Prewiring for generator - new house construction (washer, air conditioning, natural gas)

[Schumacher713]

So, an installed generator is about 8K installed? You will use it about once a decade. Why not just go on a fun vacation once a decade with that 8K?

[ethanw]

Any EE should know how to wire the darn universal thing :-) Going the universal route just buys you time to research but if you already know what you want sure go with the paired switch that comes with the generator.

Originally Posted by PedroMartinez

FYI, some generators have transfer switches designed specifically for their units. Generac is one such instance. This does NOT mean that you can't connect any generator to a "generic" transfer switch, because you can, it might be easier and cheaper (in terms of labor) with a "plug and play" transfer switch and generator in such cases.

But Ethanw is correct, a universal transfer switch will work on any generator as long as the loads are appropriate.

[Mandres]

I think you guys are going way overboard. I have a 10,500 watt portable gas generator and a transfer switch wired to my house panel. In the event of a prolonged power outage all I have to do is wheel the unit outside, plug it into the switch, and fire it up. It can handle the refrigerator, the AC and the television/computer just fine. Do you really need a water-cooled, natural-gas-fired behemoth for a residential home? We're not talking about a hospital here. How often is the power off for more than an hour anyway? Once every 10 years?

[Schumacher713]

I went and partied in Austin after Ike rolled through. I floated the Guadalupe. I hit the outlet mall. The city was basically shut down for days anyways. I had other friends that went to Vegas. I just don't see the point.

[marksmu]

We can't all leave - some of us are business owners who have to secure the business, coordinate with insurance, and employees...Others I am sure are people who have to stay to respond to other needs...line workers, city employees, utility employees, insurance adjusters, etc, etc, etc.

Its great that you have a job where you are not needed during a disaster, but lots of people do not.

In addition to the multiple businesses that I had to ensure were ok and secure after the storm, I had multiple rental properties where the tenants left town that also needed to be checked on.

So those generators and that money may seem pointless to you, but to others, it keeps us comfortable and informed during periods where we MUST be here.

Originally Posted by Schumacher713

I went and partied in Austin after Ike rolled through. I floated the Guadalupe. I hit the outlet mall. The city was basically shut down for days anyways. I had other friends that went to Vegas. I just don't see the point.

[bghouston]

Thank you again everyone for all the invaluable information, this is really helpful. I think we have enough to make a decision now.

[ethanw]

Agree, but for few extra $$$ I got the whole house covered so 20K was a must for me. With two HVAC units, 5 and 4 tons, plus the other crap it all adds up. The test run once a month and when in need it switches over in seconds, all transparent to me.
But yes you could do it with less and on a budget as well....

Originally Posted by Mandres

I think you guys are going way overboard. I have a 10,500 watt portable gas generator and a transfer switch wired to my house panel. In the event of a prolonged power outage all I have to do is wheel the unit outside, plug it into the switch, and fire it up. It can handle the refrigerator, the AC and the television/computer just fine. Do you really need a water-cooled, natural-gas-fired behemoth for a residential home? We're not talking about a hospital here. How often is the power off for more than an hour anyway? Once every 10 years?

[PedroMartinez]

Originally Posted by Mandres

I think you guys are going way overboard. I have a 10,500 watt portable gas generator and a transfer switch wired to my house panel. In the event of a prolonged power outage all I have to do is wheel the unit outside, plug it into the switch, and fire it up. It can handle the refrigerator, the AC and the television/computer just fine. Do you really need a water-cooled, natural-gas-fired behemoth for a residential home? We're not talking about a hospital here. How often is the power off for more than an hour anyway? Once every 10 years?

I'm using a Honda EU6500is that I converted over to natural gas. It runs all my essentials plus a portable AC that would go in the master bedroom.

Originally Posted by Schumacher713

I went and partied in Austin after Ike rolled through. I floated the Guadalupe. I hit the outlet mall. The city was basically shut down for days anyways. I had other friends that went to Vegas. I just don't see the point.

Since I'm in IT, I need to stay following a hurricane. With my 2 young kids, not having power would be essentially torture on me. I bought my generator setup with the same hopes as when I purchase my health, auto and home insurance. I hope I never have to use it, but I don't mind paying for the peace of mind.

[astrohip]

Originally Posted by Schumacher713

So, an installed generator is about 8K installed? You will use it about once a decade. Why not just go on a fun vacation once a decade with that 8K?

Originally Posted by Mandres

I think you guys are going way overboard. I have a 10,500 watt portable gas generator and a transfer switch wired to my house panel. In the event of a prolonged power outage all I have to do is wheel the unit outside, plug it into the switch, and fire it up. It can handle the refrigerator, the AC and the television/computer just fine. Do you really need a water-cooled, natural-gas-fired behemoth for a residential home? We're not talking about a hospital here. How often is the power off for more than an hour anyway? Once every 10 years?

Originally Posted by Schumacher713

I went and partied in Austin after Ike rolled through. I floated the Guadalupe. I hit the outlet mall. The city was basically shut down for days anyways. I had other friends that went to Vegas. I just don't see the point.

The question was not "should I spend MY money on a generator", it was asking about pre-installation.

But thanks anyway.

[elnina]

NOT Houston related. Moved to House Forum.