re: Generator Question

Agreed with others. You need what’s called a manual transfer switch and may need a sub panel. Since those breakers are integrated into the meter pan you won’t be able to fully isolate it from the incoming utility.

Maybe the Generlink solves these issues but if you have a main-lug-only (MLO) panel downstream from that meter, it’s gonna be tricky to feed those 240V loads properly without running the risk of back feeding the grid.

And as to the soft start, I have 2 3-ton units with MicroAir soft starters that have been installed for almost 3 years. One of them is hooked up to an old 2003 R22 compressor and has about 20,000 starts on it. I’ve been amazed at how much quieter the units are after installing the MicroAir. It doesn’t even make sense since the starter pulls out of the circuit once the compressor is fully up to speed but for some reason the compressor is quieter running. Had the same experience when I assisted a coworker installing his - one of his units used to be load as hell and now just barely hums. I can’t recommend those soft starters enough.