←back to thread

Glubux's Powerwall (2016)

(secondlifestorage.com)
386 points bentobean | 1 comments | 01 Apr 25 15:49 UTC | HN request time: 0.21s | source
Show context
ferguess_k ◴[01 Apr 25 19:29 UTC] No.43550514[source]▶
I wonder if there is a more practical tutorial to route a power generator into the house with sort of a power switch. I don't know the exact phrase but basically I can route a few things like the fridge or the lights to this switch so they switch to the generator when there is an outage.

I know it can be done because I asked an electrician. But I dropped the idea when he said it could cost a lot (if done by a professional).

replies(4): >>43550554 #>>43550705 #>>43552003 #>>43552210 #
briHass ◴[01 Apr 25 23:03 UTC] No.43552210[source]▶
Depending on your breaker panel, the cheapest way to do this is with an interlock kit ($20) designed for your panel type. A low-tech solution that mechanically locks out a designated breaker (usually upper right) unless the main breaker is off.

The breaker that is exclusively locked out when main is on is connected to an outdoor receptacle for the generator cable. When the power goes out, you switch off the main breaker and the interlock now allows you to switch on the generator's breaker. This serves as the backfeed of power into the rest of the circuits from the generator.

The nice thing about this setup is the ability to use all the other breakers to control what loads you want on the generator. Downside is it isn't automatic.

replies(1): >>43554364 #
1. genewitch ◴[02 Apr 25 07:14 UTC] No.43554364[source]▶
This is what I do, I have a long "extension cord" - 50' or so, of whatever gauge can carry 50A, with giant nema-50 plugs on both ends. I may be mistaken about the amp rating, but I'm pretty sure it's 6AWG. My whole house generator is a Ford dual fuel 11kW I have in an air conditioned shed. I only have to shut off my water heater, everything else runs fine.