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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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    broadgage:

    I would, if possible, avoid an RCD on the mains supply from house to generator hut. Too much risk of nuisance tripping. Do of course fit RCDs as required at the load end.

    I would not fit an RCD to the generator output, again for risk of nuisance tripping. At the generator hut, connect together all the following

    Outgoing neutral.

    Outgoing earth.

    Frame of machine.

    Local earth rod.

    Any structural metalwork or other services.

    The armouring of all the SWA cables.

    The bare copper earth tape that you buried with the cables.

    The generator supply will then resemble a small public supply of type TN-S.

    Add RCDs as desired at the load/house end.


    Most "proper" diesel generators come with an engine block heater or oil sump heater. Control via a thermostat to avoid waste in mild weather.


     


    Well, more great info, no really! ?


    I didn't know that generators come with a heating unit fitted?


    Bond up everything, then???


    Lucky I have 'bookmarked' this thread... wow!


    Thanks again!!


    All the best, to everyone, for 2021.


    regards... Tom


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  • 0
    broadgage:

    I would, if possible, avoid an RCD on the mains supply from house to generator hut. Too much risk of nuisance tripping. Do of course fit RCDs as required at the load end.

    I would not fit an RCD to the generator output, again for risk of nuisance tripping. At the generator hut, connect together all the following

    Outgoing neutral.

    Outgoing earth.

    Frame of machine.

    Local earth rod.

    Any structural metalwork or other services.

    The armouring of all the SWA cables.

    The bare copper earth tape that you buried with the cables.

    The generator supply will then resemble a small public supply of type TN-S.

    Add RCDs as desired at the load/house end.


    Most "proper" diesel generators come with an engine block heater or oil sump heater. Control via a thermostat to avoid waste in mild weather.


     


    Well, more great info, no really! ?


    I didn't know that generators come with a heating unit fitted?


    Bond up everything, then???


    Lucky I have 'bookmarked' this thread... wow!


    Thanks again!!


    All the best, to everyone, for 2021.


    regards... Tom


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