Posted: Oct 06, 2017 6:38 pm
crank wrote:laklak wrote:I need to wire a generator transfer switch into the main breaker panel. I know how to do it but it's illegal, I'm supposed to hire an electrician, get a permit, and all that jazz. I called an electrician and he wants $500 to do it, plus parts. WTF? It's less than an hour of work, including mounting the new box. I'm not an idiot, I understand wiring, and I'm not going to wire the hot into the common or otherwise fuck it up.
I think I'm going to break the law here.
I think the reason for the high cost and the banning us citizens from doing it is the requirement for an interlock to make sure the supply lines are cut off when your generator kicks in. Lineman have been killed by home owners injecting their generator power onto the grid, and anyone who is assuming the power is off because, we;ll, the power is off, might get quite a surprise when their neighbor connects his generator.
I suppose it’s surprising that there arent automatic disconnects at the meter. If it detects power flowing in the wrong direction, open the circuit.