Generator Only Outlet
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Generator Only Outlet
TLDR;
Want to wire two GENERATOR ONLY outlets in the basement with no ties to the rest of the house electrical system.
Full text:
Hey guys, I have an idea I'm trying to work out in my head. Hopefully one of you can help me figure this out. At my house, we have a basement with a sump pump and some computer / network equipment. We have a generator with a transfer switch for some loads, but this does not power the network equipment because that generator produces very bad power (UPSs freak out). Additionally, no part of that system is automatic, so in the event that the power goes out, someone has to wheel the generator outside and hit the transfer switch. My mother can't move the generator on her own, so I was thinking to install an inverter generator that someone could start with a remote start button that would power just the network and sump pump. I wouldn't need this system to be tied into the rest of the electrical system in any way, since CyberPower makes a standalone ATS that simply plugs into two outlets and automatically keeps power flowing from one of two sources. Basically what I would want to do is to have the generator connected to an inlet outside, and two outlets in the basement. This is where I need some assistance. I know I can't just wire the inlet outside to the outlets inside, I would need some sort of disconnect inside the house. Would I need a simple small load center and just wire that like a main panel? Any advice is appreciated. I want to make sure anything I do is to code (and anything I do will be inspected before being put into service). I live in New Jersey.
Thanks!
Want to wire two GENERATOR ONLY outlets in the basement with no ties to the rest of the house electrical system.
Full text:
Hey guys, I have an idea I'm trying to work out in my head. Hopefully one of you can help me figure this out. At my house, we have a basement with a sump pump and some computer / network equipment. We have a generator with a transfer switch for some loads, but this does not power the network equipment because that generator produces very bad power (UPSs freak out). Additionally, no part of that system is automatic, so in the event that the power goes out, someone has to wheel the generator outside and hit the transfer switch. My mother can't move the generator on her own, so I was thinking to install an inverter generator that someone could start with a remote start button that would power just the network and sump pump. I wouldn't need this system to be tied into the rest of the electrical system in any way, since CyberPower makes a standalone ATS that simply plugs into two outlets and automatically keeps power flowing from one of two sources. Basically what I would want to do is to have the generator connected to an inlet outside, and two outlets in the basement. This is where I need some assistance. I know I can't just wire the inlet outside to the outlets inside, I would need some sort of disconnect inside the house. Would I need a simple small load center and just wire that like a main panel? Any advice is appreciated. I want to make sure anything I do is to code (and anything I do will be inspected before being put into service). I live in New Jersey.
Thanks!
#2
Welcome to the forums.
I'm a little hazy on what you are doing from a transfer standpoint.
A link to that Cyber Power unit would be appreciated.
I'm a little hazy on what you are doing from a transfer standpoint.
A link to that Cyber Power unit would be appreciated.
#3
Member
Thread Starter
ATS Link
Here's the CyberPower ATS I was looking at. APC makes one too
https://www.amazon.com/CyberPower-PDU15M10AT-Metered-100-120V-Rackmount/dp/B00NEHUX08/ref=asc_df_B00NEHUX08/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=216591984952&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17193856838048825600&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003581&hvtargid=pla-349848124489&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/CyberPower-PDU15M10AT-Metered-100-120V-Rackmount/dp/B00NEHUX08/ref=asc_df_B00NEHUX08/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=216591984952&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17193856838048825600&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003581&hvtargid=pla-349848124489&psc=1
#4
You are installing a "generator circuit" fed by a (male) inlet receptacle on the outside of the house, with an independent panel box (load center)*, and with some (female) ordinary receptacles on inside walls. No problem, so far so good.
Suggest keeping neutrals and grounds separate in the panel box.
Now, as you said, you need a way to transfer the sump pump, refrigerator, and perhaps other items from their regular plug in receptacles to the generator circuit described in the preceding paragraph without having to go downstairs and unplug and replug the respective cords into the new generator circuit receptacles.
The Cyperpower ATS box you described has two male plugs and is the perfect and safe solution, subject to its amperage rating. It does not have to be shown to the inspector who arrives to inspect the generator circuit and other in-wall wiring or panels. If you plug just one, either, cord of the Cyberpower into a live receptacle, the other plug will never be live.
* Note: If there is no panel box in the generator circuit in the wall, then the inlet on the outside must be for no more than 20 amps, to be connected (using an extension cord) only to one of the 120 volt ordinary receptacles on the generator.
Suggest keeping neutrals and grounds separate in the panel box.
Now, as you said, you need a way to transfer the sump pump, refrigerator, and perhaps other items from their regular plug in receptacles to the generator circuit described in the preceding paragraph without having to go downstairs and unplug and replug the respective cords into the new generator circuit receptacles.
The Cyperpower ATS box you described has two male plugs and is the perfect and safe solution, subject to its amperage rating. It does not have to be shown to the inspector who arrives to inspect the generator circuit and other in-wall wiring or panels. If you plug just one, either, cord of the Cyberpower into a live receptacle, the other plug will never be live.
* Note: If there is no panel box in the generator circuit in the wall, then the inlet on the outside must be for no more than 20 amps, to be connected (using an extension cord) only to one of the 120 volt ordinary receptacles on the generator.
Last edited by AllanJ; 10-02-19 at 03:09 PM.
#5
Member
Thread Starter
Okay, some excellent information there, thank you AllanJ! I definitely was not planing on having the ATS there at inspection. The generator I'm looking at (Predator 3500 from Harbor Freight) can do 3500 watts starting, 3000 continuous. With the sump pump and network equipment (more like a home lab), I'd be more comfortable using the 30 amp rated socket and wiring. So what I'm putting together is that I have to install a panel with a 30 amp main breaker and probably two 15 amp breakers to feed the two receptacles inside. Would this panel do the trick for me?
https://www.amazon.com/Square-Schnei...P7J6AKJBPQJTBP
https://www.amazon.com/Square-Schnei...P7J6AKJBPQJTBP
jmarmorato
voted this post useful.
#8
Member
Would something as simple as this work - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Reliance...B&gclsrc=aw.ds
#9
No, that furnace trasfer switch is wired into the whole house electrical system. The system the OP is installing is completely separate from the house electrical system except for cord and plug connections.
In additon the furnace transfer switch pictured requires a manual flipping of a switch toggle while the OP was looking for something that switched to generator power automatically withouth aoyone;s having tow walk downstairs.
In additon the furnace transfer switch pictured requires a manual flipping of a switch toggle while the OP was looking for something that switched to generator power automatically withouth aoyone;s having tow walk downstairs.
#10
Member
Thread Starter
Right. So the last piece I have to figure out is if the panel (will need to be 30 amp) will need a main breaker, or if the main breaker on the generator will satisfy that requirement. Other than that I think I know what I need to do now.