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PTO Generators Observations
Is there a transfer switch available that lets you switch the main power before the breaker panel to generator power? Why do all these transfer switches make you select which circuits you want to run when you install them? I want to have ALL circuits available to me and just shut off the circuits in the main panel that I don't want to run. And I want the setup to be simple.
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PTO Generators Observations
By the way, at the risk of causing a riot after having read this thread, I once had a licensed electrician set up a backfeed for my house where I could plug in a portable generator. A relative of mine is a professional engineer who has built a power plant and puts up commercial buildings. He backfeeds his house. Convincing people to buy a transfer switch for $500 when professionals around us simply "turn off the main" is difficult.
Also - it is true that transfer switches do just that. They just simply ensure that the main is turned off before the generator input is turned on. You take the risk that you could mentally slip and forget to turn off the main when you avoid purchasing a transfer switch.
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PTO Generators Observations
Denwood - yes I think that I might have seen the more expensive switches. Probably you have to call the electric company because you would want the power shut off to the whole house before installing such a switch before the box. And that triggers a visit from your local electric inspector.
The power company will rent you a transfer switch for your whole house (like $5-10 a month). But they will not let you purchase it. I have seen my PE relative once handle handle the live wire coming in to the house. I would never attempt that.
I used to run off a 4KW generator as a backup for years. I purchased an 18HP 10KW generator last summer from Northern tools. I replaced my line into the house with #6 wire and tested it out. It ran great. Ran whole house. Of course I left off pool pump, hot tub, and central air.
My wife is crazy and actually would like to be able to run everything when the power goes out - but costs quickly spiral up when you get to 30KW backup setups.
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PTO Generators Observations
According to my relative, the professional engineer who builds power plants, the way to pull the meter is to smash the glass on the meter and tell the power company you have been vandalized. Then pull the meter. If you do things the "right" way - you will never get the job done. You have to schedule a shutdown with the power company - and the electrical inspector simultaneously. Then the power company comes and shuts power down - but doesn't wait for job to be done to turn power back on. They come back a few days later to turn power back on - and you are without power for a few days - not worth the effort.
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PTO Generators Observations
Also - my relative was smart enough to install a switch between the meter and his fuse box so that he would never have this problem when he built his house. I wish I had such a switch in my house!
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PTO Generators Observations
Kyvette, your response is expected  I certainly don't think my BIL actually has ever smashed any glass since he is the honest type and is a church elder. He was speaking hypothetically. However I do know that he has handled the live wires coming into a house rather than bother calling the power company to shut the power off. He carefully inserts a block of wood between the hot leads and tapes the wires around the leads and the block. He would rather risk his life than bother calling the power company. (I know that this will evoke even more response!)
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Gas Generator Weather Protecti
01-29-2005, 07:33 
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