Alternative Power sources - backup generator

Author

backup generator

George Cawvey

2005-09-13, 2:25 pm

Want to put a transfer switch in for a generator but would prefer a manual
switch that wouldn't require having a separate dedicated breaker panel. Like
an old style double pole knife switch. Needs to be big enough to handle the
complete 220v/200 amp service during normal service. Would shut off all the
breakers (including the main for safety) before switching over and control
the load individually by switching on each breaker when needed (keeping in
mind to try to keep the load balanced). Also would like info on switching
over to propane (easier to store, more available during an emergency,
doesn't go stale, etc.). Any info on power loss and cost versus gasoline
would be appreciated.

funkbastler

2005-09-13, 2:25 pm

On Sat, 10 Sep 2005 01:05:41 GMT, "George Cawvey"
<gcawvey@access4less.net> wrote:

>Want to put a transfer switch in for a generator but would prefer a manual
>switch that wouldn't require having a separate dedicated breaker panel. Like
>an old style double pole knife switch. Needs to be big enough to handle the
>complete 220v/200 amp service during normal service. Would shut off all the
>breakers (including the main for safety) before switching over and control
>the load individually by switching on each breaker when needed (keeping in
>mind to try to keep the load balanced). Also would like info on switching
>over to propane (easier to store, more available during an emergency,
>doesn't go stale, etc.). Any info on power loss and cost versus gasoline
>would be appreciated.
>

Propane conversion kits: http://www.propane-generators.com/

--
-fb-

Ron Rosenfeld

2005-09-13, 2:25 pm

On Sat, 10 Sep 2005 01:05:41 GMT, "George Cawvey"
<gcawvey@access4less.net> wrote:

>Want to put a transfer switch in for a generator but would prefer a manual
>switch that wouldn't require having a separate dedicated breaker panel. Like
>an old style double pole knife switch. Needs to be big enough to handle the
>complete 220v/200 amp service during normal service. Would shut off all the
>breakers (including the main for safety) before switching over and control
>the load individually by switching on each breaker when needed (keeping in
>mind to try to keep the load balanced). Also would like info on switching
>over to propane (easier to store, more available during an emergency,
>doesn't go stale, etc.). Any info on power loss and cost versus gasoline
>would be appreciated.
>

Here's a decent article:

http://www.motherearthnews.com/top_...ackup_Generator

-- ron (off the grid in Downeast Maine)

SQLit

2005-09-13, 2:25 pm

"George Cawvey" <gcawvey@access4less.net> wrote in message
news:FjqUe.9556$_84.9148@newsread1.news.atl.earthlink.net...
> Want to put a transfer switch in for a generator but would prefer a manual
> switch that wouldn't require having a separate dedicated breaker panel.
Like
> an old style double pole knife switch. Needs to be big enough to handle
the
> complete 220v/200 amp service during normal service. Would shut off all
the
> breakers (including the main for safety) before switching over and control
> the load individually by switching on each breaker when needed (keeping in
> mind to try to keep the load balanced). Also would like info on switching
> over to propane (easier to store, more available during an emergency,
> doesn't go stale, etc.). Any info on power loss and cost versus gasoline
> would be appreciated.

I know of nothing that will provide the function you describe.

Check the operation of a heavy duty/service rated double throw 3 pole
switch.
My example above switches the neutral as well.

Your utility may have specific requirements that will need to be included. A
double throw switch where I live, would be one of the hardest ways to
accomplish the task. We use 'all in ones" almost exclusively. Trying to
interrupt the wires from the meter to the main is pretty hard. And still
meet all of the local requirements.

Propane has some issues when it is cold and a couple of thousand feet above
sea level. Also propane has less btu's per volume. This means you will need
a bigger motor than if you stuck with gas or diesel.

Bruce in Alaska

2005-09-23, 7:21 pm

In article <FjqUe.9556$_84.9148@newsread1.news.atl.earthlink.net>,
"George Cawvey" <gcawvey@access4less.net> wrote:

> Want to put a transfer switch in for a generator but would prefer a manual
> switch that wouldn't require having a separate dedicated breaker panel. Like
> an old style double pole knife switch. Needs to be big enough to handle the
> complete 220v/200 amp service during normal service. Would shut off all the
> breakers (including the main for safety) before switching over and control
> the load individually by switching on each breaker when needed (keeping in
> mind to try to keep the load balanced). Also would like info on switching
> over to propane (easier to store, more available during an emergency,
> doesn't go stale, etc.). Any info on power loss and cost versus gasoline
> would be appreciated.
>
>

Just about everyone makes manual 3 or 4 Pole Double Throw, Çenter Off,
Switches in the 200 amp rating. They aren't cheap however. I have two
in my Powerhouse, one is a SquareD, and the other is a GE... I use one
to sellect which Genset is running and one to sellect between my
powerhouse and the Summertime Grid.
Actualy there are three of them, as I use another one to sellect between
two legs of 208Vac 3P (Summertime Power) and the two legs of 120/240 1P
Generated Power, to drive Trace 4024 Inverter.

Bruce in alaska
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