Generators: portable generators to power entire house.

I second this. I found a lot of info out from this site, but getting to see videos and tips and tricks of 15,000 other people is very helpful

Rule #1: shut off main power to house.

be careful, you can get yourself or more importantly someone else killed. not to mention burn up all your shite in your house.

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Found that guy......

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"that guy" has seen plenty of people do stupid shite.

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Hope its better than most FB groups where generally incapable people spend their time pointing the obvious and trivial non-kosher things to make themselves feel at least a little bit competent.

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This page is regulated more than most. Don't allow the BS. It's really more of an adult group.

I've been involved with the standby and portable. I have two folks that want just the standby. Others want portable.
But with the storm season, you need something.

Are you referencing my post from 2021?

LINK

Most portable generators can run an AC compressor if inrush is reduced via soft starter.

I recently did a cost estimate for my buddy in Houston for a portable generator whole-home setup. Soft starter, fully rated transfer switch, and portable generator, plus plumber’s fees to run the gas line. I think he’s in about $3-$4k total. Could’ve been less with an interlock kit but I prefer a fully rated manual transfer switch because of the simplicity.

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Nope, but you do have a good thread going there.

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This place has been a wealth of knowledge for people looking for a generator setup without the full blown standby price. Lots of helpful folks on this board.

Having a fully-rated transfer switch leaves the option for utilizing a larger generator or hooking up a whole-home standby generator later. All the wiring will already be in place since the transfer switch is upstream of the home’s main panel. The difference in a transfer switch versus an interlock is how the generator power feeds the panel - an interlock kit feeds through a branch circuit and a transfer switch feeds the panel through the main lugs. But being upstream of the panel also requires it to match or exceed the rating of the panel, usually 100A or 200A. With an interlock kit you only need to match the receptacle to the breaker (usually 30A or 50A).

Using a manual transfer switch is also simpler since it only has lever that you throw to change sources - as simple as that. Heres a picture of the GE 200A manual transfer switch my friend purchased.



Note that the enclosure is big to account for the bend radius of cables that can carry the full 200A. My friend’s home panel has a 150A main breaker so I had to meet or exceed that rating. An interlock doesn’t have to be quite as stout.

But operating the MTS is simple - you have 2 sources (LINE in the photo) and one load (LOAD in the photo). Just throw the switch to change sources.

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Just trying to figure out the electrical right now...interlock plus whole house surge protector versus transfer switch vs. new box needed?

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The whole home surge protector will feed through a breaker in your home’s main panel. It is independent of choosing transfer switch versus interlock.

As for the main question, the interlock is cheaper since the generator simply feeds through a branch circuit in your panel as opposed to feeding the main. The interlock kit will require some drilling on the panel cover and will require moving the generator breaker near the main so the interlock can function. If you utilize the transfer switch, you will only be modifying the wiring between your main lugs/breaker and the utility meter. It will require some heavier wiring to handle the full load of your panel but operation is super simple.

Both will require mounting a receptacle if you consider that a “box” but the interlock kit goes inside your panel as opposed to being another enclosure. So yes, if you want the side of your house more clear the interlock is probably the solution for you. 50A receptacle (with wiring), 50A breaker, interlock kit. Some labeling and permitting may be required but the job for the electrician will be cheaper.