Re: Reminder: Never connect a generator to home wiring without transfer switch

[Peter Beckman <beckman () angryox com>]

On Tue, 31 Aug 2021, Forrest Christian (List Account) wrote:

> I just wish the electrical code would permit or require certain low cost
> things which make temporary generator connections more likely to be safe.
>
> For example, code requires most furnaces to be hardwired.  But a furnace is
> one of the first things you want on a generator in an extended winter power
> outage.   If instead of hardwired, the code required plug and socket
> connections at each 120v furnace  then Joe homeowner would be more likely
> to run an extension cord from his generator to his furnace instead of
> trying to rig up his generator with a suicide cord.

 Is $40-60 low cost enough for you for safe, temporary generator connections?

    - Generator Interlock Kit: $20-25 (Safety)
    - Breaker: $5 (30amp 120v) to $20 (60amp 240v) (Dedicated Power connection)
    - Generator Power Inlet Input: $15 (indoor 120v) to $50 (outdoor 240v)

    A Generator Interlock Kit is a few pieces of metal that, once
    installed on your existing electrical panel, allows one to run
    a properly-sized circuit and breaker to an outlet that you can plug your
    120v or 240v generator inverter RV output into.

    Add a Generator Power Inlet Input (indoor or outdoor) rated at 30Amp
    240v NEMA L6-30P, for example, then plug your generator into that.

    The Generator Interlock Kit physically prevents the mains from being on
    when the generator Breaker is on. This is the safety component.

    This seems affordable ($60 plus some wire and a few minutes inside your
    electrical panel) and safe.

    Add a few bucks to have your locality inspect and certify the work.

 If this is too much, why? What would be easier while also being equally as
 safe? This is work that, with a few minutes on YouTube, could do safely,
 as long as the power is disconnected at the meter outside the home during
 installation.

 PS - I suppose you could also move all of your emergency 120v stuff to one
 side of your panel and also provide only 120V to one side of your panel.
 This would also reduce costs a bit.

 Why believe me? In 2019 I read the NEC code and learned how to install a
 60amp circuit for an electric charger. I did the work myself. I had it
 inspected and certified by the county. I did so for about $100 total for
 all parts and wire.

Beckman
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Peter Beckman                                                  Internet Guy
beckman () angryox com                                 http://www.angryox.com/
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