Zoffo: 120 Generator Feed To 2 Pole Panel
#1
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Zoffo: 120 Generator Feed To 2 Pole Panel
My generator is 2000W with 2 (parallel) receptacles. I want to run the generator to my breaker panel using an Interlock kit at the panel. Since the receptacles are wired in parallel there is no need to connect to both of them, but to back feed into both legs of the panel I will need ganged breakers at the panel. Whats the best way to connect the one hot wire to the breakers?
Last edited by zoffo; 11-11-12 at 04:38 PM.
#3
Thanks Ray....I was replying and got completely lost
Here is how I would handle it:
You should run a piece of 12/3 or better yet 10/3 cable from panel to a receptacle with 4 contacts. Allocate two 20 amp breakers (one above the other) in panel that are designated transfer breakers. You should then make up a cord with a piece of 12-3 SO cable to a matching 4 pin plug at one end and a standard 20 amp plug for the generator at the other end. You would connect the black wire of the three wire cable to the contacts in the plug that supply both hot connections. This way you have a receptacle already wired for 240 volt and future expansion of generator capacity. You would then just replace the generator cable.
Here is how I would handle it:
You should run a piece of 12/3 or better yet 10/3 cable from panel to a receptacle with 4 contacts. Allocate two 20 amp breakers (one above the other) in panel that are designated transfer breakers. You should then make up a cord with a piece of 12-3 SO cable to a matching 4 pin plug at one end and a standard 20 amp plug for the generator at the other end. You would connect the black wire of the three wire cable to the contacts in the plug that supply both hot connections. This way you have a receptacle already wired for 240 volt and future expansion of generator capacity. You would then just replace the generator cable.
#6
Welcome to the forums, Zoffo!
One 15A circuit can supply up to 1800W if the load is not continuous. One 20A circuit can supply up to 2400W if the load is not continuous.
Have you thought about just buying a 14 ga. 3-wire extension cord and using it to connect the generator to the refrigerator? And maybe a second extension cord to alternately power the microwave or the television or a couple of lamps and some chargers, if there's still capacity for that?
My generator is 2000W with 2 (parallel) receptacles. I want to run the generator to my breaker panel using an Interlock kit at the panel. Since the receptacles are wired in parallel there is no need to connect to both of them, but to back feed into both legs of the panel I will need ganged breakers at the panel. Whats the best way to connect the one hot wire to the breakers?
Have you thought about just buying a 14 ga. 3-wire extension cord and using it to connect the generator to the refrigerator? And maybe a second extension cord to alternately power the microwave or the television or a couple of lamps and some chargers, if there's still capacity for that?
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Thanks PJmax. So if I understand you correctly, what you're saying is that I should use a jumper (to connect the 2 hots) at the 4 contact plug of the generator (4 contact to 3 contact) cable. I was afraid that I might be missing a safety issue by connecting to the 2 legs of the breaker panel, but since the Main breaker is off when I use this setup, this should be safe correct?
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
#8
You do understand correctLY and it is safe.
ABOVE ALL - WHEN USING GENERATOR TIED INTO MAIN PANEL - THE MAIN MUST BE OFF - PERIOD
ABOVE ALL - WHEN USING GENERATOR TIED INTO MAIN PANEL - THE MAIN MUST BE OFF - PERIOD