Using coach genset to power house?

[Scott Forman]

As I sit here in Memphis on the verge of a huge ice storm (if you
believe the weather guys, anyway), I find my self wondering how tough
it would be to wire up some sort of pig tail off of my FC genset to
supply power to my home. Has anyone ever tried something like that?
It seems easy conceptually, but I don't want to do something that is
going to screw up how the gen powers up the coach.

Suggestions?

Scott Forman
82 FC35RB
Memphis

[Jon]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Scott Forman" <sforman@...>
wrote:
>
> As I sit here in Memphis on the verge of a huge ice storm (if you
> believe the weather guys, anyway), I find my self wondering how
tough
> it would be to wire up some sort of pig tail off of my FC genset to
> supply power to my home. Has anyone ever tried something like
that?
> It seems easy conceptually, but I don't want to do something that
is
> going to screw up how the gen powers up the coach.
>
> Suggestions?
>
> Scott Forman
> 82 FC35RB
> Memphis


First of all you probably don't have enough KW to power up your
whole house but you do have enough to keep a few lights on and the
freezer&Refrigerator cold. You might just have enough energy after
that to run your TV and maybe a microwave oven. But I really don't
think you would ever have enough power to run your total house except
if you had a really small house.

I ran our gen-set to power us up a month ago like I said a few
necessary items and only used a 10-3extention cord. It worked good
and it was just easy to run the cord over to the house and attach it
to a plug board with multiple outlets. Oh one other thing I have is a
wood heater and so I don't need to run my gas-fired furnace.

Jon
1978 Rebel Bird
Bremerton Washington 32degrees outside!

[John Suter]

Hi Scott,

Powered portions of house from Bird for years -
before installed a house gen. However, as other local
Florida folks began to purchase portable generators
and connect without a "house transfer switch," they
inadvertently were "backfeeding" the utility company
lines and lineman were injured.
Bottom line: passed strict ordinances prohibiting
the process without a permit and without licensed
electrician installed protections - so you may wish to
check out local building code before you venture into
the unknown. (Oh, fine print in my homeowner's policy
required that I notify them too.)

John Suter


--- Scott Forman <sforman@...> wrote:

> As I sit here in Memphis on the verge of a huge ice
> storm (if you
> believe the weather guys, anyway), I find my self
> wondering how tough
> it would be to wire up some sort of pig tail off of
> my FC genset to
> supply power to my home. Has anyone ever tried
> something like that?
> It seems easy conceptually, but I don't want to do
> something that is
> going to screw up how the gen powers up the coach.
>
> Suggestions?
>
> Scott Forman
> 82 FC35RB
> Memphis
>
>
>
>
>


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[Jo-Ski]

Scott--

Ditto what John says about all the precautions.

It wasn't main reason reason we bought our Bird, of course, but we
considered as an extra benefit that we could use the generator to power a
small part of the house in emergencies/power-outs. In the huge windstorm we
had in NW WA state 2 weeks ago, we lost our power for about 12 hours, but
within a few minutes of the power going out, we had the generator from our
Bird powering the essentials in the house--a few lights, refrigerator,
etc.(plus I was in the middle of watching a late-night movie on DISH, and I
didn't want to miss how it ended!).

But you definitely have to have a licensed electrician install the
protective device so the linemen don't get electrocuted from any backfeed.
You probably want the electrician's advice/participation on how to set up
the whole thing--I believe the archives contain a thread about housefires
resulting from this if not set up properly.

Jo-Ski and Stew
"The Bird Abides"
'83-FC 35 RB
Blaine, WA

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Suter"
To:
Sent: Friday, February 17, 2006 12:58 PM
Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Using coach genset to power house?


> Hi Scott,
>
> Powered portions of house from Bird for years -
> before installed a house gen. However, as other local
> Florida folks began to purchase portable generators
> and connect without a "house transfer switch," they
> inadvertently were "backfeeding" the utility company
> lines and lineman were injured.
> Bottom line: passed strict ordinances prohibiting
> the process without a permit and without licensed
> electrician installed protections - so you may wish to
> check out local building code before you venture into
> the unknown. (Oh, fine print in my homeowner's policy
> required that I notify them too.)
>
> John Suter
>
>
> --- Scott Forman <sforman@...> wrote:
>
> > As I sit here in Memphis on the verge of a huge ice
> > storm (if you
> > believe the weather guys, anyway), I find my self
> > wondering how tough
> > it would be to wire up some sort of pig tail off of
> > my FC genset to
> > supply power to my home. Has anyone ever tried
> > something like that?
> > It seems easy conceptually, but I don't want to do
> > something that is
> > going to screw up how the gen powers up the coach.
> >
> > Suggestions?
> >
> > Scott Forman
> > 82 FC35RB
> > Memphis
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
> http://mail.yahoo.com
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>

[putneyflash@...]

