Generator hookup

[Unregistered]

Hi Everyone!

I'm in the process of planning to add a generator for backup power during outtages. I pretty much narrowed down what circuits I want to juice, and as such, I think I picked out a decent generator for my purposes.

In any case, it's come to down to picking the transfer switch, and deciding how I'm going to hook it up. So, I have a few questions:

I've been eyeing a Schnider Electric OQ Generator Panel which has 2 60a breakers, and a Siemens which has 3 60a breakers. Based on what I've read so far, these are unbound and bound respectively, but I'm not clear on the terms and how they apply.

And finally, I'd like the generator to be portable because I don't have the space to build a little "shed" for it. The generator I'm looking at has a L6-30R 240v 30a female outlet on it. I know people generally frown upon double-male cords, so I'd like to find out if I could use say 10-3 (or 10-4, depending on the answer to my question above) with a L6-30R male on one end, and find a L6-30R male outlet that would mount to the side of my house. Not sure if those exist, but I'm sure someone here knows!

Thanks in advance!

[Unregistered]

bump*******

[Homer]

Yes, there are "inlet boxes" with male receptacles (plug) for this kind of arrangement. Never, never use a male to male cord. Have a look at this link (http://www.nooutage.com/CordsWiringDev.htm#Outdoor%20Power%20Inlet%20Boxes ) for some good generator info.

Your portable setup would look similar to this except you would hardwire the indoor connections. An outdoor generator, an inlet box, and a generator panel that is a subpanel to the main panel.
http://www.nooutage.com/images/Gt-fig0.gif

Just to clarify, you are talking about "generator panels" and not transfer switches. A generator panel is a combined transfer switch and panel with an interlocking main breaker. Typically these are connected as subpanels to the main panel and only have the circuits that need emergency backup. Something like this (http://ecatalog.squared.com/pubs/Electrical%20Distribution/Load%20Centers/Generator%20Panels/QO4/40266-223-03.pdf).

Are you sure you want a generator with only an L6-30R? That's 240V without a neutral and not suitable for 120V circuits. A generator with an L14-30R would be for 240V/120V use.

I don't understand your reference to 2 60A breakers and 3 60A breakers. A generator panel may have a interlocked main breaker (2 60A breakers). Do you have any model numbers?

With generator installations it is especially important that you get this inspected for your own safety. In particular you must satisfy the grounding/bonding requirements.

Homer

[Unregistered]

Hi Homer,

Just to clarify a few things:

You're right, I'm talking about a generator panel and not simply a transfer switch. After all, I'm only going to have 30A to play with, and flipping the breaker in the generator panel is a lot easier than fiddling with my main panel when I want to run a few circuits off the generator.

I double checked the specs for the generator, and it does have a L14-30R.

I've been having a heck of a time finding the specs for the two generator panels I've been looking at. Schnider Electric's web site is horrid, and I can't find any info on Siemens generator panels. I'll be making a stop at Home Depot later on today and I'll jot down all the specs and report back here.

All I can tell you at this point is that the Square D panel has a 2-pole 60a main (both are labled "line") and the Siemens has a 3-pole 60a main (2 line and 1 neutral).