Quote:
Originally Posted by Squid kids Dad
How do you set up the generator to power your house???
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SKD,
I can't run the whole house with my generator. It's about 7500 watts (Lowes special).
I bought a Gentran "Transfer Station" It allows 6 circuits. I had an electrician come in and install it. I have the following circuits connected:
1. Main Fridge
2. Second Fridge
3. Microwave
4. Heat
5. Freezer
6. 3 plugs for television and light
I can run all these at once. Basically, the power goes out. I wheel the generator outside and connect the 220 line from the generator to the transfer station. I then fire the generator up and turn the "juice" on to the line. Then, one by one, I flip each circuit up, allowing a little time for the generator to catch up. Once all 6 go, I'm all set. There is no need to kill the main box as the transfer station has a built in "backfeed stop" This prevents someone working on the lines from getting zapped, thinking the power is off, by the generator. Once I see the lights on in the rest of the house, I just reverse the process.
There are generators and transfer stations out there that will run the whole house, turn on the minute power is lost etc, but it was far beyond what I needed and very expensive.
All told, the generator was $700, transfer station $300 and electrician about $140. Short money for the piece of mind having power when needed. The day we lost the power, we lost a LOT of food as it was 90 degrees out. Now, even in winter, my family is all set and the food is in fine shape.
Hope that answered your question. I did a TON of research on the subject online. So many ideas but, as always, money dictates what you can and cannot do
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