I was thinking about the same thing. I was thinking about installing a plug on
the side of the box for a 30 amp plug in connector.It appears to me all we have
to do is come off the two connectors that supply the fan motor and pick up a
ground.I would run the line to a disconnect switch. i will get around to it in
the next couple of months and let you know how it works.

re brake "83 fc-35 sb ,

-------------- Original message from "Scott Forman" <sforman@...>:
--------------

As I sit here in Memphis on the verge of a huge ice storm (if you
believe the weather guys, anyway), I find my self wondering how tough
it would be to wire up some sort of pig tail off of my FC genset to
supply power to my home. Has anyone ever tried something like that?
It seems easy conceptually, but I don't want to do something that is
going to screw up how the gen powers up the coach.

Suggestions?

Scott Forman
82 FC35RB
Memphis






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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Scott]

Hey there Scott, We live on the coast, where hurricanes are a "very
real issue" and as such, power to the house may be out for an extended
period of time. Well, to the whole neighborhood, actually. I have a set
up that an electrician friend of mine "rigged" for us. We plug into the
dryer connection inside the house and it works great. BE VERY CAREFUL
TO PROVIDE SOMETHING THAT PREVENTS BACKFEED INTO THE LINES. NO need to
electrocute a lineman that is just trying to help out! We also have a
6kw genny that we put in the bed of a truck to run neighbors refers,
freezers etc..or anyone that needs some help.

Scott B
86FC35
SC

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Scott Forman" <sforman@...>
wrote:
>
> As I sit here in Memphis on the verge of a huge ice storm (if you
> believe the weather guys, anyway), I find my self wondering how tough
> it would be to wire up some sort of pig tail off of my FC genset to
> supply power to my home. Has anyone ever tried something like that?
> It seems easy conceptually, but I don't want to do something that is
> going to screw up how the gen powers up the coach.
>
> Suggestions?
>
> Scott Forman
> 82 FC35RB
> Memphis
>

[John]

Scott,

I have done exactly what you are talking about on my 'Bird. I had a
professional licensed electrician do all of the work, to make sure
that it was up to code on my shop and that there would be no feedback
into the local power grid and I have used it safely numerous times
since it was installed, mainly during ice storms here in the Carolinas.

I went a little further than needed, by wiring the BUDDY PLUG through
an additional breaker box, I did it this way so that if there was a
breaker tripping situation in the source supplied by the BUDDY PLUG,
hopefully it would trip that additional breaker, but not the one that
supplies the power to my 'Bird, since I use it on a full time basis.

Here are some photos and descriptions on my web site;

BUDDY PLUG CIRCUIT BREAKER BOX

http://www.pbase.com/iamflagman/image/41069743

STANDBY GENERATOR BREAKER PANEL

http://www.pbase.com/iamflagman/image/50203372

Lowes used to carry the Standby Generator panel, but the last time I
checked it was no longer available through them, checking with a GE
electrical distributor in your area, may be the best place to find one.


"REMEMBER SEPTEMBER 11, 2001"
John Finn
'82 35FCRB
BLUEBIRD WANDERLODGE
TO VISIT THE "FINN'S INN EXPRESS" REMODELING ADVENTURE
GO TO;
http://www.pbase.com/image/24977457
'66 SUPERIOR / IH 392 GAS V8 32' PUSHER "FOR SALE"
SEE THE OLD COACH AT:
http://www.pbase.com/image/26052733
HOPKINS, SOUTH CAROLINA

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Scott Forman" <sforman@...>
wrote:
>
> As I sit here in Memphis on the verge of a huge ice storm (if you
> believe the weather guys, anyway), I find my self wondering how
tough
> it would be to wire up some sort of pig tail off of my FC genset to
> supply power to my home. Has anyone ever tried something like
that?
> It seems easy conceptually, but I don't want to do something that is
> going to screw up how the gen powers up the coach.
>
> Suggestions?
>
> Scott Forman
> 82 FC35RB
> Memphis
>

[John Suter]

Oh, John,

Tch, Tch, Tch. I hope the white sheathed wiring I
see feeding that 50 amp female plug is properly rated
for damp/wet and 50 amp!!! At first glance, they look
mighty small diameter but can't really tell.

