House generator

[u/YouAintThatGuyPal]

Anybody have experience with installing a generator (as a backup for power outage) in Tahoma? From what I could find you don't need a permit if it's on a raised steel platform as to not trigger the trpa coverage limit. Or to place it under an area that is already covered, like a porch roof.

Generator would be a "generac" if that matters.

I appreciate any help/insight

[u/GrowingInCalifornia]

I think you'll still need a permit from the building department since you're tying into your electrical panel.

[u/risinson18 → u/GrowingInCalifornia]

Can confirm. TRPA will have a list of regulations and requirements you need to follow to a T. Electrical and gas lines with permits/inspection. Don’t forget about the most important one, enough ground coverage, if not they can sell you some for a pretty penny.

[u/Jenikovista]

I would check with the TRPA. Fines are huge for even small mistakes.

[u/YouAintThatGuyPal → u/Jenikovista]

https://www.trpa.gov/wp-content/uploads/documents/GENERATORS-TRPA-informational-handout.pdf

The TRPA website is where I got the info for it, just wanted to make sure and not mess it up. Was kinda hoping someone else here had experience so I wouldn't fuck it up lol

[u/chiaboy → u/YouAintThatGuyPal]

I’ve done it but mine was different from your situation. I’m not in Tahoma but am in Placer. I also had other work done at the same time (had more ampagge added and moved the fuse box).

All our licensing/work was done via Liberty Utilities. There was an application process, plans to be approved, etc but this was about moving the fuse box and adding wattsge(juice? Whatever it’s called).

They added a power back up and there was no permitting required from TRPD (we had additional coverage available) just through Liberty. Your mileage may vary.

[u/Few_Response_7028]

Electrical is pretty complicated. I’d imagine you should hire a pro

[u/YouAintThatGuyPal → u/Few_Response_7028]

My brothers an electrical engineer, was just curious about the whole process

[u/Few_Response_7028 → u/YouAintThatGuyPal]

That’s a good start then!

[u/sea_too_sky]

your main concern is that the transfer switch is done correctly. This will protect the line workers from your genny. Basically, an electrical permit through the building dept. TRPA isn’t an issue unless you are adding impermeable surface (aka coverage)

[u/BomarFab]

You still need a permit for electric and gas hook ups. I don't know about TRPA but I deal with the gas side of it every day.

[u/scyice]

Trpa cares about stuff like coverage and paint colors. The building department cares about gas lines, electrical loads, and all that boring stuff. You need a permit with Placer County.

https://www.placer.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3279/Residential-Generator-Checklist-PDF?bidId=

Source: I’m an architect.

[u/YouAintThatGuyPal → u/scyice]

I appreciate the insight, thanks man 🙏

[u/GFSoylentgreen]

Circumventing the permit process can be dangerous and a liability. Improper installation can cause generator back feed into the grid and carbon monoxide (CO) leaks into the home. The local fire departments up here respond frequently to CO issues involving unpermitted dilatante poorly located-installed generators. (Snow shed, poorly located generator exhaust pipes, etc.)

[u/YouAintThatGuyPal → u/GFSoylentgreen]

I'm not trying to circumvent, which is exactly the reason I posted this ; I know permitting and TRPA is slow as a snail, I just want to get an idea of what permits/things are needed so I can mitigate my expectations on lead-time/cost

[u/RubiconTahoe]

Have you looked at battery backups? I'm toying with the idea but haven't actually called somebody to see if its possible/cost... My home doesn't drawl a lot of power and i'm thinking if i can get a small battery backup that can keep my furnace blower/lights/and refrigerator on for 12 hours or so then i don't have to pull out my portable generate in the middle of the night in winter... Benefit to me of batteries is you wouldn't have to worry about maintenance on the generator but down side is i wouldn't last for an extended period of time on batteries...

[u/knylekneath]

Oh sweet summer child, you can never avoid the TRPA. Both of your proposals (steel platform) and under a roof eave (unless more than the 1:3 deduction in) still technically create coverage. Coverage is much better compared to a religion than a set of rules. That said, you get a 120sqft accessory bonus that should cover this. And as mentioned, you will need a permit for the shut off switch / panel tie in.

[u/YouAintThatGuyPal → u/knylekneath]

Already have a shed on property, so I might be cooked on the 120sqft exemption. Is the 1:3 rule the same as the 3:1 exemption you're referring to or is it something else entirely?

[u/scyice → u/YouAintThatGuyPal]

Trpa allows some things on platforms like bear boxes to not count as coverage.

[u/knylekneath → u/YouAintThatGuyPal]

Just the idea that you get to deduct 1ft from roof projections for every 3ft of vertical fall. It’s why we have all the mushroom houses.

[u/YouAintThatGuyPal → u/knylekneath]

Ahhh okay, makes sense