Guidance needed to install a generator

[Power Ball]

I have been asked to wire up a 10kw generator with a automtic switch over control box to run full house electric when power fails then switch off as power comes back on.

The generator is 32m from the house so cable will be underground as per regs, I was looking to use 16mm twin & Earth SWA but not got any wiring plans of the control box as yet.

If anyone has had any experience of this work in the past I would gladly take on their comments/guidance.

My customer also wants to install a bank of batteries in the same location as the generator and use an inverter to power the house on free electric in the future for short periods of time, so was wondering if I should put the cable in for this project now while trench is open, will I need another 16mm t&e swa for this ???

any advise please

Chas

 

[Andy™]

how do you plan on charging these batteries to get 'free' leccy?

 

[Power Ball]

The guy has this idea of using the stream which runs through his property. He is looking to design some sort of unit with 3 props which can be fixed in the stream and generate power to charge the batteries, then use the inverter to run lights/power....??

By the way it's not my plan I am just the hired help..

 

[steptoe]

do he really think he will be allowed to do that?

 

[Power Ball]

Any help with the generator install will be appreciated..

 

[Power Ball]

Earth Rod - That would be my first objectiveHow is it going to be switched from mains to genny - Manual or Auto ?

Auto switch over..

 

[Evans Electric]

You need the full spec on the c/over panel to start with PowerBall .

I've only done them on Police Stations where someone has to go and start the genny, then go to the mains panel to switch off from the network, and use that handle to switch on the stand-by system.

 

[Power Ball]

You need the full spec on the c/over panel to start with PowerBall .I've only done them on Police Stations where someone has to go and start the genny, then go to the mains panel to switch off from the network, and use that handle to switch on the stand-by system.

Thanks Deke

I am just waiting for them to send me the info via e-mail so I was just trying to get ahead with the game and get the cable in the ground ready for the install, the guy wants the cable in and back filled to keep the place tidy for when the gennie arrives in two weeks. All I know is it is a 10Kw gennie with a auto switching box that needs to be fitted next to the CU, but as I say I've never done one before.

Chas

 

[steptoe]

will the gennie need a signal back to auto start?

you need some info on the gennie before you know what cable to install.

 

[Evans Electric]

We all have to learn this stuff , often from scratch , you'll know better when you see the panel. Don't be afraid to phone the genny company up for advice.

Check the BRB on generator supplies.

Avoid anything to do with building a dam in the stream and fitting a paddle wheel , the blokes a t w a t !!!

 

[Power Ball]

will the gennie need a signal back to auto start?you need some info on the gennie before you know what cable to install.

Yes you are right it will need a signal back to auto start but I thought that would be between the CU and the control box ??

 

[M107]

Give this lot a call.

Changeover Switches, change over switch, Bypass switch suppliers in UK for switchgear, isolators, specialists in changeover switch design

 

[Power Ball]

We all have to learn this stuff , often from scratch , you'll know better when you see the panel. Don't be afraid to phone the genny company up for advice.Check the BRB on generator supplies.

Avoid anything to do with building a dam in the stream and fitting a paddle wheel , the blokes a t w a t !!!

Thank mate, I was just asked to put the cable in along with the one for the gennie, I will not be building any dams or contraptions in the stream I can assure you of that

 

[ProDave]

The guy has this idea of using the stream which runs through his property. He is looking to design some sort of unit with 3 props which can be fixed in the stream and generate power to charge the batteries, then use the inverter to run lights/power....??By the way it's not my plan I am just the hired help..

you will get next to nothing from that.

To get any decent power from water, you need a decent fall to create enough pressure to run a turbine.

There's a stream through our garden that I often feel might generate some power, but the fall from one end of our land to the other is barely 1 foot, so not enough head to create any useful pressure.

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

In your OP you say twin and earth SWA. They are two different types of cable and SWA is the way to go. How do you intend to bury Tw&e

 

[Power Ball]

In your OP you say twin and earth SWA. They are two different types of cable and SWA is the way to go. How do you intend to bury Tw&e

The guy has a mini digger in so told him to go down 900mm or as near as he can soft sand in the trench cover with sand and marking tape then back fill but if thats not right let me know and I will change the plan

 

[ProDave]

The guy has a mini digger in so told him to go down 900mm or as near as he can soft sand in the trench cover with sand and marking tape then back fill but if thats not right let me know and I will change the plan

That's right for SWA but not T&E (twin and earth)

Which are you using?

 

[Power Ball]

That's right for SWA but not T&E (twin and earth)Which are you using?

I was going to use SWA 16mm 3 core. Is that right? I am starting to doubt myself now .....

 

[Power Ball]

Have you worked out the Amps and Volt Drop ?SWA is fine buried in the ground

I have them now thanks to your help and everyone else who replied

Cheers Guys

Chas