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wiring home generator and transfer switch wiring a 220 volt range cord outlet Wiring for GFCI Outlets Wiring Outlets and a Switched Outlet How to Installing and Wire Ceiling Fans and Remote Controls wire dimmer switch wiring diagrams for switches wiring a dryer cord and 220 outlet circuit breaker panel
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All about Home Generators

whole-house-generator Summary: When it comes to home generators size does matter. This article all about home-generators will help you understand the basics of a whole house generator. Lets look at the features of a whole house generator system.


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Home Generators and Transfer Switches



Electrical Wiring Video

Install a Generator and Transfer Switch Panel

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Electric Generators

Home-generators smaller then 4,000 watts are in most instances not capable of powering a home during a power outage because they can not provide the needed power for electrical loads such as motors, well pumps and ventilation blowers on a central heating system.

Home Generators

A typical home supplied with 200-amp electric service can actually support a load of approximately 45,000 watts (45kW) of electric demand.

Portable Generators

Portable generators are produced in sizes ranging from a few hundred watts to 15,000 watts (15kW).

Standby Generator

A standby generator is a permanently installed generator that is attached to your electrical service panel. Most of the standby generators start automatically and are connected to a large fuel source such as propane or diesel fuel.

Even if you were to purchase a 10,000 to 15,000 watt portable generator you would find it more expensive, difficult to move, noisy, and the fuel consumption will be large. Typically you will not be able to run you home's central air conditioning system or electric heat pump even with a 15,000 watt portable generator.

Comments and Questions about Home Generators




related

Installing Home Generators


Anthony, from La Grange, Illinois asks:
I have a Generac Model 5837 Core Power generator with 50 amp automatic transfer switch. My house has a 100 amp service. The generator is a natural gas model with automatic start and transfer. I am only going to support certain loads such as the sump pump, refrigerator, furnace (no air conditioner) and a few lights. The village where I live has adopted NEC 1999 as electrical code. How far from the house must generator be?

Dave's Answer:

Generator Installation

The generator must not be installed indoor.
The installation of the generator must be 5' from the building structure.

A typical gas and electric install 5' from structure. This has now become the standard installations as per NFPA 37.
Installation Clearance Considerations:
5' from the gas meter and main electrical panel.
5' from windows, doors, ventilation, wall mounted air conditioners, or other openings to prevent exhaust gas from entering the building structure.
Do not install under a wooden deck or other structure.
Must not obstruct or affect access to services.
Must not be installed on top of service conduits such as electrical, water, gas, fuel, phone, air conditioning, irrigation.
Must not be installed where strong prevailing winds blow from one direction, face the generator air inlet openings.

Install the generator as close as possible to:
The fuel supply to reduce the length of pipe used, however maintain required clearances.

The transfer switch, with regard to local codes which may regulate distance and location.

All exposed gas pipe is painted.

The minimum distance from a building for Generator:

NFPA 37, Section 4.1.4, Engines Located Outdoors. Engines, and
their weatherproof housings if provided, that are installed outdoors
shall be located at least 5 ft. from openings in walls and at least 5
ft. from structures having combustible walls. A minimum separation
shall not be required where the following conditions exist:
1. The adjacent wall of the structure has a fire resistance rating
of at least 1 hour.
2. The weatherproof enclosure is constructed of noncombustible
materials and it has been demonstrated that a fire within
the enclosure will not ignite combustible materials outside the
enclosure.

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Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book
Great for any Home Wiring Project.


See How to Wire it Right!

Learn more about How to Wire Generators and Transfer Switches
Perfect for Homeowners, the Handyman, and Electricians
Includes:
Complete with Practical Hands On Wiring Instructions
Installing Electrical Wiring for Generator Panels and Transfer Switches
Loaded with On the Job Electrical Pictures and Wiring Diagrams
Great Help for Wiring a Generator and Transfer Switch
....and much more.

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Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.





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Generator Transfer Switch Using Circuit Breakers
Can You Make a Generator Transfer Switch Using Circuit Breakers? How to Use a Circuit Breaker Interlock Kit for a Generator Transfer Switch.

How to Wire a Generator Transfer Switch Video
What is the Basic Wiring Configuration for a Generator Transfer Switch: Each Wiring Termination must be correct for the Power Conductors of the Line or Load.

Connecting A Generator To A Home Video
How should I install the wiring to connect a generator to my home? Planning and Installing a Generator with a Transfer Switch: How to Connect a Generator to a Home.

Connecting a Generator to a Home Videos
How to Connect a Generator to a Home: Safe Methods for Connecting a Home Generator, Approved Transfer Switch, Circuit Breaker Interlock Kit, Well Pumps and other 220 Volt Circuits, Sensitive Electronic Devices and Equipment, Connecting the Generator.

Sizing a Generator Transfer Switch
Here are the Steps for Sizing a Generator Transfer Switch: The rating and size of all the electrical components of the system should be sized properly.

How to Install a Generator Manual Transfer Switch
How to Select the Right Generator Transfer Switch: How to Save Money on a Generator Transfer Switch - These two items actually work hand in hand, and the end result will actually be how large the generator will be and there are a few more options that may be much easier to install and much less costly that a large transfer switch.

How to Wire a 3 Phase Air Compressor
How is an air compressor wired and where do the wires go? Wiring a 3 Phase Motor for an Air Compressor, The Basic Requirements for Wiring Electric Motors, 3 Phase Motor Circuits.

Generator Receptacle Configurations
Wiring a Generator Receptacle: Generator Hookup and Receptacle Configurations, Wiring a Neutral Wire for a Generator.

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