Back up generator help....

[Duane]

I put a transfer panel in that was matched to my generator. Also had local utility co out to inspect as a courtesy.

They get kinda nervous when they roll up and hear generators running after power outages

sorry for the second sideways shot

Hey what brand and model is the xfer switch? (Can't quite read it from the pic) I'm sort of surprised at the above Eaton lighting panel as a transfer switch.... hmmm not a residential guy

 

[expat]

Marinco probably makes a 50-30 amp pigtail you could use. Quite common in boating.

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

So can I build this wire set-up myself? What gauge wire should I ask for at the electric supply house? And you mention 4 wire, both the 30 am p and the 50 amp end plugs are 4 wire I assume? The 30 Amp plug would be the male end, and the 50 amp would be the female end, correct? Is this just a matter of stripping the wire and screwing the plug ends on?

So the Costco generator it is!! I love that store...


Thanks very much for your help!

Zack

You can/should build it your self using the supplied 10 gauge sjo cable that comes w/ the genset. 30 amps will require a number 10 conductor, and 50 is number 8. Your genset has a breaker on it that will limit output to 30 amps most likely, so the 10 will be fine. The twistlock female 50 amp SINGLE PHASE 4 WIRE plug end will not be cheap(50-100 bucks). The short answers to your questions above are yes...#10 or #8/4 conductor SO type...yes...yes...and yes.

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

Marinco probably makes a 50-30 amp pigtail you could use. Quite common in boating.

Totally, but for a nominal fee(markup)

 

[toy4xfun]

damn sheepsqueezer you should get paid for your consulting work, at least a case!

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

Hey what brand and model is the xfer switch? (Can't quite read it from the pic) I'm sort of surprised at the above Eaton lighting panel as a transfer switch.... hmmm not a residential guy

Appears to be a coleman powermate... Looks like it was stuffed into a nice hinged 3r enclosure... You do that yourself, Tim? Wish I could use those nice hoffman panels instead of the el cheapo screw cover cans. Get on it.

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

**** sheepsqueezer you should get paid for your consulting work, at least a case!

Info is for free, sweat will cost some dimes or cruiser parts...

 

[bigndn]

HI everyone,
Last year about this time I had an electrical contractor rewire my home, and also install a generator transfer switch. When he installed the generator switch, he put in a 50 amp recepticle on the outside of my home for the generator to plug into. Well I am finally getting around to buying the generator, and I have run into a snag. I found a great deal on a Honeywell (Honda Motor) generator at Costco for $700.00. The generator is a 7,000 watt running/ 8,750 watt peak power machine with a 30 amp plug. So is it possible to build a cord with a 50 amp plug on the house end and a 30 amp on the generator end? Is there a problem with safety is doing that with the wire set-up? If it is possible, is building this cord something I can do myself with a trip to the electrical supply house?
Also I realize that this is basically a hard question to answer accurately but does this Costco generator sound about right for my needs? My specific needs are : well pump, oil furnace, ice box, a few lamps and plugs, and the hallway light. I checked on line, and anything with a 50 amp plug in the generator is at least $2,000, so if this Costco unit fit the bill for $700 that would be great!

Thanks,
Zack

(PS : I would ask the electrical contractor, but he retired and moved to Florida.........)

I paid full price for that exact generator last year, before winter. I can honestly say that it's damn nice to not have extension cords ran everywhere during a power outtage. I turned off the breakers to the microwave and stove, but it ran everything else, including refrigerator, deep freeze, garage door openers, submersible well pump, pressure tank, lights and outlets in 3 bedrooms/2 bathrooms, and 2 ceiling fans.

This is the exact generator:

Costco - $200 OFF Honeywell 7000 Watt Running / 8750 Watt Peak Portable Generator With Electric Start

That's a screaming deal!!!!! The only recommendation I have is to keep it on a battery tender in case the wife has to use it. I put the oil in mine, filled it with fuel, made sure everything looked good, and pushed the start button. The Honda GX390 is a great engine!!!

 

[TemeculaTim]

Appears to be a coleman powermate... Looks like it was stuffed into a nice hinged 3r enclosure... You do that yourself, Tim? Wish I could use those nice hoffman panels instead of the el cheapo screw cover cans. Get on it.

yep , yep and yep --