05-16-2015, 05:19 AM
http://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/...witch.html
Most generators are small enough compared to the house service that it is natural to select only certain circuits. Also most or at least many household power panels have the main breaker integral with the panel. There is no way to de-energize the panel or conductors upstream without pulling the meter, which takes the complexity up a notch, so even if it means putting in a transfer switch that pretty much duplicates your regular panel, the advantage is that you can do the work without involving the power company.
Take this as constructive criticism in the friendliest way: you're being a bit lazy in that running off a generator has got to be limiting in terms of capacity unless you have a honkin' big generator. As such you are going to be making decisions about what to turn on or leave off. I say make some of those decisions up front. Also I would not power an electric hot water heater from a generator. At 4,500 watts that is equal to or greater than the capacity of a generator that would otherwise be adequate to run the entire rest of your house. Lay a garden hose in the sun and shower with that.
Most generators are small enough compared to the house service that it is natural to select only certain circuits. Also most or at least many household power panels have the main breaker integral with the panel. There is no way to de-energize the panel or conductors upstream without pulling the meter, which takes the complexity up a notch, so even if it means putting in a transfer switch that pretty much duplicates your regular panel, the advantage is that you can do the work without involving the power company.
Take this as constructive criticism in the friendliest way: you're being a bit lazy in that running off a generator has got to be limiting in terms of capacity unless you have a honkin' big generator. As such you are going to be making decisions about what to turn on or leave off. I say make some of those decisions up front. Also I would not power an electric hot water heater from a generator. At 4,500 watts that is equal to or greater than the capacity of a generator that would otherwise be adequate to run the entire rest of your house. Lay a garden hose in the sun and shower with that.