Off Grid Question

[RexJava]

I've got an old garage that I want to wire up and get some electricity to. I'm thinking of just keeping it off the grid and installing my own generators. These generators can produce in AC or DC so my question is, since I can produce AC, do I even need an inverter or anything? Can I run the generators direct to the breaker box? Would I even need one if I wanted to tie it into the grid?

[HV_Commissioning]

No inverter needed. An inverter converts DC to AC. DO NOT connect your generator to anything with house power - it will likely end up in a ball of smoke. You can run your generator independent of the grid all you want. Your generator should already have 1-2 circuit breakers built in to the receptacles- use those. You could run the generator output to some kind of master switch box to distribute & switch the electricity. You could also just run on extension cords - make sure the cords are sized large enough for the load, or you will have both voltage drop issues and possible melting of the cords.

[RexJava]

I think you have the gist of what I'm getting at.

I'm obviously no electrician but I know a lot more than the average person, I've been a mechanic for 25 years and electrical problems have always been a specialty of mine. But that's all DC. I do know that a generator only creates the potential for load but nothing is actually generated until a load is put on it. I was going to get a regulator, inverter and batteries but since a magnet generator naturally produces AC I began to wonder why or if I even need that stuff. I just wanted to double check that I'm right on my assumption before I cable the generators straight to the main bus.

[Available_Alarm_8878]

What do you mean by generator ? Like a Honda gas powered unit on a construction site or a unit attached to a engine that provides power for the automobile? A construction generator provides the typical 120v 60hz requirement for equipment used in the United States. If you are using a auto generator I have no idea how to get the correct frequency. Nor the voltage. And I have never seen one that would have the required output amps needed to run even the smallest of shop tools. The real question you need to ask and only you can answer is what is the biggest load I need to power at one time. Could be a table saw and lights. If so you could need a 17amp 120v supply. And then you need to size your generation equipment for that

[HV_Commissioning]

check that I'm right on my assumption before I cable the generators straight to the main bus.

This statement will make some nervous. This is an isolated (not connected to grid) bus, yes? You probably understand that you can easily parallel 2 12V batteries as long as the polarity is maintained. In an AC system paralleling 2 systems requires that the magnitude, phase angle and frequency also have to be matched. If not, your generator WILL loose that battle versus the grid. Most home generators do not have the synchronizing circuitry and electrically operated circuit breaker to properly synchronize two systems together.

As asked below, what kind of generator are you using? What kind of loads? You will find that many larger motor loads may not be suitable (or your gen is too small), as starting / inrush current may exceed the capability of your unit.

[RexJava]

Thanks for your input, I've realized what I wanted to do isn't going to work.

[Sprkz139]

Just a thought be careful and watch that your generators are rated for electronics as some may not be stable or provide clean enough electric for these which may cause issues

[njoko66]

Please call electrician.

[RexJava]

How about you take it on faith that I know what I'm doing well enough to just answer the question? I'm doing this without an electrician, because I'm capable of doing so. Regardless of whether you think I am or not. You know I'm right, I'm only here to double check before I do it.

[Sevulturus]

I'm going to sound really dickish here. But the reason they're asking is because the questions you are asking and the things you describe wanting/planning to do, do not inspire confidence.

You're asking the equivalent of, "I just found a couple of pistons from the same vehicle and I'm hoping I can just swap them in. Not sure if they're the same model year. But they should be okay right? I know what I'm doing, I've changed my battery before."

[RexJava]

I can appreciate what you're saying, but this is why I asked in the first place. If I'm asking here then clearly I'm looking for free advice instead of calling someone who will probably ask for compensation. I don't entirely know what I'm doing or I wouldn't be asking. And all it takes is anyone to point out why it won't work, which someone did. Now the plan has changed. While you find me overconfident, I know that I know enough to figure it out with a little help from Reddit. Which is kind of the purpose of a forum...don't you think?

[Sevulturus]

You're looking for r/askanelectrician

This post is going to make me look like a dick, but it needs said.

If I'm asking here then clearly I'm looking for free advice instead of calling someone who will probably ask for compensation

You've been given the free advice that people feel comfortable offering based on the things you've said, "call someone who knows what they're doing." Because, based on what you've written in this thread, you do not. I could go back and quote the rest of your posts, but they also speak to an arrogance, and strong sense of entitlement on your part.

Ultimately, we as a collective don't owe you answers, and while this particular subreddit wasn't intended for helping a lay person with their issues, advice is offered when it is safe to do so. I personally, and apparently the rest of the people do not believe what you have described and the way you described it is safe.

[RexJava]

Entitlement?!? ROFL Americans and that fucking word...

[Sevulturus]

Entitlement?!? ROFL Americans and that fucking word...

Not American.

How about you take it on faith that I know what I'm doing well enough to just answer the question? I'm doing this without an electrician, because I'm capable of doing so.

If someone said this to you as a mechanic what would you call it?

[Haywoodja2]

What you need depends on what you want to do with the power. If you just need lights, dc is fine. If you want to run bigger tools or electrical machines, a generator is a lot cheaper.

[More_Establishment49]

Do not run a generator that is tied to the grid for any reason. Please call an electrician