IKE update thread..
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,499
Likes: 10
From: Sterling Heights,Mi
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.
Gone, but not forgotten
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,026
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte-Fairbanks-Bflo
That's a real good bet. I failed to mention the sparks that fly out of the campground hookup. I also failed to mention the 750 dollar microwave I screwed up. But it was so new Sharp fixed it under warranty. It is a convection, micro combo which is why it was so much money. That happened because I plugged in with the generator still running, hence I fed everything 220 for a micro second. It also took out my power supply for my printer, so I really got lucky with that mistake.
Thread Starter
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Of the next Riffraff East
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 2
From: Concord NC
Just got a text from Scott, not generator today, he's trying again tomorrow. That sucks. Ask him again about the offers for you guys to bring him one, waiting on reply.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 10,499
Likes: 10
From: Sterling Heights,Mi
How long was he sitting there waiting, that sucks. How did Lowes drop the ball like that?
Last edited by just another truck; Sep 14, 2008 at 03:55 PM. Reason: Wrong store, and if I am going to throw stones, it has to be a the right place
Thread Starter
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Of the next Riffraff East
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 2
From: Concord NC
Don't know the details. I know he was there (Lowes) at 8:30am my time, got the no go text at 3:45. He's a little whipped. Still texting him about Makomakers offer.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,144
Likes: 11
From: Rochdale MA
Pat, I was talking to Roland earlier today and he told me that all of our well wishes, thoughts and prayers, along with the willingness to help is a a big help to all thoses affected.
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Thread Starter
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Of the next Riffraff East
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 2
From: Concord NC
Scott just said he will try one more place in AM then may take one of the offers. He's a little stressed now. Still can't call, but text instead and I will tell you that I don't text for a reason. don't know the keys and can't see them little letters. Anyway, I am getting some better after 10-12 today. He's going to call if he finds sevice in the am.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 899
Likes: 0
From: Irmo, SC
You are 100% correct Jay. The best way is via some type of transfer switch. You can either have one across the mains or what is referred to as a Gentran switch. This allows you to switch predetermined circuits from utility power to generator power. When the rest of your house comes on then the utility power is restored and you switch the Gentran back to utility power.
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: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,144
Likes: 11
From: Rochdale MA
Have seen quite a few generators hooked up like this. The cord is usually called a suicide cord. If you hook up like this you need to make sure the main in the panel is turned off, or pull the meter, or both. During tiimes of emergency they will not fine you if you remove the meter yourself. Also remember the linemen out on the pole will appriciate if you hook your generator up correctly. When I was doing line work after the 2003 storms when FL got hit by 4 hurricanes, some linemen did die because of improperly connected generators.
Smokin
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,849
Likes: 0
Glad to see everyone seems to be O.K., unscathed.
Everyone continue to be careful.
Remember you can replace your things, but not yourselves.
The rest of you are amazing.
If I can help in any way, please let me know. Like Jim, I feel helpless being so far away.
Everyone continue to be careful.
Remember you can replace your things, but not yourselves.
The rest of you are amazing.
If I can help in any way, please let me know. Like Jim, I feel helpless being so far away.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 612
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
thats what bolt cutters are made for.....I have used the suicide cord method, generally pulling the meter base when I have. If I ever do build a place new you can bet it will be wired for a genset....those auto switches are sweet, and the standalone purpose built generators really are a bargain for what you get. My generator is Lincoln Ranger 8 welder...about 100 hours on it. My biggest gripe on it is that you need the forklift to put it in the truck to be mobile.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 899
Likes: 0
From: Irmo, SC
Down here in Fl at least they have the little metal clip on them. I guess they figure in the event of a devastating storm you can remove the meter from the base. If you think about it a big padlock type or barrel lock would take the linemen along time to pull your meter out when you don't pay the bill. But I guess they figure that nobody will steal power with this lock that you have.