Hooking up generator to house

[TXredfish]

I hope that this does not happen. I live in South Texas hurricane territory and trying to prepare. If a hurricane should hit, we could be without power for several days.
My motorhome has a 6500 watt Generac generator. The output of the generator would be 120V at 50A. One of my options would be to run an extention chord #14 and plug into an 120 AC outlet in the motorhome using one in the outside bay which was put in for a TV. I could also utilize an extention chord for each device (ie: fan, TV, etc) and plug into other outlets inside the motorhome. I would probably run a fan and maybe refrigerator off the extensions. How many watts or amps would the current motorhome 120V outlets handle? Is there a way to plug into the generator so that I could utilize more of the generator other than putting in a bypass circuit in the house so that there would not be feedback. Using the above method I would not be plugging anything into the house circuit. I can't seem to locate any 120V outlet plugs on the generator. Thanks .....................

[GaryKD]

Hi TXredfish,
The WATTS handled by individual coach circuits depends on the breaker installed for that circuit. Volts X AMPS = WATTS. Other than extension cords (not the best solution due to power drop in the extension cord) or an electrician installed by pass to prevent generator power from leaving the house and going out to the power company's lines there is no other way to move electricity from the coach to the house.

Living in south Florida, I did the electrician installed outlet and master power switch installation. My generator will run just about everything in the house except items powered by 220 VAC. Those circuits are not connected to the generator powered circuit.

I look at it this way, if I am prepared, most likely, I will not need the circuit. So far, after 5 years that has been true.

[TXredfish]

I thought about having an electrician install an outlet and transfer switch, a bypass so it would not backfeed into electric lines, but I am not sure how the Generac generator output can be plugged into this circuit. Would I have to have an RV shop wire an output plug from the generator and run some type of extension from house to output of generator? Thanks .................

[allynne]

TXredfish,

I understand your dilemma, years ago I had a "should I say it" bounder.

We had a severe wind storm and were without power for over 5 days.

We coped by using the MH genny and extension cords did not try to run everything, just the essentials ie: each refer for a couple of hours per day same for the freezer. planned openings of each to minimize warming.
To us they were the critical items, all other items were not critical.

If we needed TV or something we could to the MH if necessary.

For the chances of another similar occurence I found the rewireing to be an unnecessary expense. Thats just me.

Al Sawyer
'05 MADP

[wa8yxm]

I installed a proper TWIST LOCK outlet in one of my bays, If I had it to do over I'd put it on the other side but that's a long story IT would still be in a DRY bay (one that does not have a water tank in it) I have a custom made (8ga) cord that runs from that bay to a twist lock INLET on the back of the house.. Just one cable. Rather heavy, I won't bore you with it's cost (Since this was six years ago I made it)

In the house is a proper GENERATOR TRANSFER PANEL

When I found Frosty the air-blown inflatable snowman sleeping on the job one day (He was supposed to be inflated, not lying down) I went to the somewhat chilly basement, got the big cord, plugged the outlet end into the inlet, uncoiled it as I walked, plugged the plug end into the RV's outlet and twist locked it, went inside got the Gen-Turi and walked around and put it on, Back inside I pushed the proper buttons, once I confirmed generator in operation I went back to the basement.

CLICK (Actually a double click since they are 3-position switches MAIN-OFF-GENERATOR and the lights came on,, CLICK and the furnace came on, CICK and the computer beeped and came on, CLICK and the television came on.. The Microwave, The freezer, The refrigerator, Some more lights (I think I had 6 circuits on the E-panel,, I think it supported up to 10) Kind of nice

All one cord

AND, I might add, no cords running in via windows or doors which were ajar, And it's in full compliance with the electrical code, no chance at all of back feeding the mains.

[GaryKD]

Hi TXredfish,
While the connections may be a bit different depending on local code, wa8yxm said it all.

[TXiceman]

One thing you need to remember that the house is wire with a 240 volt service. Part of the house is run from one 120 volt side and part is run from the other 120 volt side. The A/C, electric range, electric drier and any electric heat is run on the 240 volts.

You will need a proper transfer switch installed on the house.

Ken

[Mekanic]

mine is you standard rope pull start 5500 watt genst (one of the $600 ones)
.my house is hooked up the old way. i back feed the house though a welding outlet.
CAUTION : there is a procedue to foolw if you go this route. when power goes out you shut off the main breaker, turn on the welding out let and start genset.

["007"]

Cost of having electrician wiring up transfer switch and redirect certain house feeds to appliances may be more than you may want.
I have use my Gen during winter & spring months for power outages and heavy rains in spring for water stump pumps by using number 12 cords off outlets in MH.
One cord for appliances and the other cord for stump pumps.
Gen was able to keep fridge operating and lighting plus pumps running for a day or so until power was restored.
Make sure you have full gas tank and you may have spare breaker slots in load center for additional 20 amp outlets if needed.

[DRosedale]

It can be done, cost could be a draw back. Since we live in Louisiana, I know what can happen with the weather. However, if I were you, I would just moved into the coach, or better yet get in the coach and leave town before the hurricane hits.

Just my 2 cents worth.

[TXiceman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mekanic mine is you standard rope pull start 5500 watt genst (one of the $600 ones) .my house is hooked up the old way. i back feed the house though a welding outlet. CAUTION : there is a procedue to foolw if you go this route. when power goes out you shut off the main breaker, turn on the welding out let and start genset.

Be careful doing this. You should also disconnect the neutral lead from the main power as well as the hot leads by using the breakers. If there are power problems, you can back feed through a neutral. This is the reason for the transfer switch.

ken

[Mekanic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman Be careful doing this. You should also disconnect the neutral lead from the main power as well as the hot leads by using the breakers. If there are power problems, you can back feed through a neutral. This is the reason for the transfer switch. ken

Oh I am careful about it. worst part is that if you live out in the country like I do you will not know when the power is back on.
you have to shut is all down to find out. luckly I don't run mine 24 hours a day when the power is out.