can get a different transfer switch to use with this generator.but if you do and hook it up it will cause this generator to burn up under load...
just get a transfer switch that meets your needs.
Discard the original one and get one from Lowes or HD. They are about $120 and will save you a lot of grief in trying to salvage the original one.
Again I am in agreement with the Montana electrician...have a licensed professional electrician install this system for you. You can seriously injure or kill someone working on the utility lines, should it not be installed correctly. Put the liability on a professional, and not you.
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