Whole house backup generator

[00tec]

Bumping this up with a more realistic expectation for my allowed budget. (The big genset will have to wait)

Looking at a (3700w running/4500w starting) inverter generator (dual fuel- propane/ gasoline). Too many sensitive electronics in everything these days. (And I dont necessarily need to run the well all the time since I have a 400 gal storage tank in the basement)

Current questions for the better informed out there:

1. Does my reasoning sound about right? I want furnace, fridge (or freezer), a secondary pressure pump for my water tank (other is 240), kitchen lights, the damn propane valve that kills gas without power, TV/modem/PC would be nice.

2. Are there 120v only manual transfer switches out there, or am I relegated to running cords? Most everything I see references the 240 plug.

I have a 1000 gal propane tank on site that I could run a line off of for fuel, along with several BBQ tanks I keep around. I try to buy ethanol free gas for the RZR, so rotation is not an issue.

[Grant H.]

Never used this one, but quick search netted this: https://www.amazon.com/Go-Power-TS-3.../dp/B00153EYTO

I've used other Go Power! options for things, and they work. Not the best, but functional.

I can't remember the brand of the big ones we used for towers in WY, but when I come up with it, I'll share.

In general, I agree with your thoughts of a smaller genset. You can always offload some circuits to refill the tank with the well when you don't need XX.

[Colorado Osprey]

Never used this one, but quick search netted this: https://www.amazon.com/Go-Power-TS-3.../dp/B00153EYTO

I've used other Go Power! options for things, and they work. Not the best, but functional.

I can't remember the brand of the big ones we used for towers in WY, but when I come up with it, I'll share.

In general, I agree with your thoughts of a smaller genset. You can always offload some circuits to refill the tank with the well when you don't need XX.

That GoPower transfer switch is an RV solar style transfer switch. Be aware that all these transfer switches do fail and need to be installed in an enclosed location. A good policy is plan to replace the transfer switch every couple years as you service your generator for ultimate reliability. The relay contacts will burn up after repeated uses. These RV transfer switches were designed for safety rather than a power switch so that you could not have 2 power sources working at the same time doubling incoming power.

[Grant H.]

Good info to add. Thanks.

We have used similar ones with generators, and they work, but you are correct they are a solar product first.

ETA:

As you're taking about manual, why not just have an additional service breaker put in, upstream of your panel, and add a 240v plug in between the additional breaker and original, and then just plug your generator in after isolating the house? A generator of that size will have a 240 source (at least ours do). Then use your normal breakers to serve what you need.

[00tec]

Good info to add. Thanks.

We have used similar ones with generators, and they work, but you are correct they are a solar product first.

ETA:

As you're taking about manual, why not just have an additional service breaker put in, upstream of your panel, and add a 240v plug in between the additional breaker and original, and then just plug your generator in after isolating the house? A generator of that size will have a 240 source (at least ours do). Then use your normal breakers to serve what you need.

I havent found a budget friendly inverter generator with a 240 plug. The one I'm looking at sure doesn't and it's a grand.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Westingh...00DF/308134845

[kwando]

Here’s a similar transfer switch I have, it’s pretty fool proof.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Reliance-30...Switch/4712891

[thebolt]

I've had two houses set up for generators and they are essential to me now that I've used them. I installed a transfer switch at my last house and it worked well to supply heat, a few light circuts, and power for the well.

I found a system that works better for me when I moved to a different home. The "interlock" is used instead of a transfer switch and it is so much better for me and my usage. It's easy to install, less expensive, and offers much more flexibility in what I can run during power outages. I lost power for about 20 hours in the March blizzard and I had power for all my essentials and for lights. I can use power in any room and I just have to manage the total amount of power I am using. It's a much better option for me and I wanted to share this with others. I am listing one company which sells the interlock but there are many out there if you search around. This is the company I used and I am happy with the product and the price.

https://www.geninterlock.com/

Good luck in which ever way you go.