Jump to content
Sign in to follow this  
AMC RULES

Home emergency transfer switch.

Recommended Posts

AMC RULES

Last year, I remember a thread which discussed multiple home emergency transfer switches, but now I can't find it again. Anyone remember the thread I'm talking about, could you repost a link to it here? :dunno: :wh:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
nylyon

I *hope* to complete the fix for search today which should allow you to find what you are looking for. The post is in the non-tractor area during the Irene storm time frame.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
rmaynard

Here's what you are looking for:

viewtopic.php?f=12&t=31032

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
rexman72

Get a interlock kit.Much cheaper and less work to install them.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
chesbaycruiser

Get a interlock kit.Much cheaper and less work to install them.

I'm with rexman on this one. Unless you're getting a full-time standby generator with an automatic transfer switch, I'd definitely go with the interlock.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
IthacaJeff

I contacted my local utility (NYSEG) regarding "GenLink" and manual interlock kits. After about 3 weeks

they finally got back to me, and said NO to both. The only thing they will approve is a transfer station.

We are looking at several hours of electrician time and about $500 for the station.

I'll be sticking with extension cords.

Jeff in Enfield NY

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
rexman72

jeff do you live in a socialist state?meaning the power company cant tell you what to do when the panel is inside your house.the interlock kit is 50 bucks and takes an hour.

I contacted my local utility (NYSEG) regarding "GenLink" and manual interlock kits. After about 3 weeks

they finally got back to me, and said NO to both. The only thing they will approve is a transfer station.

We are looking at several hours of electrician time and about $500 for the station.

I'll be sticking with extension cords.

Jeff in Enfield NY

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
Sparky

I'm with Rexman on this. The power company has no jurisdiction over the panel in your house and cant prevent you from using the interlock kits. If your looking for permission you should be asking the town/county about methods that they approve.

Mike.......

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
rexman72

the interlock kit is NEC approved and the power company has no say period.

I'm with Rexman on this. The power company has no jurisdiction over the panel in your house and cant prevent you from using the interlock kits. If your looking for permission you should be asking the town/county about methods that they approve.

Mike.......

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
Coadster32

The one that goes behind the meter is not allowed by our electric company in CT. (united Illuminating is our company)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
rexman72

your meter goes to your electrical panel which is inside your house.I work for a power company and we dont tell home owners what to do past the meter.I have never heard of this.Do they give credits for using what they want?

The one that goes behind the meter is not allowed by our electric company in CT. (united Illuminating is our company)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
Coadster32

Seemingly, especially as of late, the power companies can do anything they want. The last "freak snow storm", cost CL&P over $10million to clean up. They had the nerve in a front page newspaper article to say that rate-payers will be picking up the tab, as the investors shouldn't bear this brunt. :dunno:

Keep squeezing that rag boys...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
rexman72

CL&P never paid any of the other states for helping with irene so when this torm hit nobody wanted to go to conn because we knew we wouldnt get paid.conn has to do something with that company.

Seemingly, especially as of late, the power companies can do anything they want. The last "freak snow storm", cost CL&P over $10million to clean up. They had the nerve in a front page newspaper article to say that rate-payers will be picking up the tab, as the investors shouldn't bear this brunt. :dunno:

Keep squeezing that rag boys...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
IthacaJeff

I'll I can say, gents, is that is what the power company said. I don't know why

they would have said what they did; perhaps they won't cover any problems on

their end of the supply line if I do have an interlock.

BTW, the interlocks I've seen for my breaker panel run about $170, plus it is

necessary to buy the special cord and electrical plug. Totaling about $250

without install. The last time I worked electrical that was more than installing a

light I shorted out my mom's house. I'll take on plumbing, mechanical, and anything

I can fix with a hammer, but somehow electrical and I don't mix.

Oh, and do we live in a socialist state? Its NY, and the answer is pretty close to

yes.

Jeff in Enfield NY

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
AMC RULES

So what you're saying here, legally in NY state, the best you can do is a generator with extension cords run all over the house? :dunno:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
IthacaJeff

Hi Folks:

Here is the exact response from NYSEG regarding the interlock. This

response was after I sent an email specifically detailing the interlock

and providing a website. I also pointed out that the interlock switches

meet NEC (National Electrical Code?) guidelines.

