IKE update thread..
Gone, but not forgotten
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,026
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte-Fairbanks-Bflo
I have the perfect setup, am about 1000 miles away and no way to get it there. So this post is a huge help. My 40 foot motor home sleeps six, has a 10k diesel generator, satellite tv, built in gas grill (outdoors of course) you name it, I have it. But here it sits.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,241
Likes: 1
From: Powder Springs, East TN
Thanks for the update Barry, Its good to hear from Scott and see he is doing well. I hate the fact that we have this generator here and we have had it for five years and have yet to use it and we have brothers down south that are in dired need of it..
Thread Starter
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Of the next Riffraff East
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 2
From: Concord NC
He is so appreciative of all the offers of kindness. Cell service is still very spotty and he just has to watch for the service to show up. He has a neighbor that will help him hook it up. It is kinda hard for me to explain exactly what he needs to do to hook the panel up safely. When he calls, I may give him Jim's number for advice should he need it.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,499
Likes: 10
From: Sterling Heights,Mi
You know, I wonder, if we could purchase a buttload of generators, haul them down, have a truck side sale, this could possibly pay for the gas, and get our brothers/sisters the generators they need...Its just a dream, but......
Elder User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 595
Likes: 0
From: South LA
He is so appreciative of all the offers of kindness. Cell service is still very spotty and he just has to watch for the service to show up. He has a neighbor that will help him hook it up. It is kinda hard for me to explain exactly what he needs to do to hook the panel up safely. When he calls, I may give him Jim's number for advice should he need it.
I did get in touch with scott and it sounded like he was in line to get one...if your not really set up for canes it can be frustrating running around trying to find window units, gas cans (not to mention the gas), extension cords everything you need to really run on stand alone for weeks if need be.
I went to the coast last night (as far as I could) to check on a friend...there wasn't a light for 20 miles, no sound no nothing, just wind...very eerie feeling
Thread Starter
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Of the next Riffraff East
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 2
From: Concord NC
Safely was the key word, which includes transfer switches. The main disconnect has to be disconnected to be safe for all. In an emegency, it can be done, but needs to be done right or it is dangerous. Jim is going to contact him with what he needs to hook it up safely.
Did you get to your friend and was he OK?
Did you get to your friend and was he OK?
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,144
Likes: 11
From: Rochdale MA
Not supposed to hook it to panel, it can run current back thru the lines and be dangerous for linesman...there is a switchback you can buy but you almost have to wire the house pre-storm for it to be affective, not something you run out and buy right after a storm...
I did get in touch with scott and it sounded like he was in line to get one...if your not really set up for canes it can be frustrating running around trying to find window units, gas cans (not to mention the gas), extension cords everything you need to really run on stand alone for weeks if need be.
I went to the coast last night (as far as I could) to check on a friend...there wasn't a light for 20 miles, no sound no nothing, just wind...very eerie feeling
I did get in touch with scott and it sounded like he was in line to get one...if your not really set up for canes it can be frustrating running around trying to find window units, gas cans (not to mention the gas), extension cords everything you need to really run on stand alone for weeks if need be.
I went to the coast last night (as far as I could) to check on a friend...there wasn't a light for 20 miles, no sound no nothing, just wind...very eerie feeling
I have seen a lot of setups where people have a double ended male cord and they plug one end into the generator and the other into the dryer outlet to backfeed the house. This, all though it works, is very dangerous. You can have live prongs on either end of the cord and if you don't shut off your main breaker you will back feed the utility lines. When the power comes back on you can blow the generator. This way is illegal according to the NEC and dangerous. It should'nt be done unless there is a dire emergency and there is no other means to power what needs to be powered. The most important thing is to shut off your main circuit breaker.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,499
Likes: 10
From: Sterling Heights,Mi
I am absolutly guilty of what you just mentioned Jim, I ran to 30 amp circuits to the back of my house, to make sure I didnt energize the same circuit. I have written down at the circuit breaker panel the instructions on what to shut off.( which is funny when you think about it, it is the basement, there is no power, no lights ). I also run extension cords to the neighbors, taking turns so that their sump pumps are doing their job..
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,144
Likes: 11
From: Rochdale MA
I am absolutly guilty of what you just mentioned Jim, I ran to 30 amp circuits to the back of my house, to make sure I didnt energize the same circuit. I have written down at the circuit breaker panel the instructions on what to shut off.( which is funny when you think about it, it is the basement, there is no power, no lights ). I also run extension cords to the neighbors, taking turns so that their sump pumps are doing their job..
I do owe you an apology Pat. I have some information on the question that you had asked me earlier. I have been so stressed out with stuff that I spaced it out. I'll give you a call tommorow with what I found out. And I'll help you to set your generator up correctly!!
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Breaux Bridge, Louisiana
Glad to hear Scott is gong to be able to get one. I wish him luck with those lines. I know from experience that they can be killers. After Gustav, my brother and I waited in line for 9 hours to get his. As far as hooking up to the panel. I don't like to see it done without the right equipment. But it can be done safely if you have a little knowledge about how it works. Wattage limits and such. And always throw the main. I'm just glad to hear he is alright.
The offer still stands to anyone who may need it.
The offer still stands to anyone who may need it.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,499
Likes: 10
From: Sterling Heights,Mi
The generator I was speaking of here Jim, is my home one, the one I spoke to you about was a buisness unit..For home, I just have to get out my check book and buy the home switch, I think around 200.00 from Grainer, then the outside plug, and then the, and then the, and of course, who knows, I could run 100 amp service to the gagarge, run a couple 12 awg wires out there to use the electric start, then I could.. oh wait, yeah, the extension cords are fine now, a couple of 10 awg 20' for now..Thank you Sir
Master of Strokes
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,808
Likes: 25
From: CA
But its I am to far or I would bring it down there in a heart beat!!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,777
Likes: 0
From: Buckingham, IA
I agree with all who are cautious about temporarily hooking up power to the house. I like to put a padlock on the main switch to lock it out so no one will accidentally or unintentionally turn it on without the generator being disconnected first. And if I am in the area, I will keep the key. Around 35 years ago we had a bad ice storm and farmers used their pto generators (25kw) for power. Some didn't connect correctly and line workers got hurt. I have never forgotten that.
Gone, but not forgotten
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,026
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte-Fairbanks-Bflo
I've had to hard wire around all of the transfer switches in my motor home. At least 3 of them. They are just too damn expensive, but boy oh boy, I really have to pay attention to what I am doing. I can and have burned up the generator, I can and have burned up the inverter, but only once each. I learn fairly easily.....LOL.. You should hear the sound it makes if I setup in a campground late at night after being on the road all day running the generator for the A/C and then plugging in the 50 amp shore service without turning off the generator breaker.