HOW TO INSTALL A GENERATOR FOR YOUR HOUSE?
To install a generator in your house follow our advice. The indoors is always NOT recommended except when you respect some mandatory safety rules. We help you in choosing a suitable place for your standby or portable generator. Follow our guidelines.
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When you install a generator in a good location, it operates efficiently and safely without endangering people, pets, and other things. Always install a generator outdoors on stable ground. The exhaust gases produced by a generator contain deadly carbon monoxide. Consult your local building code authority for necessary permits.
HOW TO INSTALL A GENERATOR, PORTABLE OR STATIONARY, IN YOUR HOUSE?
The safest way to connect a portable generator to your house is by using the CONECT ATS panel.
A) The utility power is connected to your house via a circuit breaker [1]. When utility power fails, your house [3] is without electricity.
B) The ATS panel [5] gives you the possibility to supply your house [3] by using a PORTABLE generator [4].
NOTE
When you need to install a generator you must ask for help from a licensed electrician. Firstly, he will install the ATS panel in your home and connect it to the main breaker box. This keeps you safe and makes sure that your system remains up to code. Most importantly, this will help keep you from accidentally electrocuting someone else or even yourself.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PORTABLE GENERATORS
how do connect a portable generator to your house without a transfer switch?
This is not possible. We recommend that you read the section WHAT IS BACK FEEDING at the end of this page.
Can you plug a portable generator into a wall socket?
No, do not do it! Please, instead, follow the recommendations at the end of this web page
How to install a portable generator suitable for your house?
How to install a portable generator is not how to connect a portable generator. We can say, more correctly, that the connection of a portable generator to your house is part of the process included in the installation of a portable generator. You may "install" a portable generator or a stationary generator based on your budget If you are looking to install a stationary generator, the CONECT ATS panel offers you all the necessary connections. You can connect any style of generator: diesel, gas and gasoline. We can supply a suitable cable for the most popular brands like Hyundai and Pramac.
How to correctly use a portable generator?
We agree that a portable generator is a user-friendly tool. But, after all, it is a complex and potentially dangerous apparatus
How to connect a generator to a breaker box?
The connection to a breaker box is simple and safe if you use an ATS panel. You avoid all problems related to back-feeding by using the CONECT ATS panel.
THE "CONECT" ATS PANEL IS A COMBINED MANUAL AND AUTOMATIC TRANSFER SWITCH SUITABLE FOR A STATIONARY GENERATOR AS WELL
PURCHASE THE
CONECT
ATS PANEL
FROM BERNINI DESIGN WEBSITE
349€
DELIVERY TIME 10 DAYS AFTER PAYMENT CONFIRMATION FREE SHIPPING IN THE EU
Especially, when you rent a portable generator, or you install a generator, for the duration of the power outage, you will be sure to return the generator in perfect condition. To be sure that your family stays safe and, in any situation, your insurance company cannot dispute your claim because of “faulty wiring”, we recommend that you get your system very well inspected. Although the CONECT ATS panel is mainly designed for portable generators, you can automatically start & stop a standby generator (or a stationary/fixed generator If you will).
HOW TO USE A PORTABLE GENERATOR TO SUPPLY YOUR HOUSE IN CASE OF POWER OUTAGE: A STEP-BY-STEP TUTORIAL
1) Put the CONECT panel in the auto mode of operation. In case of a power failure, you are required to connect the cord to the generator. Disconnect the non-critical ITEMS (air conditioner, washing machine, or other items). This will avoid overloading the generator.
2) Take care to position the generator accordingly. Do all checks as recommended by the manufacturer. Connect the power cord before starting the engine.
3) Connect the battery (if it is the case) and open the fuel valve (if it is the case). Start your portable generator. Check for at least 5 minutes of regular noise and smooth running. This will allow the engine to warm up a little. Close the circuit breaker on the generator. Check for exhaust gas!
