Can someone help me compare generators?

[geist1223]

How long can you run off a 100 pound tank? Do you have to cart them off to get them refilled, or can you call for delivery?

About 3 days of pretty continous running for a 100lb tank. When they need refilling I load into my pickup. An empty 100lb Tank is not heavy. Our House Heater is gas fired. So just need electricity for the blower and electric igniter. Make sure to turn off any unnecessary lights or electric run items.

 

[davidvel]

installing an outlet to plug a generator in to feed your house panel is in no way shape or form the same thing as using a double male power cable to plug into your drier outlet. and a transfer switch is not required at all in most states, only an interlock that ensures the main breaker and generator breaker cannot be active at the same time.

We are saying the same thing. That is what a transfer switch does. Automatic or manual.

 

[DrQ]

We are saying the same thing. That is what a transfer switch does. Automatic or manual.

The Transfer Switch isolates the circuits powered by the generator from the main line. This keeps your generator from energizing the line outside the house and protect workers that may be trying to restore power. If they catch you, they may pull your meter to protect workers.

This is a safe interface from the generator to the house:

 

[TUGBrian]

In reality if you plugged in your generator and it was feeding power to your local transformer and thus energizing the line (ie you didnt flip your main off) your generator would either trip its breaker instantly, or melt in a glorious fashion trying to supply that much juice to your neighbors =)


as always, if you are not familiar (like intimately familiar) with household electrical wiring, hiring an electrician to install an generator outlet is a very common thing in this day and age!

 

[Bucky]

Bought this one from Lowe’s over 8 yrs ago and it’s still working perfectly. Had an electrician put a transfer switch in making it simple to work when needed. Plug it in and turn it on. Runs everything in our house incl heating and ac when needed. https://www.troybilt.com/en_US/gene...t2eTgMG9EzpIF8xUjIl_xN_2EXCgXLUTEtbCf_BNweLEL

 

[WorldT]

The Transfer Switch isolates the circuits powered by the generator from the main line. This keeps your generator from energizing the line outside the house and protect workers that may be trying to restore power. If they catch you, they may pull your meter to protect workers.

This is a safe interface from the generator to the house:

A transfer switch is great but cost more money. A lock out device works just as well and cost about $16.