On 05/10/2011 3:05 PM, X ` Man wrote:
On 10/5/11 5:01 PM, Canuck57 wrote:
On 05/10/2011 5:57 AM, Drifter wrote:
On 10/4/2011 10:45 PM, Canuck57 wrote:
On 04/10/2011 2:52 PM, Drifter wrote:
On 10/4/2011 3:59 PM, X ` Man wrote:
I'm thinking of upgrading to a larger standby generator, probably a
17KW
model.

The generator will be approximately 50 to 60 feet away from the house
circuit breakers. The wire will run under the main level floor and
above
the lower level ceiling.

I want as little current drop as possible. The generator provides
100 amps.

One of the contractors under consideration wants to use aluminum
wire,
but I am more than willing to pay the premium between aluminum and
copper. I don't have an electrical "handibook" available.

What I am wondering:

1. Is 4/0 copper wire heavy enough?

2. Anyone know a supplier for about 70 feet of the stuff?

Our local electrical suppliers don't seem to want to provide a length
that short.

Thanks.

P.S. I'm really only interested in replies from those with an
educational or professional electrical background.




You mean voltage drop, don't you? Here's a calculator
http://www.csgnetwork.com/voltagedropcalc.html

1. Probably.
2. Yup
3. Shop somewhere else or buy their minimum.

P.S. You need to satisfy local building codes irregardless of N E C.
You
might even need permits and inspections.

You're a big boy. You should know how to interview and hire
contractors.


And a fuse box.


Do you think Krause meant to say 4GA instead of 4/0? I assumed he did.
There is a substantial size difference.

Yep, he might have and a big difference too. In any case, it isn't a end
user task. He be best to get a qualified electrician that knows the
local codes.


D'oh. I have no intention of installing a 17KW or 20KW generator at the
house. I've just been interviewing contractors and asking questions. The
install will be done by licensed electricians and a licensed plumber,
the latter one of the plumbers who works for our LP gas supplier. This
will be a replacement for a small capacity genny we've been using to
power a couple of circuits. The new one will run about half the house,
including one of our heat pumps, the well pump, a pair of refrigerators
and various lights and outlets.

Good, sounded like you were going to DIY it. LP? Does it run on LP or
gasoline? Just curious.

BTW, you don't have to have a generator for your whole house. If you
have a sub-panel, just switch the essentials to the sub-panel and just
switch it. Say furnace, freezer and some lights is all you really need.


--
Eat the rich, screw the companies and wonder why there are no jobs.
-- Obama and the lefty fleabagger attitude