Generator connection sequence help

[Kristi2k]

Hi, I have a portable generator (it's large enough to power the entire house) and had an electrician install a 30amp generator connection to the outside of my home. From there the lines rights to an existing mechanical transfer switch. Position down is for the power company and position up is for the generator.

I want to make sure that the order of connection here is correct:

Power Is Out

• Plug the cord into generator and then to house
• Power on the generator, let it warm up
• Set the Transfer Switch to generator
• Turn Transfer Switch to Generator

Power Is Back

• Turn Transfer Switch to Power Co
• Disconnect the generator cable
• Power down generator

 

[Greenman]

Looks ok to me. I'd also guess there are instructions that come with the generator and transfer switch that cover this.

 

[deadlyapp]

Seems fine to me. Only added steps I'd put in would be to shut off breakers within the main panel first. I also hope you have a 30 amp breaker before the generator outlet.

 

[bbhaag]

Can't say I see any fault either but like Greenman mentioned it's probably a good idea to give the manuals a good once over just to make sure.
Oh and don't keep fuel in the tank.
You didn't mention this but from my own experience petrol goes bad after sitting awhile and gennys are usually used so infrequently that keeping the tank and carb petrol free is a good idea other wise they get gummed up especially the carb. I've got a NorthStar that I dump a little petrol in a couple times a year and turn over then let it run for about 30mins under load then I use the cut off and let the genny die then I drain the tank of any remaining petrol.

Anyway, just some advice from a longtime genny owner.

 

[Micrornd]

A couple things you haven't made clear.
You mention that the generator is large enough to run the whole house, but in most homes 30A run the whole house.
If your generator is larger than 30A output, then you need a larger amperage plug and cordset.
I'm sure your electrician told you but, the receptacle on the house and the cordset must be rated as high or higher than the breaker on the portable generator to be safe.
If your generator is only 30A, you should decide what needs to run and turn off breakers to everything else before transferring to the generator.
Remember to factor in the starting/constant load of appliances. If you don't, you may trip the breaker on the generator immediately when you transfer to it.
Refrigerators, freezers, AC units all have higher starting loads than running loads.
While portable generators can handle some surge loads, they really don't handle them that well (such as more than one at once) so you need to take that into consideration to prevent nuisance tripping of the generator's breaker.
Also when you return to normal power, allow the generator to run unloaded for about 3-5 min so it can fully cool down properly, it will increase it's lifespan.
If you are aware of all that, then, sorry for rehashing.

 

[Kristi2k]

Seems fine to me. Only added steps I'd put in would be to shut off breakers within the main panel first. I also hope you have a 30 amp breaker before the generator outlet.

From the transfer switch it goes into the panel, there's a whole house surge protector, not sure the amperage on it though but it's the same line that goes into the main panel from the power co.

It's a 5000watt generator (6500 starting). I turned everything on which is more than what we would actually use (we don't use a lot of power) and the generator was under 50% load. When power is out, we would only use power for key items anyway. I appreciate the info so far. As far as gas, it's more costly, but for the generator and chainsaw, mower, etc I use ethanol free gas.

I'm reading through the manual but I don't really see the process for what I'm looking for. The manual transfer switch came with the house.

https://www.briggsandstratton.com/n...listing.downloadmanual.80024492_A_LO.pdf.html

 

[Sukhoi]

Is the transfer switch made for flipping it while it's fully loaded?

 

[Kristi2k]

I have no idea. The electrician did not seem to be bothered by it. Is there a way to find out? It looks just like this one: https://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-200-...ency-Power-Transfer-Switch-TC10324R/100150463

 

[Kristi2k]

Bump

 

[Sukhoi]

I have no clue. Was hoping someone more familiar would reply. Could ask an electrician, or just play it safe and turn off the breakers for all your circuits whenever changing from generator/utility service and vice versa. Should be doing it anyway when switching to the generator.

 

[Kristi2k]

I asked the electrician- he said to just swtich over to the power co and not worry about the breakers.

This is my updated list:
Power Is Out

• Plug the cord into generator and then to house
• Power on the generator, let it warm up
• Set the Transfer Switch to generator

Power Is Back

• Set the Transfer Switch to Power Co
• Disconnect the generator cable
• Let generator cool down for 3-5 minutes
• Power down generator

 

[Sukhoi]

You're almost certainly going to want to shut off all your breakers prior to connecting the generator, then turn on only the couple you need after the transfer switch has been set to generator. You don't want to just dump all the load on the generator in a millisecond.

 

[Kristi2k]

If I had tons of stuff going like most people do, I can understand that. We'd only have a fridge and freezer going with a few LED lights.

 

[Sukhoi]

But it'd all be turned on prior to the power going out, and all try to turn on the instant the switch is flipped to the generator.

 

[Red Squirrel]

I would turn main breaker off before transferring power, just to be safe. May also be worth turning off breakers for things like fridge and other inductive loads as they will want to all start at same time. Wait a few minutes to turn those things back on one at a time.

I would also make sure that your 30 amp outlet is actually fused for 30 amps in case the generator can output more.

 

[gururu2]

I have a similar setup. My sequence on power-out is:

• Turn on generator (propane)
• Flip only the necessary transfer switches to generator

When power resumes (I have reversed this order on occasion, but it should be in the same sequence above in reverse):

• Flip back any switches to utility company
• Turn off generator

Hi, I have a portable generator (it's large enough to power the entire house) and had an electrician install a 30amp generator connection to the outside of my home. From there the lines rights to an existing mechanical transfer switch. Position down is for the power company and position up is for the generator.

I want to make sure that the order of connection here is correct:

Power Is Out

• Plug the cord into generator and then to house
• Power on the generator, let it warm up
• Set the Transfer Switch to generator
• Turn Transfer Switch to Generator

Power Is Back

• Turn Transfer Switch to Power Co
• Disconnect the generator cable
• Power down generator

 

[cardiac]

I don't like the way you have it.
This is much safer:

Power Is Out
2. Plug the cord into generator and then to house
3. Power on the generator, let it warm u
1. Set the Transfer Switch to generator
4. Turn Transfer Switch to Generator

Power Is Back
2. Turn Transfer Switch to Power Co
3. Disconnect the generator cable
1. Power down generator