You got that right.
I have a 5500 watt portable that will run our house in an emergency, furnace blower, refrigerator lights and TV. Bought it before the big rush when they were predicting an ice storm several years ago. That ice storm never happened but it sure came in handy a couple years later when one did happen and we were without electricity for 4 days.
The way I hook my generator up is not the right way so don't follow my example. We have an outside breaker box the feeds everything on the property. I simply added another dual breaker that I hook the generator to. Flip the main to disconnect us from the line then fire up the generator. They make a special lock out that won't allow you to flip the generator breaker on if the main has not been flipped off. I just make sure I have the main flipped off before starting the generator and flipping the generator breaker.
Be sure you wire your generator in the proper way that is to code. The special disconnect box is about $450 plus installation that disconnects from the main power lines when you turn your generator on. Otherwise if you are hooked up to the generator when power lines are down there could be a big problem when they are repaired. The utility company repairman could be repairing the power lines and think the power is off and your generator back-feeds the lines and electrocutes him.
Atwood's has Honda and Champion. Online reviews of the Champion looked pretty good. Any experience with them?
My neighbor has an RV, and he frequents RV owner forums. He says the general consensus on these forums is that Champion is a significantly better buy than Honda, dollar for dollar.
Well aware of the possibility, spent my life in electronics and fully understand how electricity works. I know to flip the main before starting and flipping the generator breaker. If everyone had the sense to do it safely there would be no need for $400.00 transfer switches.Be sure you wire your generator in the proper way that is to code. The special disconnect box is about $450 plus installation that disconnects from the main power lines when you turn your generator on. Otherwise if you are hooked up to the generator when power lines are down there could be a big problem when they are repaired. The utility company repairman could be repairing the power lines and think the power is off and your generator back-feeds the lines and electrocutes him.
Well aware of the possibility, spent my life in electronics and fully understand how electricity works. I know to flip the main before starting and flipping the generator breaker. If everyone had the sense to do it safely there would be no need for $400.00 transfer switches.
On another note, I remember someone asking about the real possibility of a generator back feeding the grid. Can't remember if it was here or another forum. The thought was how long would it take to trip the breaker on a 5000 watt generator when it was suddenly asked to power every house in the neighborhood. This is what would happen if you tried to back feed the grid.
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