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Subject: Re: hooking up a portable generator to run home....parts needed, ect
Hello Gnatius;
My name is Michael.
Saw your portable generator hookup video, nicely done!
We interlocked the service entrance panel (outside), consulted/hired a licensed electrician to acquire correct parts and perform the install.
Found a sticker that reads:
WARNING: for connection of a nonseparately derived (floating neutral) system only.
Haven't seen this warning discussed in any of the install videos.
Could you explain how/if this would apply to interlock/portable generator installs?
Sincerely;
MB
Subject: Re: hooking up a portable generator to run home....parts needed, ect
When a power source is labeled as having a "floating neutral" it means that the ground and neutral are not bonded together; in other words, neutral is not derived from ground. On a generator that would mean that the neutral wire is not bonded to the generator frame.
So when your transfer switch says it is intended to be used with a "nonseparately derived" power source, it really just means the neutral is not switched, and if you want to be absolutely ultra-code-compliant, you should use it with a generator that has a floating neutral.
In practice, nobody cares about this. Plug your generator in and enjoy.
Subject: Re: hooking up a portable generator to run home....parts needed, ect
Hello Gnatius;
Thank you for responding and clearing that up for me.
Sincerely;
MB
I'm actually starting to look at generators for the house.
I'm considering a Generac natural gas powered generator with an ATS, to power my entire property in the event of a major commercial power outage.
Automatic transfer switches are nice. They are, of course, also quite expensive.
As part of a thousands-of-$$$ installation with a big generator and professional installation, it's not that big a component though.
I personally don't mind hauling out the portable diesel generator and plugging it in. And the video I made about it has paid for the generator several times over, which is nice. And I sold the house in the video, with the transfer apparatus ... to an electrician! We've been in the new house for over four years and I still haven't wired it for the generator, because the power here goes out so infrequently. But when it does, the extension cords are quite a nuisance.