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Using coach generator as aux power for building

Yahoo Message Number: 93468
How do I go about using our coach's genset to backfeed into a 50 amp receptacle to power the building where the coach is stored?? Do I need to wire another genset transfer switch to accomplish this? Mike

'06 Inspire
8kw Onan

Re: Using coach generator as aux power for building

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 93469
I added an extra receptacle at the generator to power a small air compressor that is tied into my air system. We had a purge valve problem on a trip and decided I needed a backup.
Our rig has a bell box enclosure at the generator with #6 copper wire joint at that point. I would tie in there with a small #6 cord whip to a exterior rated 60 amp disconnect mounted in the generator bay. From there make a #6 SO cord that you can tie into the disconnect and extend the cord to a manual transfer switch that interrupts the feed to your storage building. Remember you need the transfer switch so that there is no chance of you backfeeding the incoming power and getting someone hurt. Many different transfer switches available. You need to carry both hots, neutral, and a ground in your whip. Pay attention to the load (kw) dont expect your genset to power a 480 volt roof top unit.
You have an expensive generator good idea to use it if the local power is out.

Nathan

1998 Allure

Re: Using coach generator as aux power for building

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 93483
I would like to do this too, but I don't want to use a disconnect in the coach. I want to parallel the coach and the house so the generator will supply both. My objective is to live in the coach during a power blackout, but feed power to two refrigerators in the house as well. I already have a disconnect on the house service panel, but how can I feed that house panel disconnect from the coach while still using the coach?

Re: Using coach generator as aux power for building

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 93485
60 amp disconnects have a pretty small footprint. Problem is you need a termination point or a spot to tie the generator to the residential load. They make pin and sleave cord caps but they are around $180 each and you need two.
You could make a cord 15 or 20' and tie into the genset secondary junction box. Leave it coiled up in the genset bay and when needed roll it out and hit your residential transfer switch. You just need a safe means to cap the cord when not in use.
Nathan
98 Allure

I can never remember my coach number

Re: Using coach generator as aux power for building

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 93486
Mike,

I think what you are writing about, back feeding a building is illegal...at least in North Carolina. This practice can place the repair crews in danger of being electrocuted.

Larry

Re: Using coach generator as aux power for building

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 93488
Didn't mean to imply that i wanted to " backfeed" outside of my building. Meant to say I want to power my building by correctly (and safely and legally) connecting it with the coach's genset - Thanks for pointing out my incorrect wording.
So, it sounds as though some of you ARE using these powerful generators for tasks beyond powering RV's electrical needs.
Mike

Re: Using coach generator as aux power for building

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 93490
Thanks, Nathan. Sounds like a sound plan.
Again, in my original post, I inadvertently mis-used the term "backfeed." My intention was to find out how to correctly and safely power my building with the coach's generator. Correctly isolating the building from the incoming power grid is obviously a central component to that plan.

Mike

'06 Inspire #51534
 

Using coach generator as aux power for bu

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 93498
Yes, but you would have to go from the transfer switch where they all meet load center, shore, generator. Locate generator 6/3 wires now they make blocks that you can join cables together which can be found in the Granger book they can have two, three and up to 6 holes position. With the blocks you can join generator, buddy plug, then come out with extra cable to the transfer switch. If you wish give me a call maybe I can walk you through it.

Best Regards,
Dave

Dave Rousey Jr.

Former CC Technician
Styleworks RV Repair &
Bus Restoration LLC
4762 Long St.
Sweet Home, OR
(541) 543-7983
daverjr4@...