View Full Version : Run a Lennox Furnace on Generator power
handynot
Sep 24, 2008, 08:05 AM
Hello All,
Can I run my newer (2004) NG Lennox Furnace on the Generator?
Sorry I don't have the model # but I am sure it is a "Builders Special"
Or should I just use that circuit for General Lights on my Transfer Switch?
Thank You in Advance!!
ballengerb1
Sep 24, 2008, 08:50 AM
Could you give me more details about what you said here "Or should I just use that circuit for General Lights on my Transfer Switch?
" Depending on the size of the generator, and your panel, you can power more than one circuit with the generator.
handynot
Sep 24, 2008, 09:35 AM
Could you give me more details about what you said here "Or should I just use that circuit for General Lights on my Transfer Switch?
" Depending on the size of the generator, and your panel, you can power more than one circuit with the generator.
"Details:
Coleman Powermate 5kw Maxa ER Plus (pm0525312.17)
using the L14-20 receptical with Floating Neutral
10/3 W/ground Bus Drop cable (35 ft) to EmerGen transfer switch (Conn elec. #60-5000)
Cuttler Hammer Main"
I have the 5 other circuits wired (sump, Ref, general lights ect)
I also wanted to run my furnace on the Generator
(that was my MAIN reason for going through the main panel)
But in reading other posts it seems that
They are real fussy with them (so are Arc Fault breakers).
I just wanted to see if anyone had any positive connections for emergency power outages.
OR
Should I just give up trying to run the furnace and use that last circuit for something else?
hvac1000
Sep 24, 2008, 10:11 AM
Float ground NO GOOD. Check for other design/ground applications (more than one is available)
The newer style furnaces depend upon a good solid ground for the electronics!
The generator should work just fine but you will need to take current draws of different circuits to see which ones will run together without overloading the gen set or create feedback on the neutral/or ground..
Been there done that.
Note you can daisy the breakers to allow run time on each device or devices but the load will have to be changed manually. (see current (amp) draw comments above.
handynot
Sep 24, 2008, 12:24 PM
[QUOTE=hvac1000;1290308]Float ground NO GOOD. Check for other design/ground applications (more than one is available)The newer style furnaces depend upon a good solid ground for the electronics!
I thought that the ground was attached thru the bus cable and into the Main panel ground (Neutral & Ground are attached inside).
hvac1000
Sep 24, 2008, 12:54 PM
That is fine for your main service BUT not for a separately derived system service. There are way to many NEC codes that come up when gen sets come into the disscussion.
Please check with a qualified electrician in your area as to the proper wiring as per the NEC and have your work inspected by a state or local inspection agency if required in your area. There is a guy down the line working on the utilitys side of the system that will appreciate not getting killed by someone's mistake. That happened not so long ago in my area.
hvac1000
Sep 24, 2008, 01:07 PM
Cheater's delight LOL
http://www.dslreports.com/speak/slideshow/21144499?c=1352003&ret=L2ZvcnVtL3IyMTE0MzM5My1Ib29raW5nLXVwLWEtZ2VuZX JhdG9y