4) If the voltage and frequency are within acceptable limits, the green LED "G" will illuminate continuously. If the electrical parameters are out of limits, the green LED will blink.
5) The CONECT panel will provide electricity to your house if the electrical parameters are within the settings. The green LED indicator "LOAD" will turn on.
IMPORTANT NOTE
PORTABLE GENERATORS ARE NOT INTENDED FOR HEAVY SERVICE. IN OTHER WORDS, DO NOT USE THE GENERATOR FOR MORE THAN 3 CONTINUOUS HOURS. MAKE A REST OF AT LEAST ONE HOUR. DO NOT USE A PORTABLE GENERATOR AT THE MAXIMUM POWER RATING. A SAFE USE IS NOT TO EXCEED 70% OF ITS NOMINAL POWER.
6) You are not allowed to exceed the power rating of the portable generator. The CONECT panels will shut down your house to protect the generator. In case of generator overload, the ATS panels will detect anomalies in voltage and frequency.
7) If you keep the CONECT panel in ATS mode, it will automatically switch to utility power when the electrical parameters are within normal limits.
8) When you observe the transition generator to utility power, you need to let the engine run for at least 5 minutes. This will allow the engine to cool down.
9) After one hour of utility power stability, you can consider putting the generator at rest. Roll the cable into its place. Clean the cable and make sure is dry and clean.
10) Clean the generator, and remove dirt particles. Check oil and fuel. Close the fuel valve. If you have an electric-start generator, disconnect the battery.
11) Once a month, regularly check your generator. verify battery, and check full functionality according to the user manual. Better to test it at 30% of its nominal power.
How to install a generator preventing BACK FEEDING?
In a standby application, the generator must never be connected to the grid. Normally, you cannot legally bring an AC generator onto the grid unless some technical and legal conditions are met. To connect a generator to the grid, the sine wave must be in phase with the grid, the frequency must be the same and other requirements have to be strictly satisfied. This is accomplished by using special and complex controllers (regulators and synchronizers). Last but not least the system must pass special inspections. More frequent is the use of the generator for standby application by using a standby generator or small backup generator. A standby generator is a permanently installed apparatus, much like a compressor. A backup generator is a small, sometimes gasoline portable, generator that you put in position outside the house, for example, and then plug into the control panel. Or it can be connected to electrical loads via heavy-duty extension cords. Back-feeding is a dangerous situation in which, electricity from your generator flows back through your electrical panel into the utility company's electrical system. Back-feeding can occur when a generator is connected to your home wiring system without disconnecting from the utility power. This could occur if you directly connect a generator to a circuit in your home. If you feed power back into the utility system during an outage, you will energize the transformer serving your house. In other words, you create favourable conditions for an electrocution hazard. Even worse, back-feed could electrocute any technicians who are working on the lines - causing injury or even death. Finally, when the utility company's power is restored, your generator may be severely damaged, or there may be an electrical fire in your home. To connect a generator to your electrical distribution panel we recommend that you use the CONECT panel; there is no way to make a connection GRID-GENERATOR. The circuit breakers inside the panel feature a mechanical and electrical interlock. The internal circuit breakers will never close simultaneously. The CONECT panel manages, in a fully automatic way, the connection assignment of the LOAD to UTILITY POWER or GENERATOR. Normally, your house is connected to the utility power. This is good. Your comfort is at its maximum level, right? But, how to deal with power outages? In this case, it is really difficult to maintain your mood. The best way to overcome this situation is by using a generator.
YES, BUT INSTALLING A STATIONARY GENERATOR MAY COST YOU A LOT OF MONEY.
But there is another cost-effective option: use your portable generator. THE BIG QUESTION IS: HOW TO DO IT MOST SAFELY? This is easy if you use the CONECT ATS PANEL made by Bernini Design.
