Any electricians in the lounge?

[SacredCow]

A friend is wanting to have a natural gas generator installed in his house (after being out of power for 2 weeks after hurricane Gustav). The original quote for the generator and installation was about $9000. They came out for a full site survey today and found that he had 3-phase power to his house, so to convert it back to single phase will be an additional $5000. And he's not happy about that.

I'm no electrical expert, but isn't it kind of weird to have 3 phase power in a residential building? And isn't it expensive as hell to do in the first place (meaning that there might be some reason for it being there)?

Any pearls of wisdom are appreciated.

[HopeHoops]

1. Um, this has WTF written all over it.

Residential is 2 phase. Commercial often has 3 phase. Single phase doesn't make any damn sense at all. If the generator only operates on one phase, it couldn't handle a 2 or 3 phase facility in the first place.

DANGER, DANGER WILL ROBINSON - SCAM ARTIST APPROACHING!

Tell your friend to call someone else.

[Ptah]

7. residential is typically single phase.

[SacredCow]

8. that's kind of the vibe i'm getting...

but I'm electrically challenged.

UPDATE... Someone from the power company is supposed to come consult next week. I suspect there's some confusion going on at multiple locations here.

[ornotna]

2. 3 phase is unusual for a house

however, any of the circuits powered by the generator should only require single phase. Don't see why they would have to change out the service. Call another electrician, get another estimate.

[SacredCow]

4. I'm sure it's some kind of safety thing that they can't install it as-is...

I'm hearing from a co-worker that a lot of people around here converted to 3-phase in the 70's energy crisis thinking it would be more energy efficient.

[johnnie]

3. Something's not right

Are you sure it isn't the other way around? What voltage is the 3-phase?

[SacredCow]

6. I don't know anymore... I got all of that in a quick text message from him.

and it sounded kind of weird.

[johnnie]

9. It *is* weird

To convert from three phase would only require a transformer typically. It is pretty rare for a residential house to have three phase going to it. I even doubt that the equipment he needs is 3-phase if it is designed for a residential home.

[gmoney]

5. It'll also be another $4000 to paint the house green...

Natural Gas Generators only work in houses painted green. Everyone knows that...

[Whoa_Nelly]

10. Maybe X-post your thread in the DU DIY forum?

Many helpful people there :hi:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=287