Understanding Home Generator Panels

How to Plan for a Generator and Transfer Switch Installation: Panels and Generator Circuit Power

How to Wire a Generator Hook Up
Electrical Question: I have a gasoline generator and would like to temporary hook it up (during emergencies only)to my panel to run 110 volt circuits only.

• The generator produces 5600 watts with 8600 watts starting.
• There is a 230volt 30 amp 4-wire connection on the generator.
• I want to place the generator outside my garage. Inside my garage I have an electric hot water heater with a 220V 3 wire outlet box.
• Understanding that first all incoming power must be disconnected and all 220v circuits must be disconnected. I’d like to disconnect the hot water heater and connect the generator to the hot water heater circuit in order to back feed the panel and energize the 110v circuits on the inside panel.
• My problem is that I have 4 connections on the generator receptacle and 3 wire in the outlet box for the water heater. How can this be done? I know it sounds wacky but I think it can be done.
• We have a lot of storms including hurricanes down here and need a temporary source of electricity. Present we use extension cords but we lose too much power.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your home generator question Rusty.
Background: Rusty, a Homeowner from New Orleans.

Preparations
Application: Wiring a Generator and Transfer Switch or Generator Panel.
Skill Level: Advanced – Not Recommended for Homeowners, Best installed by a Licensed Electrician.
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 and configuring the essential electrical circuits to be placed on generator power.
Precaution: 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. The selection of the transfer switch or generator connection or generator circuit panel will affect the over all project.
Important: Installing a generator, transfer switch or generator panel must be well thought out and installed with a permit with all work being inspected.

How to Plan for a Generator and Transfer Switch Installation

Panels and Generator Circuit Power

• It would be best to install a generator panel where all your essential 110 volt circuits are fed form.
• The generator panel can then be connected to the source power receptacle of the generator.
• If  possible the generator should be installed in the same area as the electrical panel.
• Maintain the approved clearances and between the generator and building components.
• The generator area should be accessible for maintenance and servicing and during a power outage.

More about Electrical Wiring for a Home Generator Project

Home Generators

Home Generators
A generator provides emergency back up power and is an important addition to any home.

This series covers a wide variety of topics all about home generators including:

• Generator sizing.
• Selecting a Home Generator.
• Transfer Switches and Generator Panels.
• Safely connecting and operating a home generator.

Electric Panel

House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers
This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.

Electrical Circuit

Electric Circuit Listing
The size of the home electrical service panel is designed by calculating the square footage of the home and factoring in the code requirements for the electrical circuits that are required.

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handywomen, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more.

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tip The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wiring! 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, [amazon.com], I use for the detection of Standard 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.

« Causes of No Power to Electrical Circuit

Light Switch Wiring Diagrams »

Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs Please Note: Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects: Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor. Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter. Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution: Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Important: Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

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