Whole house generator questions (Page 2/6)
Stubby79 APR 18, 11:41 AM
Chinese gen head + DIY, un-governed engine = good old times!
84fiero123 APR 18, 01:48 PM

quote
Originally posted by Stubby79:

Chinese gen head + DIY, un-governed engine = good old times!



I was thinking the same thing, Yeehaw !

Steve
Hudini APR 18, 07:22 PM

quote
Originally posted by Stubby79:

Chinese gen head + DIY, un-governed engine = good old times!



Not so fast me bucko! I bought a frequency controlled Generac governor. Yesiree, it regulates the throttle via the output frequency of the generator and is able to do 50 or 60 hz.

EDIT: YouTube video of the unit if anyone needs it. Boring otherwise: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tdLH1MIyq8

The Chinese gen head is famous for being damn near bullet proof. This is one of those things the villages use out in the boonies to power the whole village. Repair involves a hammer and a file.

[This message has been edited by Hudini (edited 04-18-2016).]

Stubby79 APR 18, 09:40 PM

quote
Originally posted by Hudini:

Not so fast me bucko! I bought a frequency controlled Generac governor. Yesiree, it regulates the throttle via the output frequency of the generator and is able to do 50 or 60 hz.




Where's the fun in that?
Hudini APR 18, 10:09 PM
Don't you see it? A friggin Fiero engine with intake and all powering my house! And all at the correct frequency and voltage. For far far less than a factory built, ready to run unit. Plus I have to admit I like a challenge. I've always wanted to see if I could make something like this. I have the tools and I'm gaining the knowledge slowly. That is why I'm asking for the forum's collective knowledge so that I may add that to my own. It may fail spectacularly but you never know until you try. I had never swapped engines or added a turbo to a car before I did it with my '86 GT.
Formula88 APR 18, 10:20 PM

quote
Originally posted by Hudini:

So, my question for anyone who has laid eyeballs on one of the ST generator heads, how does it hook up to your house? A 240v dryer plug? (I hope not) I can't seem to get a good view of the other side of that big ol' gen head.



Here's where we need a little reality check with Dr. Ohm.
What's the breaker size on your 240v dryer? 20A? 30A? 60A?

Well, a 24kW generator at 208V equates to over 115 Amps (I assume Single Phase, is that correct?). Might be a good idea to ask an electrician.

I can appreciate the DIY aspect, but you are dealing with lethal amounts of current that can just as easily fry wiring and burn your house down. Risk costs money. Just how much risk are you willing to assume and how much $$$ is it going to save you?
Hudini APR 18, 10:25 PM

quote
Originally posted by 84fiero123:


I was thinking the same thing, Yeehaw !

Steve



If you are picturing some Jed Clampett, Jethro Bodine contraption you would be mistaken. The wife unit will not tolerate some unsightly device in her yard. She made me cover up the pump and filter by the pool so I know she wouldn't accept some metal monstrosity. It will be properly covered and painted just like a store bought unit.
Hudini APR 18, 10:36 PM

quote
Originally posted by Formula88:


Here's where we need a little reality check with Dr. Ohm.
What's the breaker size on your 240v dryer? 20A? 30A? 60A?

Well, a 24kW generator at 208V equates to over 115 Amps (I assume Single Phase, is that correct?). Might be a good idea to ask an electrician.

I can appreciate the DIY aspect, but you are dealing with lethal amounts of current that can just as easily fry wiring and burn your house down. Risk costs money. Just how much risk are you willing to assume and how much $$$ is it going to save you?



I will not be back feeding through the dryer circuit. I will be employing a certified electrician for all wiring. I plan on running all power through my 200 amp service panel with a lockout switch so that only one source can power the house at a time, gen or utility, never both.

It is a single phase 4 pole (1800 rpm = 60 hz) AC gen head. This is not the relatively fragile 2 pole 3600 rpm units you find on the smaller gen sets.

Even with a Generac or GE unit I will have to employ the electrician. The difference is the unit itself. Costs will be somewhat less but the knowledge factor is priceless. I will not be taking chances. That is why I seek advice.
Stubby79 APR 18, 10:50 PM
Single or three phase?
(208v is three phase, not single, but OP hasn't mentioned the generators phases that I'm aware of)
theogre APR 18, 10:51 PM

quote
Originally posted by Hudini:
I will not be back feeding through the dryer circuit. I will be employing a certified electrician for all wiring. I plan on running all power through my 200 amp service panel with a lockout switch so that only one source can power the house at a time, gen or utility, never both.

Good because Installing a Transfer Switches is not DIY project to most people.

TS must be sized correctly or can melt/burn out fast.

In the US and some other counties...
1. Most places have rules to install Transfer Switches for residential and commercial use.
If installed w/o meeting current electric/fire codes and causes any problems, or worse hurt/kill someone, then people will likely go to jail.
You'd often have problems w/ Home/Business Insurance companies too.
In China? Could get Death sentence when anything goes wrong.

2. Have to mess w/ "Service Entrance," IOW the big wire from Load Center to the Meter, just to install. In most cases, to shut off power at that point you must remove the meter.
  • Meter Boxes are Lock and Sealed by Power Co in many places. If you have a "Smart Meter" then Power Co will know someone pulled a meter in a minute or two max.
  • While meter and box looks tough... Easy to damage the meter, socket and/or box. Example: Philly area had big problems w/ smart meter switch because contractors damage the meter's socket. (google: smart meter fires philly) One correct way to remove/install meters safely and some contractors didn't bother.

    [This message has been edited by theogre (edited 04-19-2016).]

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