Domestic Generator Change Over Switch

[markthespark]

Hello im after some advice please.

A friend of mine had asked me to hook up a Domestic Generator for him.

My plan is to install a change over switch next to
the meter with obviously mains supply in load side out to the consumer unit. Then run some 4mm armoured cable from a 32amp commando socket outside into the Gen side of the change over switch.

My question is what else do i need to do?

What about the earthing arrangment? As i assume the DNO dont want you to connect to their earth incase of a fault when they are working on the system.

Does the changeover switch disconnect the MET when switched over to Generator?

Do i need to install an earth rod next to the Generator?

Looking at a 6kva genny


Thanks for any advice.

 

[shanky887614]

Hello im after some advice please.

A friend of mine had asked me to hook up a Domestic Generator for him.

My plan is to install a change over switch next to
the meter with obviously mains supply in load side out to the consumer unit. Then run some 4mm armoured cable from a 32amp commando socket outside into the Gen side of the change over switch.

My question is what else do i need to do?

What about the earthing arrangment? As i assume the DNO dont want you to connect to their earth incase of a fault when they are working on the system.

Does the changeover switch disconnect the MET when switched over to Generator?

Do i need to install an earth rod next to the Generator?

Thanks for any advice.

depends on the generator, be very careful which generators you use.

most are fine for lights etc but connect a pc and can get pproblems

 

[markthespark]

Probably looking at a 6kva genny, just for lighting and small power. Thanks

 

[markthespark]

Further information I've just spoken to the manufacture of the change over switch i am looking at.

I asked them if it disconnects the main earth from the system when switched over to generator and they said it doesn't.

So im wondering what is the correct thing to do with the earthing arrangement?

thanks.

 

[D Skelton]

Hello im after some advice please.

A friend of mine had asked me to hook up a Domestic Generator for him.

My plan is to install a change over switch next to
the meter with obviously mains supply in load side out to the consumer unit. Then run some 4mm armoured cable from a 32amp commando socket outside into the Gen side of the change over switch.

My question is what else do i need to do?

What about the earthing arrangment? As i assume the DNO dont want you to connect to their earth incase of a fault when they are working on the system.

Does the changeover switch disconnect the MET when switched over to Generator?

Do i need to install an earth rod next to the Generator?

Looking at a 6kva genny


Thanks for any advice.

First of all, you need to install an external commando plug, not socket. This is very important, for reasons which I'm sure when you think about it will become obvious

Secondly, I'd advise that you read up on section 551.

If you post your location you may find someone on here who will be able to help. It seems to me that you lack knowledge in this area and there are a number of things that are crucial that you get right, from generator selection to earth referencing. You will need the correct type of changeover switch and there are certain strict procedures that need to be followed that you will have to inform the customer of so that if ever they need to transfer from mains to back up power they can do it safely and without damaging equipment. There will almost certainly be a need to open up the generator and adapt the connections within (this will need confirmation from the manufacturer that it won't void the warranty).

If you aren't 100% sure what you're doing, get help.

Get this just a little bit wrong and you'll have a death trap on your hands.

 

[Knobhead]

What make and type is the generator?

At least you know there are problems associated with the DNO earth. Read the section Mr. Skelton pointed you toward.