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Installation of a generator for a house.

Tomgunn
Hello all,


I'm moving house, (been here for over 42 years'!!), and one of the first items on my mind is installing an electrical generator.


SO; I guess there will be contactors / switch gear etc as I would like it to be 'automatic', (OR, maybe 'manual' too), changing from incoming to the generator.


a; What would be the best type of generator to purchase? Load wise? I'm not too worried as the bigger the load the bigger the           generator would need to be as long as I could run the basics within the house.


b; What switch gear would be appropriate?


I would't fancy the idea of switching tails around on a Henley block each time I needed the generator to be in use!!


Thanks, in advance!


regards... Tom
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  • 0
    A few other points to consider. Future proof the presumably buried cables between generator hut and house. Suggest as a minimum;

    1) Generator output cable, at least two sizes bigger than required for the load, in case you get a bigger generator.

    2) Mains supply into generator hut. Suggest a 32 amp circuit, for battery charger, engine block preheater, room lighting, and use of power tools or gardening equipment. 

    3) Spare, a 7 core small SWA for any future use, remote start ? intruder alarm ? external lighting switched from house ?


    Consider also future running costs.

    If an off peak tarrif is available, then consider only energising battery charger and engine heater during offpeak hours.

    I have previously advised against automatic start and automatic changeover as this adds cost and complexity, it also adds a 24/7 load of as much as 25 watts, a not entirely negligable ongoing cost for energy.
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  • 0
    A few other points to consider. Future proof the presumably buried cables between generator hut and house. Suggest as a minimum;

    1) Generator output cable, at least two sizes bigger than required for the load, in case you get a bigger generator.

    2) Mains supply into generator hut. Suggest a 32 amp circuit, for battery charger, engine block preheater, room lighting, and use of power tools or gardening equipment. 

    3) Spare, a 7 core small SWA for any future use, remote start ? intruder alarm ? external lighting switched from house ?


    Consider also future running costs.

    If an off peak tarrif is available, then consider only energising battery charger and engine heater during offpeak hours.

    I have previously advised against automatic start and automatic changeover as this adds cost and complexity, it also adds a 24/7 load of as much as 25 watts, a not entirely negligable ongoing cost for energy.
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