What is inside this panel so special? There are a lot of innovations regarding how the electronics work with the supply. This is the most important issue about portable generators; they do not have a battery. This means that the generator itself must supply the electronics that govern the automation logic. It seems simple but it is not! Bernini DESIGN has long experience in manufacturing ATS PANELS for housing.
ABOUT INDOOR INSTALLATION OF A STANDBY GENERATOR FOR YOUR HOUSE
If you rely on a qualified installer, it is possible to install a generator by following this general guidance. You may require approval from your local authorities. This will keep you safe from conflicts in case of problems.
Firstly,
the generator room must not have windows or doors in common with the house. If necessary, you can install a safety sealing door. When the door is open, the limit switch, on it, inhibits the engine. The engine will run only when the door is very well closed. The room will have air extraction fans of suitable capacity preferably supplied from the battery of the engine.
Secondly,
you must install smoke or fire detectors. Connect the sensors to the emergency stop ATS Evolve panel inputs. Better to use the ATS EVOLVE panel with a GSM system to inform you about active alarms.
Thirdly,
do not store fuel containers in the generator room. Shall at least two fire extinguishers undergo periodic checks? Never fill the tank while the engine is running. Gasoline is a highly flammable liquid and it should be stored properly in approved safety cans, whether plastic or metal. The main risk factor is the vapours it produces. Gasoline fumes are heavily concentrated and spread around. You have to avoid any source of ignition. Unlike metal gas containers, approved plastic gas cans won't rust. If there’s a fire, the plastic containers will melt, while metal fuel containers can explode. Considering that you can store gasoline for longer than a month, metal gas cans may be a better choice.
STATIONARY GENERATOR SAFETY CHECK-LIST
1)
Most importantly, remove objects that block access to the generator or the ATS control panel. Remove packaging materials, paper, cardboard, and polystyrene that may be a fire hazard or can obstruct the ducts of the engine intake air.
2)
Apply to the wall emergency battery-powered lights. Verify the efficiency from time to time. It must ensure the light for at least 30 minutes during power failure
3)
There should be no loose cables on the floor that may cause impediments.
4)
The room must be identified by warning signs and notices on the automatic operation without prior audible advice.
5)
Also, apply to the wall information about phone numbers for urgent help.
6)
The exhaust pipe must be periodically verified. The output of the exhaust pipe must have filters that prevent the entry of birds. Verify the absence of nests of insects that can block the exhaust gas.
7)
Additionally, provide one-meter clearance in all directions for the generator.
8)
The generator is provided with wheels. It must be set in a stable position by using wooden brackets that absorb the vibrations. In other words, it does not allow the movement of the generator.
9)
Install a barrier to prevent children from accessing the control panel and the generator. Place the ATS panel at least 160 cm over the floor.
10)
Especially if there is a danger of flooding, place the generator at a height such that it is not possible the immerse the generator immersion with its cables.
11)
Install air extraction fans powered by the ATS panel. Provide natural ventilation vents from the outside. The need for fresh air is comparable with that of a gas boiler for domestic use.
12)
Finally, we recommend that you keep charging a spare battery. This will help in case the battery installed on the generator fails to work. Having a spare battery will be useful. Keep closer to a set of tools that will allow you to replace the battery when necessary.
HOW TO CONNECT A GENERATOR TO
A BREAKER BOX?
The connection to a breaker box is simple and safe if you use an ATS panel. You avoid all problems related to back-feeding by using the CONECT or EVOLVE ATS panel.
The CONECT panel includes compact Automatic Transfer Switches. The ATS panel is the ideal choice for a generator connected to a house. Back-feed occurs when the power goes back to utility lines or mains. Back-feed damages the generator and has the potential to cause a fire. But, worse than that, back-feed could electrocute people who are working on the lines causing injury or even death. The connection of a generator to your house is possible using an ATS panel installed by a qualified electrician.
BERNINI DESIGN SRL
Zona Industriale
46035
Ostiglia Italy
VAT IT01453040204
bernini@bernini-design.com
+39 335 70 77 148