Getting prepared.

[grsthegreat]

Look at this site. Products Archive | Page 2 of 3 | GenInterlock

Thay make lots of easily installed interlock kits. But you need enough space in your panel to add a double breaker from generator. Some panels I see are so packed full there’s no way to just simply add more.

 

[OWDouglas]

Just got 2 generators running again, just in case

 

[Wakey]

I have a 22K whole house generator and I’ve been thinking of wiring up some separate circuits to power with a portable generator during a prolonged outage.

I have a 500 gallon tank but in the event that delivery is slow, I have 3 vehicles I could siphon fuel from.

If it’s winter I can heat the entire home with my fireplace blower. I need to add up the basics and see if my 5.5K HF can run them ok.

I have 2 fridge/freezers and a stand up freezer. From there I was going to put an outlet in each bedroom for a fan, and to charge devices.

If there is room I can put in an outlet for both TV sets.

I can run the whole house genny to heat water, wash clothes etc once a day.

 

[truckdiagnostics]

I have used my vehicles for gas in an emergency. Necessity is the mother of invention. I used an old fuel pressure tester, screw into the shredder valve on the fuel rail, turn the key on fuel pumps out(depends on make) into 5 gal gas can. Go to work fill the truck up rinse repeat. Got caught with my pants down once back in 1992-93? when upstate New York(Rochester) had real bad ice storm. We were out for weeks. Couldn't get out, to get gas. Lot of neighbors had gas in there cars. First few days was a mess. I was home at the time taking care of my elderly parents. Dad had a generator and (a) 5 gal gas can half full when the storm hit. When we weren't using it the neighbors were. Dad is still alive and my guess is the generator is still sitting there with a 1/2 empty gas can. They have outages and the neighbors borrow the generator and takes care of the old man. I have asked him about it and his answer has been I got the generator I don't need the gas.

 

[TnAndy]

I considered a whole house generator, but opted to go solar instead...because it offers me payback during normal conditions (we haven't had an electric bill in 12 years) and had a 30% federal tax credit, where as a generator is simply a money pit in financial terms.

During grid down conditions, I walk out in the garage and flip a 100amp transfer switch to our solar which either delivers power from the panels or the battery bank, depending on sun conditions.

Nice thing about a battery bank is if you need a small amount of power in the middle of the night for example, you aren't running a generator to supply it.

If we got many extended days, and no sun, I'll use a small generator for a few hours to charge the battery bank.

 

[gsganzer]

I started doing some more research and it seems like a "load side manual transfer" might be the better option for me.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Reliance-Controls-50-Amp-10-Circuit-Manual-Transfer-Switch-A510C/206503336

This would be one of the more cost effective options and simpler for my wife and daughters to figure out, if I'm on the road, because they can clearly see the 10 items that can be swapped to the generator. Plus I could print very simple instructions for them, right on the panel. Simple for them to connect a cord between the gen/welder and the house bulkhead, if the Gen isn't already hooked up.

 

[3Ts]

I considered a whole house generator, but opted to go solar instead...because it offers me payback during normal conditions (we haven't had an electric bill in 12 years) and had a 30% federal tax credit, where as a generator is simply a money pit in financial terms.

During grid down conditions, I walk out in the garage and flip a 100amp transfer switch to our solar which either delivers power from the panels or the battery bank, depending on sun conditions.

. . .

Nice thing about a battery bank is if you need a small amount of power in the middle of the night for example, you aren't running a generator to supply it.

If we got many extended days, and no sun, I'll use a small generator for a few hours to charge the battery bank.

What brand of transfer switch is that? I'm looking for a 100 or 200 amp manual transfer switch in an outdoor enclosure and not finding any, only automatic ones. I have 2 buildings that it will be powering.

 

[Diggin It]

I'm looking for a 100 or 200 amp manual transfer switch in an outdoor enclosure and not finding any, only automatic ones. I have 2 buildings that it will be powering.

Quick search for '100a manual transfer switch' finds big box store links to several including a GE Model #TC10323R for about $150 and the 200A version for about $450. Both are in a NEMA type-3R enclosure for outdoor use.

 

[TnAndy]

It's Cutler Hammer, which for some reason, Harbor Freight was carrying at that time....it was around 100 bucks then. I checked their website and seems they no longer have them. Home Deport has them for $195

 

[coobie]

I considered a whole house generator, but opted to go solar instead...because it offers me payback during normal conditions (we haven't had an electric bill in 12 years) and had a 30% federal tax credit, where as a generator is simply a money pit in financial terms.

During grid down conditions, I walk out in the garage and flip a 100amp transfer switch to our solar which either delivers power from the panels or the battery bank, depending on sun conditions.

Nice thing about a battery bank is if you need a small amount of power in the middle of the night for example, you aren't running a generator to supply it.

If we got many extended days, and no sun, I'll use a small generator for a few hours to charge the battery bank.

Always IMPRESSED with your setups..