charlieannear Posted January 22, 2007 Report Share Posted January 22, 2007 Hi All My sister lives out in the sticks down in Cornwall and has had a some power cuts recently. A couple have lasted for a few days. She's thinking of getting a generator to run the essentials on occasions such as this, i.e fridge/freezer and lights (she has a Rayburn for heating and cooking). There must be a switch available that is connected to the house consumer unit, the generator can then be "plugged in" to the house (via an appropriately heavy duty cable and socket), the switch preventing the power from the generator feeding back into the national grid, and (assuming you have a genny with enough oomph) electrical items in the house will then run as normal. They call it a 'transfer switch' in the U.S- anyone got any idea what they are called over here? C. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newboy Posted January 22, 2007 Report Share Posted January 22, 2007 I think a sparky is needed with the connection (in fact I think it's the law that you have to now). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plaicemat Posted January 22, 2007 Report Share Posted January 22, 2007 Charlie, it's also called a transfer switch here. Try this link for an example. Automatic transfer system Terry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlieannear Posted January 22, 2007 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2007 Excellent, thanks Terry, that's what I'm after. Can only seem to find that Briggs and Stratton one- there must be alternatives? Any other advice regarding this kind of set up gratefully received! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam F Posted January 22, 2007 Report Share Posted January 22, 2007 Charlie, Give me a call. One of our companies is the 3rd largest supplier of electrical wholesale in the UK. I havent got a scooby, but I know a man who will. I'll also happily do you staff rates on whatever it is you need. Adam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlieannear Posted January 23, 2007 Author Report Share Posted January 23, 2007 Hi Adam Much appreciated! I'll confirm what is required with the powers that be and get back to you. C. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul D Posted January 23, 2007 Report Share Posted January 23, 2007 Charlie, One of these is what you need ( and it shows how it all works ):- Generator Switch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlieannear Posted January 24, 2007 Author Report Share Posted January 24, 2007 Cheers Paul, I had found that one too, very useful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.