Tap into existing furnace wiring
#1
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Tap into existing furnace wiring
Hello,
I am new to the forum. I would like to tap into the 110v line going into the furnace. I want to have some kind of a switch where if I flip it off the furnace line goes down. But on the other end of the switch I need a male receptacle so I can attach a live line from a generator. Is this possible? Sounds easy enough.
PS. I don't want to use a transfer station because I have a portable generator and all my other lines are taken care of with extension cords. This allows me to have heat in the winter in case I lose power.
Thanks for any advice.
I am new to the forum. I would like to tap into the 110v line going into the furnace. I want to have some kind of a switch where if I flip it off the furnace line goes down. But on the other end of the switch I need a male receptacle so I can attach a live line from a generator. Is this possible? Sounds easy enough.
PS. I don't want to use a transfer station because I have a portable generator and all my other lines are taken care of with extension cords. This allows me to have heat in the winter in case I lose power.
Thanks for any advice.
#2
They make small transfer panels for this. You could use one with an inlet to plug the female end of an extension cord into. A 3-way switch would work too if the load is less than 15a.
https://www.amazon.com/Midlite-MDT46.../dp/B002XDQAA6
If 3-way switch use a double gang box. On the switch furnace hot to common. House hot to one traveler and inlet hot to other traveler.
https://www.amazon.com/Midlite-MDT46.../dp/B002XDQAA6
If 3-way switch use a double gang box. On the switch furnace hot to common. House hot to one traveler and inlet hot to other traveler.
Last edited by ray2047; 01-22-19 at 12:10 PM.
#3
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If I understand you correctly, here is an idea that might not break the bank.....and mitigates two common dangers...backfeed and suicide cables, but be sure this will pass code and inspection. I have not used these so I can't vouch for them, just suggesting it over a homemade device.
https://www.amazon.com/EZ-GENERATOR-...SIN=B00FADDE0A
https://www.amazon.com/EZ-GENERATOR-...SIN=B00FADDE0A
#7
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An easy way to connect generator with no obvious code issues:
Between emergency burner off/on switch and burner have wired a duplex 3 prong 120 volt receptacle.
Always keep LED night light plugged into second receptacle to indicate when power is on.
Between emergency burner off/on switch and burner have wired a duplex 3 prong 120 volt receptacle.
Always keep LED night light plugged into second receptacle to indicate when power is on.
Last edited by pcboss; 01-22-19 at 07:12 PM. Reason: Removed suicide cord recommendation
#8
have wired a duplex 3 prong 120 volt receptacle.
#9
Hummmm, is a 3 way switch rated for this application,although it is technically a DP/SP switch.
Geo
Geo
#10
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He wants to use an extension cord. There is no safe way to connect an extension cord to a receptacle. How do you provide isolation of line from generator.
#12
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Several Points:
Burner is hard wired to electric panel. Inspector would see no reason to think otherwise.
Burner is powered either by utility or generator, not both. Isolation is not used to interconnect two power sources. It is used to isolate a unit from power source.
If by some chance sources were interconnected, circuit breakers on either or both electric panel and generator would open.
Overnight, shut down generator and use this setup to run burner off UPS. For two weeks after Hurricane Sandy worked well.
Generator is on wheels, portable with line cord plug so not covered by code.
House had major damage from Sandy. During reconstruction Town inspectors were here number of times and found no issues.
Burner is hard wired to electric panel. Inspector would see no reason to think otherwise.
Burner is powered either by utility or generator, not both. Isolation is not used to interconnect two power sources. It is used to isolate a unit from power source.
If by some chance sources were interconnected, circuit breakers on either or both electric panel and generator would open.
Overnight, shut down generator and use this setup to run burner off UPS. For two weeks after Hurricane Sandy worked well.
Generator is on wheels, portable with line cord plug so not covered by code.
House had major damage from Sandy. During reconstruction Town inspectors were here number of times and found no issues.
Last edited by doughess; 01-23-19 at 08:37 AM.
#13
"If by some chance sources were interconnected."
There must be no chance sources can be interconnected otherwise your wiring is improper and dangerous. Circuit breakers on either or both will not necessarily open and persons working on power lines can be electrocuted.
In some cities the homemade solution using the 3 way switch, even though equivalent to the green transfer switch unit shown in the link, may be illegal because of the chance of a wiring mistake. Even the preassembled green transfer switch shown might not be legal in all cities.
There must be no chance sources can be interconnected otherwise your wiring is improper and dangerous. Circuit breakers on either or both will not necessarily open and persons working on power lines can be electrocuted.
In some cities the homemade solution using the 3 way switch, even though equivalent to the green transfer switch unit shown in the link, may be illegal because of the chance of a wiring mistake. Even the preassembled green transfer switch shown might not be legal in all cities.
#14
In some cities the homemade solution using the 3 way switch, even though equivalent to the green transfer switch unit shown in the link, may be illegal because of the chance of a wiring mistake. Even the preassembled green transfer switch shown might not be legal in all cities.
That's why like the Reliance single circuit transfer switch.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Reliance...B&gclsrc=aw.ds
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Thanks All. This very well answers my question. I will contact electrician for code satisfaction. Sounds real easy with that furnace transfer switch. It is exactly what I was looking for. It will isolate the AC between panel and generator. Perfect.