"No..the Interlock is not OK as it is not a transfer switch..

The DPDT transfer switch requirement is a NYSEG requirement,

which may be more stringent than what the NEC allows."

Given that New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) does not own the

breaker panel, do they have this authority? Or could they shut of my

power (I guess they could), or refuse to provide service to their part

of the electric service (e.g., the meter).

Thoughts?

Jeff in Enfield NY

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
rexman72

jeff do you have a square D panel and if so the interlock kit is 60 bucks at home depot and if you have siemens panel there 60 bucks at lowes and you can look it vs the gentran which is 300 bucks and you have to get a plug and wire.

I'll I can say, gents, is that is what the power company said. I don't know why

they would have said what they did; perhaps they won't cover any problems on

their end of the supply line if I do have an interlock.

BTW, the interlocks I've seen for my breaker panel run about $170, plus it is

necessary to buy the special cord and electrical plug. Totaling about $250

without install. The last time I worked electrical that was more than installing a

light I shorted out my mom's house. I'll take on plumbing, mechanical, and anything

I can fix with a hammer, but somehow electrical and I don't mix.

Oh, and do we live in a socialist state? Its NY, and the answer is pretty close to

yes.

Jeff in Enfield NY

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
rexman72

well if your using extension cords in your house your still back feeding onto the grid.thats why the interlock kit is good because it stops from back feeding the grid.

So what you're saying here, legally in NY state, the best you can do is a generator with extension cords run all over the house? :dunno:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
IthacaJeff

I guess I should check HD or Lowes. I do have a Square D panel, and the online

site InterlockKits.com an interlock is 149.95, cable is 59.95, and outlet is 69.95

(if I recall correctly).

Jeff

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
rexman72

square d is at home depot.the wire does cost alot because they go by ft.

I guess I should check HD or Lowes. I do have a Square D panel, and the online

site InterlockKits.com an interlock is 149.95, cable is 59.95, and outlet is 69.95

(if I recall correctly).

Jeff

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
JimD

Quote: "No..the Interlock is not OK as it is not a transfer switch..

The DPDT transfer switch requirement is a NYSEG requirement,

which may be more stringent than what the NEC allows."

No, they do not have that authority. They are bound by the national Electrical code. You need to check with your County or City building department. They are responsible for interpreting the NEC.

Article 90-4 of the NEC eludes to "The Authority Having Jurisdiction", which in most cases is the county building department, however many cities have codified ordinances which over rule the county in their "jurisdiction".

This should now be as clear as mud. :dunno:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
Nick

well if your using extension cords in your house your still back feeding onto the grid.thats why the interlock kit is good because it stops from back feeding the grid.

So what you're saying here, legally in NY state, the best you can do is a generator with extension cords run all over the house? :dunno:

Why would plugging household appliances into extension cords back feed the grid?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
rexman72

Nick they have cords that you can plug from the generator to the recepticle to power the rest of the appliences and send power back through the grid.Instead of having a male and female ends ,some people have two male ends.

well if your using extension cords in your house your still back feeding onto the grid.thats why the interlock kit is good because it stops from back feeding the grid.

So what you're saying here, legally in NY state, the best you can do is a generator with extension cords run all over the house? :dunno:

Why would plugging household appliances into extension cords back feed the grid?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
IthacaJeff

We just run the fridge and freezer directly into the extension cords. Not connected to the

house wiring at all. The problem is the well pump and the boiler. The boiler is a wall hung

tankless unit that supplies domestic hot water and radiant floor heat. I could plug the boiler

into an extension cord and run the radiant floor, but I would have to turn off the domestic

hot water function because the well pump would not work. The well pump has no cord

that I could just plug into an extension cord.

At any rate, there is no feedback into the grid using extension cords. And, since adding an

interlock is not at legal thing, then I may be good to go.

Jeff in Enfield NY

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
Coadster32

Anything is legal until your caught. Speed limit is 80 untill you see the flashers behind you...right? :dunno:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
Sign in to follow this  

×
×
  • Create New...