Quote:
Originally Posted by rockfan4
I guess I'm not following you here. Wouldn't it make more sense to install a sub panel off the main panel, and put all the circuits you mention above on that panel? Then you'd just start the generator (auto-start?) Disconnect the utility feed, and connect the generator output? (auto transfer switch?)
How big of a generator are you installing? Auto start or manual? Do you plan on switching the load manually or automatically?
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Well, all the circuits I want to power with the generator are in the main panel, except the espresso machine. It seems like it'd be a bit of a pain to move them to the existing subpanel, and move the circuits on that subpanel to the main panel. Doable, but as the wires won't reach, there'd be junction boxes scattered around. Ditto with installing a new subpanel.
For now, I'm using a Harbor Freight 9500, and will start the generator and switch the load manually. We don't get power outages that often - once or twice a year, in winter, usually for <24 hours but we did have a four day outage a couple years ago. Normally we just deal with it, though we moved to a hotel for the longer one. My 88 y/o dad is living with us now, though, so the consequences of a power outage feel a little more significant to me - so, I want to be able to keep the house warm etc.