Generator connection

[AndyD]

Hm, can you sparky's please tell me and KCS how to set up a very simple thing like a generator powering a few things of choice via an extension lead?

I won't need a fridge/freezer as it can survive 2.5h load shedding. I really only need to power my PC (desktop), router, printer and scanner without risking frying any of them due to problems induced by the generator (Voltage & Amp variations). I can charge my cell via USB from the PC

Just use extension leads to your PC'sand laptops etc. The stability of the voltage and frequency of the generator power is down to how good the built-in AVR is so for electronics it's always worth spending a bit extra and getting a decent genny.

[Houses4Rent]

Thanks Andy, but how does one establish what is a decent genny and AVR? Any trusted brands/sources which can be named (Cape Town).

[AndyD]

I've got limited generator experience but I've always paid the extra and purchased Honda. So far I've not regretted it, some of my gennys have not had an easy life and are over 10 years old.

As with anything I'm sure there's some Chinese brands that are very respectable but the problem is there's a lot that aren't and most of the time you're relying on info from the salesman who's going to tell you anything. The number of times I've heard 'they're made in the same factory as **insert well known brand name**' is laughable and not just for generators.

[ians]

Something to note, not all small generators cannot be connected to a house. I indicated to a customer today that it was not wise to connect a small generator to a house. He set the record straight with documentation and a diagram showing how to do it.

[ians]

Diagrams sent to me today, indicating how to connect these generators as standby units.

[ians]

Still a bit concerned about how you can connect a 7.5 kva generator using a 15 amp socket outlet.

I wonder if these generators are SABS approved or have documentation to backup.

Load shedding just started again yesterday, my phone is ringing off the hook for generators installations.

I dont see how an electrician who connects a changeover switch and does an installation with a a plug top, can be held responsible for what the customer plugs into the plug top. So long as he fits a circuit breaker to protect the cables etc. That's like telling me it is my responsibility to make sure every appliance in a house must be checked by me before they use it.

[Justloadit]

You can use one of these 32A CEE sockets

[AndyD]

..........I dont see how an electrician who connects a changeover switch and does an installation with a a plug top, can be held responsible for what the customer plugs into the plug top. So long as he fits a circuit breaker to protect the cables etc. That's like telling me it is my responsibility to make sure every appliance in a house must be checked by me before they use it.

Hmmm, I beg to differ, household appliances don't kill Eskom workers and cable jointers if they're connected up incorrectly........

[Houses4Rent]

http://www.moneyweb.co.za/moneyweb-south-africa/the-generator-generation

Interesting info. Is it sound and correct though?

So to just run a PC a 750W genny is ok?

[Houses4Rent]

Some more useful here info it seems

http://ipowersa.co.za/i_power_usage_calculator.htm

[AndyD]

If it's a normal office PC with an LCD/LED monitor a 750w genny should run it, not sure about office printer etc though, a decent laser prnter would probably take it over the 750w. If it's a gaming PC with a high-end graphics setup the jury is still out, it may or may not depending on the exact setup.

[ians]

Hmmm, I beg to differ, household appliances don't kill Eskom workers and cable jointers if they're connected up incorrectly........

Maybe my wording wasn't correct.

If the electrical changeover installation is all done correctly by a qualified electrician, i don't see how it can kill anyone. However if the owner decides to connect a generator he purchased at his local DIY store and was told it was compliant with drawings to show it is possible, then i don't see how the electrician who did the changeover system can be held responsible.

What if the owner replaces the generator which is plugged into the changeover system.

My point is if i do the electrical changeover to standard, I cant be help responsible for what the owner plugs into it.

The next question would be, is it legal to fit a socket on the end of a cable designed to connect to a changeover system. IF not, we have an even bigger problem than just the 115 - 115 volt generator being connected. I see hundreds of this type of installation.

[DieterT]

[Justloadit]

I have something similar to the pics, except that my in coming plug is close to the switch over board. So I have a long extension from the genny.

[ACEsterhuizen]

Same issue, 15kva Honda, cannot add or change to the gennie wiring otherwise guarantee is gone.