Summary: Home Generators, Portable Generators and Transfer Switches. This series covers a wide variety of topics all about home generators including sizing, selecting, connecting and safely operating this all important addition to your home.
In this section about home generators we will cover how to select the right generator for your home. To properly select a generator we will discuss the devices and circuits that are commonly required for the essential operation of the home.
The size of the home and the occupants may also be a factor as well. In some cases a portable generator may provide the level of power needed for just a few essential devices and small appliances. However, when undertaking a project of such importance it may be wise not to under estimate the electrical devices used on a daily basis that may be required if the normal electric utility power has been lost. In some areas where severe weather occurs, a home may be without normal utility power for several days, therefore these possibilities should be taken into consideration so you will be better prepared.
This series describes stand by generators for home use and will explain about all the important features found with emergency generators and stand by generators.
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.
Selecting and Sizing a Home Generator How to rate a generator for your application requirements.This handy guide will help you understand generator ratings as it applies to your home generator project.
Portable generators provide a lower amount of electrical power. Portable generators offer the best value and are great for powering up individual essential circuits or small loads.
Frequently Asked Questions about Home Generators which leads to full featured pages with photos and wiring diagrams to help you with your home generators project.
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. » Click here to learn more about Home Electric Wiring
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Questions about Home Generators
Electrical Question from Deb
[ad#block]Question: I am thinking of purchasing a 17KW Generac to replace the current generator in my house. There is approx 50′ of 6/3 with ground copper from the generator to the transfer switch. Will this wiring work with the 17KW?
This electrical question came from: Deb in Canada.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Deb.
Larger generators have more than one electrical outlets that are provided to connect to. Therefore, the size of the cord should be sized for the outlet that a cord will be connected to on the generator.
New and Updated about: Home Generator Sizes
Question: What type of generator for a Clothes Dryer?
What type of generator would I need to run a clothes dryer?
This electrical wiring question came from George, a Homeowner in Thornburg, Virginia.
Answer:
A typical 240volt electric clothes dryer requires 5.5kw, or 5500 watts. Because all dryers are not exactly the same be sure to check the power requirements for your specific dryer as provided by the manufacturer. More Generator Sizing information: Generator Sizing Tables Generator Sizing Calculator
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.
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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Check Out What Others Are Sharing at Ask the Electrician: This is a good format to ask electrical questions and get answers. Rick from Woodbury, Minnesota
Installing a Home Generator
Electrical Project Skill Level:
Licensed Electrical Contractor, Not Recommended for Homeowners.
Electrical Tools Required:
Electricians pouch of hand tools and the various power tools necessary for installing the generator and transfer switch. Estimated Time:
Depends on the type and size of the generator and transfer switch and the available access to the project area. Electrical Safety:
Any existing electrical wiring within the immediate area that may interfere with the installation of the transfer switch may need to be relocated if necessary.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials:
Electrical parts and materials for generator wiring projects should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections:
Installing a generator and transfer switch must be well thought out and performed with a permit with all work being inspected.
This is a testing tool that 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.
This is great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, 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.
A wire stripping tool used 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.
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