Lightning powering house -

[Deleted member 22541]

I already have a GENERAC 6854 transfer switch installed for use with my '22 Powerboost - can I simply use the 240V output in the Lightning to power this panel? I'm considering getting a Lightning but not sure if I will have to add another configuration to power house. I also have a 30A receptacle to power my main panel which I have a 13000W tri fuel generator. I have soft starts on my 4 ton and 2 ton AC units, so AC's are not an issue.
Just real simple - is my GENERAC switch "PLUG n PLAY" with the LIGHTNING?

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[Runaway Tractor]

6852 Sub Panel: Yes. No further action required.

Regarding the other inlet to the main panel, I assume you have that on a breaker interlocked with the main breaker. You can use the pro power on that too. However you'd have to disconnect the ground from the truck to avoid tripping the truck's GFCI (the reason most people get the 6852 subpanel instead). I have a 30 inlet with the ground disconnected (floating neutral input) with an interlock on the main so I can run the entire house.

 

[Deleted member 22541]

6852 Sub Panel: Yes. No further action required.

Regarding the other inlet to the main panel, I assume you have that on a breaker interlocked with the main breaker. You can use the pro power on that too. However you'd have to disconnect the ground from the truck to avoid tripping the truck's GFCI (the reason most people get the 6852 subpanel instead). I have a 30 inlet with the ground disconnected (floating neutral input) with an interlock on the main so I can run the entire house.

Do you know if GENERAC 6854 and 6852 are similar? Please advise.

 

[Runaway Tractor]

I think the only difference is included accessories and cables?

 

[Tired Lizard]

Homelink manual transfer switches spec sheet 6852-6854

 

[Deleted member 22541]

OK thanks guys - looks like the LIGHTNING will be "PLUG N PLAY" with my GENERAC 6854 set up -- much appreciated!
Now to get a deal on a LIGHTNING LARIAT! -
I am noticing several things about new LIGHTNING sales -
1. none listed on AUTOTRADER
2. Trims under LARIAT and PLATIMINUM do not (typically) come with the twin panel moonroof - I want one with a sunroof (moonroof).

 

[CD4TNF]

My go-to websites for car shopping are cars.com, carmax, carvana, edmunds, iseecars.com. Hope you find your deal.

 

[RickLightning]

Make sure you buy a ProPower 9.6kW, not 2.4kW.

 

[Deleted member 22541]

Make sure you buy a ProPower 9.6kW, not 2.4kW.

Yes thank you - did not know there are 2 options, but like the PB I have the 7.2Kw inverter. So will look for the 9.6 Kw.

 

[Maquis]

Yes thank you - did not know there are 2 options, but like the PB I have the 7.2Kw inverter. So will look for the 9.6 Kw.

7.2 is the max used to power a house. 9.6 is the sum of the 7.2 powering the bed outlets and a separate 2.4 inverter (which is 120V only) that powers the cab and frunk outlets.

 

[RickLightning]

Yes thank you - did not know there are 2 options, but like the PB I have the 7.2Kw inverter. So will look for the 9.6 Kw.

There have been numerous people that didn't, and bought, and then said "where is my 240v outlet"? I was at an EV meet this summer with one, proudly showing me his Flash, and saying "see my 240v outlet" but he didn't have one. The look on his face at the time wasn't pretty...

Of course there were a bunch of other features he thought had that he didn't, but he did no research, just went and bought it.

 

[kstype]

Hi,

I too have a generator port that I use with my 6.5 kw Generac portable generator with a manual service disconnect switch at my panel. I am able to use the 7.2KW pro power onboard using the same cable to power my house without any issues.

I just used this a couple months ago to power our home for about 24 hours continuously after some heavy storms rolls through SE Pennsylvania.

Unfortunately we had a neighbor with a gas generator that he kept too close to the house and it started a fire - and they are still trying to recover from that.

I was very happy to have the use of the quiet and zero exhaust ProPower onboard.
.

 

[MaintGrl]

OK thanks guys - looks like the LIGHTNING will be "PLUG N PLAY" with my GENERAC 6854 set up -- much appreciated!
Now to get a deal on a LIGHTNING LARIAT! -
I am noticing several things about new LIGHTNING sales -
1. none listed on AUTOTRADER
2. Trims under LARIAT and PLATIMINUM do not (typically) come with the twin panel moonroof - I want one with a sunroof (moonroof).

Hi Dan, welcome to the forum. lots of smart folks here that can help when issues arise, AND for just general info. I have an 2023 XLT, without a sun/moon roof.
There have been folks here that have had issues with their sun/moon roof leaking, so do a lil research, then make your decision. Welcome, again....

 

[Deleted member 22541]

Hi,

I too have a generator port that I use with my 6.5 kw Generac portable generator with a manual service disconnect switch at my panel. I am able to use the 7.2KW pro power onboard using the same cable to power my house without any issues.

I just used this a couple months ago to power our home for about 24 hours continuously after some heavy storms rolls through SE Pennsylvania.

Unfortunately we had a neighbor with a gas generator that he kept too close to the house and it started a fire - and they are still trying to recover from that.

I was very happy to have the use of the quiet and zero exhaust ProPower onboard.
.

PB 7.2Kw has been awesome - used it 3x last year and with key circuits on the GENERAC 6854 powered 2 fridges, 1 freezer, 2 small offices, 2 Ton A/C for Master BR, and microwave - we have gas WH and gas heat, so no issues there. I also splurged to run the whole panel, with a tri fuel 13000W DUROMAX and installed ICM soft starts on both AC units, and we can run the whole house with that setup. I agree - the sound issue (quiet) with the F150 PB is awesome - ICE engine would kick in about once an hour for 5 minutes to recharge the INVERTER. The DUROMAX is about 65 decibels, and we would close the garage door (generator outside) to mitigate that noise.

 

[chl]

I already have a GENERAC 6854 transfer switch installed for use with my '22 Powerboost - can I simply use the 240V output in the Lightning to power this panel? I'm considering getting a Lightning but not sure if I will have to add another configuration to power house. I also have a 30A receptacle to power my main panel which I have a 13000W tri fuel generator. I have soft starts on my 4 ton and 2 ton AC units, so AC's are not an issue.
Just real simple - is my GENERAC switch "PLUG n PLAY" with the LIGHTNING?

Assuming it was wired correctly, yes no changes required.

One thing we have noticed (by we I mean folks who have used the GENERAC transfer switches with the Lightning) is that if there is utility power being supplied to the GENERAC via the panel 50A breaker when making the switch to or from the Lightning, the Lightning will detect a ground fault and cut off the output at the 240V outlet - seems to be a short spike on connection to the Lightning under that scenario.

You can see it at the end of this video:


It does not mean there is a wiring error, although a wiring error could cause a real ground fault, so it can be a bit disconcerting - caused me to double check all my wiring for any errors, like picking the wrong neutral to transfer.

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