An autonomous source of electricity in your home is an irreplaceable and convenient thing. This is not only an opportunity to enjoy the light and the operation of household appliances when there is no electricity in the area, it is also a way to avoid using extension cords and carrying bags. But it is necessary to install the generator wisely, otherwise the operation of such a serious device will be incorrect to say the least.
How to choose the right place?
A place for a diesel or gasoline generator must be chosen outdoors, since this technique produces exhaust during operation. Of course, you can make an adapter from the exhaust pipe to the street and install the generator in the house, but it is better to choose the right place for it outside.
Accommodation requirements:
- This should be a dry area with no possibility of moisture accumulation.
- Not far from the switchboard, so as not to spend money on extra wire.
Homeowners who decide to install a generator make a special insulated compartment for it - a box made of wood or cheaper OSB. Such a "house" will protect the device from unwanted environmental influences and has an affordable cost.
What is needed to connect
Before you start connecting a gasoline or diesel generator, you need to purchase some materials:
- A reversible switch is a device with 3 operating positions.
- Two-core wire with a cross section of at least 4 cm2.
- NShVI tips and special crimping pliers.
You will also need an electrician or a simple stationery knife with a new blade and a curly screwdriver - a standard electrician's kit.
How to properly connect a portable generator
If there is a reversing switch available, then the installation of the portable generator will be performed correctly and the current from the network will not meet the generator's electric current, which can have all the unpleasant consequences, for example, a burned out winding generator.
The sequence for connecting a diesel or gasoline generator to the home network:
- Strip the ends of the two-core wire and crimp them using NSHVI lugs.
- On the one hand, connect the wires to the output of the portable generator, on the other, bring them to the panel.
- Install the reversing switch on the DIN rail.
- Connect the “phase” and “zero” from the input automatic device to the correspondingly marked sockets of the reversing circuit breaker, and “phase” and “zero” from the generator to the others (also marked). In the remaining sockets, a wire is connected to the consumer, or rather, to the rest of the machines in the dashboard.
- Check the serviceability of the circuit.
In the left position of the reversing switch (standard design), the electrical panel will be powered from the mains. In the central one, everything is disabled. In the extreme right - power supply from the generator, only before that it must be started and voltage supplied. There are automatic switching schemes, but then additional automation will be required, the cost of which can be quite high.