[aprssig] Shack backup power

[DALE]

My setup is for worst case long term failure.
The grid may be partially destroyed. 
What I do is my responsibility.
There are two separate in series disconnect to the grid two to the generator.
I have detectors to indicate if any are live.
Nothing is hooked up unless I need it. Generator is in its shed with the coiled up cords and the propane tanks disconnected.
For a normal power failure the refrigerator,  freezer, battery chargers are unplugged and hooked to the generator directly.
I should not mentioned the suicide cord. Electricians use them and named them that.
They also use a shorting plug to blow the breakers before working on some circuits.
These are not authorized ,but that is the reality of the electrical trade.
In my earlier working days I was a IBEW member. I liked electronics better.
I have never hear of a lineman killed because some one plugged in a home generator.
Dale
 
----- Original Message -----
From: "Greg Dolkas" <ko6th.greg at gmail.com>
To: "TAPR APRS Mailing List" <aprssig at tapr.org>
Sent: Saturday, June 4, 2011 10:37:41 PM
Subject: Re: [aprssig] Shack backup power



-----Original Message-----
From: "DALE" <wa7ixk at embarqmail.com>
To: "TAPR APRS Mailing List" <aprssig at tapr.org>
Sent: 6/4/11 6:50 PM
Subject: Re: [aprssig] Shack backup power

..snip..

> very unlikely a generator is going to kill a lineman.
> I use a suicide cord to hook mine up after I have tripped all breakers.
> One main breaker kill the whole house.
> I am thinking of putting in a transfer switch, but it is $200.00 just for the panel.

Are you willing to bet a life on this?  It is unlikely, sure, but the small risk is extremely severe.  Circuit breakers can fail closed, especially if the outage caused a power spike at its onset.  You may think the breaker is pulled, when it's not.  

The thought that the line load would prevent your generator from driving it presumes you're driving the whole of it.  Depending on the event, that may not be true either.

Laws and building codes not withstanding, is saving the money worth the risk?

Greg  KO6TH


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