John Suter



--- John wrote:

> Scott,
>
> I have done exactly what you are talking about on my
> 'Bird. I had a
> professional licensed electrician do all of the
> work, to make sure
> that it was up to code on my shop and that there
> would be no feedback
> into the local power grid and I have used it safely
> numerous times
> since it was installed, mainly during ice storms
> here in the Carolinas.
>
> I went a little further than needed, by wiring the
> BUDDY PLUG through
> an additional breaker box, I did it this way so that
> if there was a
> breaker tripping situation in the source supplied by
> the BUDDY PLUG,
> hopefully it would trip that additional breaker, but
> not the one that
> supplies the power to my 'Bird, since I use it on a
> full time basis.
>
> Here are some photos and descriptions on my web
> site;
>
> BUDDY PLUG CIRCUIT BREAKER BOX
>
> http://www.pbase.com/iamflagman/image/41069743
>
> STANDBY GENERATOR BREAKER PANEL
>
> http://www.pbase.com/iamflagman/image/50203372
>
> Lowes used to carry the Standby Generator panel, but
> the last time I
> checked it was no longer available through them,
> checking with a GE
> electrical distributor in your area, may be the best
> place to find one.
>
>
> "REMEMBER SEPTEMBER 11, 2001"
> John Finn
> '82 35FCRB
> BLUEBIRD WANDERLODGE
> TO VISIT THE "FINN'S INN EXPRESS" REMODELING
> ADVENTURE
> GO TO;
> http://www.pbase.com/image/24977457
> '66 SUPERIOR / IH 392 GAS V8 32' PUSHER "FOR SALE"
> SEE THE OLD COACH AT:
> http://www.pbase.com/image/26052733
> HOPKINS, SOUTH CAROLINA
>
>
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Scott
> Forman" <sforman@...>
> wrote:
> >
> > As I sit here in Memphis on the verge of a huge
> ice storm (if you
> > believe the weather guys, anyway), I find my self
> wondering how
> tough
> > it would be to wire up some sort of pig tail off
> of my FC genset to
> > supply power to my home. Has anyone ever tried
> something like
> that?
> > It seems easy conceptually, but I don't want to do
> something that is
> > going to screw up how the gen powers up the coach.
> >
> > Suggestions?
> >
> > Scott Forman
> > 82 FC35RB
> > Memphis
> >
>
>
>
>
>


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Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
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[Gregory OConnor]

The shorter the run, the smaller the thickness (higher number gauge)
wire can be to keep it in the rated range. Over-building is as costly
as over-maintaining. I am sure J M will disagree with me, always does
Gregory O'Connor
94 PT Romoland Ca

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, John Suter
wrote:
>
> Oh, John,
>
> Tch, Tch, Tch. I hope the white sheathed wiring I
> see feeding that 50 amp female plug is properly rated
> for damp/wet and 50 amp!!! At first glance, they look
> mighty small diameter but can't really tell.
>
> John Suter
>
>
>
> --- John wrote:
>
> > Scott,
> >
> > I have done exactly what you are talking about on my
> > 'Bird. I had a
> > professional licensed electrician do all of the
> > work, to make sure
> > that it was up to code on my shop and that there
> > would be no feedback
> > into the local power grid and I have used it safely
> > numerous times
> > since it was installed, mainly during ice storms
> > here in the Carolinas.
> >
> > I went a little further than needed, by wiring the
> > BUDDY PLUG through
> > an additional breaker box, I did it this way so that
> > if there was a
> > breaker tripping situation in the source supplied by
> > the BUDDY PLUG,
> > hopefully it would trip that additional breaker, but
> > not the one that
> > supplies the power to my 'Bird, since I use it on a
> > full time basis.
> >
> > Here are some photos and descriptions on my web
> > site;
> >
> > BUDDY PLUG CIRCUIT BREAKER BOX
> >
> > http://www.pbase.com/iamflagman/image/41069743
> >
> > STANDBY GENERATOR BREAKER PANEL
> >
> > http://www.pbase.com/iamflagman/image/50203372
> >
> > Lowes used to carry the Standby Generator panel, but
> > the last time I
> > checked it was no longer available through them,
> > checking with a GE
> > electrical distributor in your area, may be the best
> > place to find one.
> >
> >
> > "REMEMBER SEPTEMBER 11, 2001"
> > John Finn
> > '82 35FCRB
> > BLUEBIRD WANDERLODGE
> > TO VISIT THE "FINN'S INN EXPRESS" REMODELING
> > ADVENTURE
> > GO TO;
> > http://www.pbase.com/image/24977457
> > '66 SUPERIOR / IH 392 GAS V8 32' PUSHER "FOR SALE"
> > SEE THE OLD COACH AT:
> > http://www.pbase.com/image/26052733
> > HOPKINS, SOUTH CAROLINA
> >
> >
> ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
//
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Scott
> > Forman" <sforman@>
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > As I sit here in Memphis on the verge of a huge
> > ice storm (if you
> > > believe the weather guys, anyway), I find my self
> > wondering how
> > tough
> > > it would be to wire up some sort of pig tail off
> > of my FC genset to
> > > supply power to my home. Has anyone ever tried
> > something like
> > that?
> > > It seems easy conceptually, but I don't want to do
> > something that is
> > > going to screw up how the gen powers up the coach.
> > >
> > > Suggestions?
> > >
> > > Scott Forman
> > > 82 FC35RB
> > > Memphis
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
> http://mail.yahoo.com
>