Now that I have the generator, what?

[ostrow]

So I got the deal on the generator (Thank You Chuck Snow!).

I'm going to need some long extension cords to be able to connect things to it (50ft at least). Wondering if the different guage ratings make much of a difference. If I run one for the pump, one for the fridge, one for the computer, does it matter if I get the 16, 14 or 12 guage cords?

Hoping no single run is over 50ft.

Thanks!

 

[DougSupreme]

it really depends on the capacity of your generator and the distance to the load. If the generator has 20A circuits, i would recommend the 12 ga wire up to about 100' after that I would either try to locate 10 ga wire or make one myself. if the generator has 15A circuits, I would opt for the 14 ga up to 100', and beyond that I would use 12 ga.

 

[ostrow]

Thanks this is exactly the kind of advice I need!

2x20amp circuits. So, 12 gauge up to 100'. No way I go further than that.

There are two circuits on the generator, so could I go with the 14 gauge wire and make sure to evenly distribute load, or should I go the 12 gauge?

It's a 5500 watt continuous, 8000 surge capacity generator.
These are the outlets:
NEMA# (2) 5-20R Duplex
20 Amp
1 - 120 VAC

 

[Billybeau1]

Os, I have one . I run the tank, sump pump, refrigerator and television. One word of caution. I would be a little reluctant to run my computer off the generator as variations of voltage might do some damage. Just a thought.

 

[DougSupreme]

make sure that each 20A circuit has 12 ga wire

edit: Billy is right, don't put your PC on the generator. Unless you got a top of the line generator, it will damage your computers delicate electronic components

 

[ostrow]

If I have a UPS with line regulator between the generator and the computer it would work, no? I was told as long as I had a good surge device in between I'd be ok...

 

[Rod Buehler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7907359#post7907359 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DougSupreme
make sure that each 20A circuit has 12 ga wire

edit: Billy is right, don't put your PC on the generator. Unless you got a top of the line generator, it will damage your computers delicate electronic components

I agree on everything

 

[ostrow]

Rod is always so agreeable.

 

[Rod Buehler]

I dont like to create waves

The only wave I like to create are in my tank

 

[jjjimmy]

Here is what I do...

1. I made sure that every circuit breaker that runs my tank as well as everything else that I want to run during a power outage is on the same side of my power panel as well as one outlet in my garage (all on the right or left side).

2. I made a double ended male extension cord.

3. In the event of a power outage, I fire up the generator and let it run for a minute or two.

4. VERY, VERY IMPORTANT, go down to my power panel and turn off the main breaker at the top of the power panel.

5. Take the double ended cord and plug it into the above mentioned outlet in the garage and then into the generator.

6. Viola, power.

This procedure "back feeds" one entire side of the power panel from the generator and only 1 extension cord is required and I have power to what I need.

When power is restored, disconnect the generator and turn back on the main breaker on your panel.

Jimmy

 

[flapjack1439]

When running extension cords, i've found that the heavier cord is better, no matter what the rating of the outlet. 12 offers less resistance than 14. The longer the run the more important the larger guage. This is for extension cords and not internal wiring.

 

[mhurley]

Jimmy,

I've heard of this before, but also been warned by Naperville to never, ever do this because of the risk of forgetting the throw that switch back or you're trying to feed power back out to the pole..which will be bad . They actually sent out a notice in our electric bills once that they would watch for this type of activity and if they saw it, would cut power to the house so that when power was restored during an outage, you would not be.

 

[ostrow]

I'm told in Oak Park if you install a transfer switch you must have an annual inspection and pay, yes, an annual fee. Explain that one!

 

[mhurley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7908830#post7908830 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ostrow
I'm told in Oak Park if you install a transfer switch you must have an annual inspection and pay, yes, an annual fee. Explain that one!

Because if it's not hooked up right, you can kill the guy working on the power pole.

 

[ostrow]

But once it's installed, it's installed, no? Once it's done right. On a standby system?

 

[jjjimmy]

I guess that is one reason that I am glad that I do not live in Naperville and that I am very careful.

 

[mhurley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7908851#post7908851 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ostrow
But once it's installed, it's installed, no? Once it's done right. On a standby system?

Sure..but what if something fails over time...wire wears thin, fuse pops...etc. I guess that's why they want to annually inspect it.

 

[ostrow]

I think they want to collect $20 annually. It's the village not ComEd doing the inspecting.

 

[RobTop]

This procedure "back feeds" one entire side of the power panel from the generator and only 1 extension cord is required and I have power to what I need.

I like the idea, seems quite simple, however it assumes that you are home and awake when th epower goes down. Isn't the idea of a back up generator to give power when the power goes out...that never happens to me when I am home or awake.

 

[mhurley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7910836#post7910836 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ostrow
I think they want to collect $20 annually. It's the village not ComEd doing the inspecting.

$20? That's it? I thought we were talking about a lot more than that.

I would guess that the inspection costs them more than $20. The people doing it are likely union electricians that work for the city. Just getting that guy into his truck costs them $20.