Recommendation for Los Angeles area electrician who installed an inlet for you?

[jnthn98]

Hi all,

I am looking to install an inlet (L14-30) next to my main panel to power my house from the 240V outlet in my Lightning truck bed for emergencies. From the research that I have done, I know that I will need a 3-pole/neutral transfer switch so that the neutral (also grounded via truck frame) of the Lightning isn't connected to the utility ground for the house.

I was about to hire an electrician who said he can do that, but he ended up only experienced in installing inlet for gas generators, in which he claims did not need the transfer switch. I didn't feel comfortable with him doing the work so I am looking for a new electrician. Do you have any recommendations for an electrician, in the Los Angeles area, who have installed an inlet for a Lightning who knows what he/she is doing. Thanks!

-Jon

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[chl]

Hi all,

I am looking to install an inlet (L14-30) next to my main panel to power my house from the 240V outlet in my Lightning truck bed for emergencies. From the research that I have done, I know that I will need a 3-pole/neutral transfer switch so that the neutral (also grounded via truck frame) of the Lightning isn't connected to the utility ground for the house.

I was about to hire an electrician who said he can do that, but he ended up only experienced in installing inlet for gas generators, in which he claims did not need the transfer switch. I didn't feel comfortable with him doing the work so I am looking for a new electrician. Do you have any recommendations for an electrician, in the Los Angeles area, who have installed an inlet for a Lightning who knows what he/she is doing. Thanks!

-Jon

You might contact GENERAC (they make the kind of transfer switch you need, like the 6853) and see if they have recommendations.

Definitely steer clear of any electrician who doesn't understand that bonded generators (most new ones are bonded) require a neutral-switching transfer switch!

I am an electrical engineer so I felt comfortable with a DIY, but since circuits need to be moved from the service panel to the transfer switch (hots and neutrals) it is inherently 'dangerous' - even if you flip off the main breaker, there is still electricity being provided to the panel so one wrong touch and zap - shutting off a main disconnect if provided or pulling the meter would be the safest way to do the reconfiguration of the panel.

Good luck!

 

[jnthn98]

You might contact GENERAC (they make the kind of transfer switch you need, like the 6853) and see if they have recommendations.

Definitely steer clear of any electrician who doesn't understand that bonded generators (most new ones are bonded) require a neutral-switching transfer switch!

I am an electrical engineer so I felt comfortable with a DIY, but since circuits need to be moved from the service panel to the transfer switch (hots and neutrals) it is inherently 'dangerous' - even if you flip off the main breaker, there is still electricity being provided to the panel so one wrong touch and zap - shutting off a main disconnect if provided or pulling the meter would be the safest way to do the reconfiguration of the panel.

Good luck!

Thanks for the info. Though I understand the theory, I am going to look for an electrician to do the install. Btw, how do you compare between installing an interlock versus a transfer switch like the 6853? My understanding is that the interlock still disconnects the "generator inlet" from the grid. Would someone go with the transfer switch route (almost like a subpanel) because they cannot modify their main panel?

 

[Mach Turtle]

Does your utility have anything similar to what's discussed in the following thread?

https://www.f150lightningforum.com/...-home-and-free-for-some-pg-e-customers.16910/

It's a long thread, but there might be something useful in there if you haven't read through it already.

Hope you find a good solution, whatever form it takes.

 

[Ricks Lightning]

Are you LADWP or SCE.
What's your general area or zip code. You can pm.if you want.
My buddy C-10 has done several ev chargers for friends of mine. Im sure he can do it if you specify the equipment and or supply the hardware that you have researched. He's in the Mar Vista neighborhood.

Rick

 

[chl]

Thanks for the info. Though I understand the theory, I am going to look for an electrician to do the install. Btw, how do you compare between installing an interlock versus a transfer switch like the 6853? My understanding is that the interlock still disconnects the "generator inlet" from the grid. Would someone go with the transfer switch route (almost like a subpanel) because they cannot modify their main panel?

An interlock will prevent back feeding but it won't switch the neutrals as I understand interlocks.
In some jurisdictions, interlocks are not permitted.

But another problem is the Lightning bonded generator also has GFCI, and it you have the neutral bonded in two places, the panel and the Lightning, it will detect the ground loop this creates and open the breaker.

Some folks cut the ground wire from the Lightning, but that is a big no-no.

To hook up a bonded generator in compliance with the NEC, you need a transfer switch thaat switches the neutrals and hots, AND you need a continuous ground.

You may also need a ground rod for the Lightning chassis although some experts say as long as the ground wire of the output is connected to the house ground rods, you are ok. But some inspectors may disagree.

The bonded generator is going to be considered a separately derived system (NEC definiton).

Here is a video that explains how a bonded generator MUST be connected to a dwelling per NEC code:



Since a transfer switch is under $400, and you house and truck and you life and limb are far more valuable, why cut corners, violate code and take a risk?

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