generators and change over switches

[BEVIN]

Sorry forgot to mention they were all using manual change over switch and not ATS

[Derlyn]

I, on the otherhand, don't see it as being a problem if the DB is not split. I connect a 5KVA generator directly to the 60A main breaker through the change over switch. The generator has a 20A circuit breaker on it's output, so what can go wrong ?

[GCE]

I, on the otherhand, don't see it as being a problem if the DB is not split. I connect a 5KVA generator directly to the 60A main breaker through the change over switch. The generator has a 20A circuit breaker on it's output, so what can go wrong ?

As long as the change over is rated at 60 Amp

[GCE]

Thanks for that answer Isetech
And that's exactly what I will be doing.connecting a 6 KVA Hennie to the db.i have seen however that many guys do not split the db. But
Inform the user (homeowner) to switch off the stove and geysers before switching to the generator.this is not acceptable?

It is not acceptable and the reg I have pasted below makes it illegal

7.12.2.4 Where the alternative supply is intended to provide a supply to an
installation that is not connected to the main supply, or to provide a supply as
a switched alternative to the main supply, the capacity and operating
characteristics of the alternative supply shall be such that danger or damage
to equipment does not arise after the connection or disconnection of any
intended load as a result of the deviation of the voltage or frequency from the
standard range. Means shall be provided to automatically disconnect such
parts of the installation, as may be necessary if the capacity of the alternative
supply is exceeded

[Derlyn]

As long as the change over is rated at 60 Amp

Yes. Mains goes through switch.

As an aside, I HATE rotary change over switches. I use those as in photos that fit in a din rail DB and operate similar to an isolator or circuit breaker.

Most rotary switches are mounted on the lid of the enclosure that houses them.
We all know how quickly a 10 or 16mm wire becomes a loose connection if moved ever so slightly after fastening.
Maybe it's only me, but after wiring a rotary switch and then closing the cover on which it is mounted, I always have that little voice asking me if a connection hasn't been disturbed while closing the enclosure and moving the wires. There's no way of knowing without opening the enclosure.

I suppose we all have our preferences.

[Isetech]

As pointed out by GCE, according to the regs it is illegal, however in reality it is a very common practice, sadly as common as the suicide cord, still being used no matter how dangerous it is.

Thanks for that answer Isetech
And that's exactly what I will be doing.connecting a 6 KVA Hennie to the db.i have seen however that many guys do not split the db. But
Inform the user (homeowner) to switch off the stove and geysers before switching to the generator.this is not acceptable?

[Isetech]

If the DB is split, the breaker and cabling feeding the changeover switch would be suitable for the generator capacity. If it is a 5 kva , we would use 20 amp combo breaker feeding a 32/40 amp changeover switch a 4 mm 4 core plus earth surfix cable, red and black for supply, yellow and blue with red and black heat shrink for the generator supply.

A 5 kva generator connected where the DB is not split, We install a 60 amp breaker with 16 mm wire and a 60 amp manual changeover switch in a panel next to the meter box. We then fit a plug top below the changeover panel to connect the generator, which goes into a 20 amp combo breaker then into the changeover switch. the output of the changeover has 16 mm wire feeding the DB. We also fit a volt/ammeter in the change over switch so that the owner can check the current and voltage to decide what load he requires to run at any point.


The 20 amp breaker will automatically disconnect if the supply is exceeded.

Means shall be provided to automatically disconnect such
parts of the installation, as may be necessary if the capacity of the alternative
supply is exceeded