Using RV generator as backup for house?
My electricity is still on in Middle TN, no worries. But that may not always be the case in the future! If I have a transfer switch properly installed, is there any reason I can't use the RV gene...
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Coolmom - you seem like a very capable person. I think you could easily install one of those EZ Generator transfer switches that someone else gave a link to. This switch is installed on a single circuit on your service panel. It allows you to use your generator to power just that one circuit. Since your generator is 4000w, I think you could run a 1500w electric ceramic heater to at least have some emergency heat in one room. Since a whole circuit is powered, you could also have internet and TV - as long as you chose the circuit that you would power with that in mind.
I installed one of these transfer switches myself a couple years ago for basically the same purpose you are talking about. However, the big difference for me is that I heat with wood, and all I needed power for was the blower on my wood burning fireplace. I have that going, and I also have a few outlets on that same circuit so that I can get the fridge connected (with an extension cord - indoors) and some lights as well.
The EZ Generator company is EXCELLENT in terms of customer service and their very clear and understandable videos. They go into the issue of bonded and floating neutral ground so that you know what to do. The wiring is a very easy install. The total cost for me was in the neighborhood of $100 start to finish. (I wanted mine outdoors so that I wouldn't have to run a heavy-duty extension cord through a window or something. To make the transfer switch weather-proof I had to build a little "shelter" thing for it to attach to the wall of my house.)
-Speak
I installed one of these transfer switches myself a couple years ago for basically the same purpose you are talking about. However, the big difference for me is that I heat with wood, and all I needed power for was the blower on my wood burning fireplace. I have that going, and I also have a few outlets on that same circuit so that I can get the fridge connected (with an extension cord - indoors) and some lights as well.
The EZ Generator company is EXCELLENT in terms of customer service and their very clear and understandable videos. They go into the issue of bonded and floating neutral ground so that you know what to do. The wiring is a very easy install. The total cost for me was in the neighborhood of $100 start to finish. (I wanted mine outdoors so that I wouldn't have to run a heavy-duty extension cord through a window or something. To make the transfer switch weather-proof I had to build a little "shelter" thing for it to attach to the wall of my house.)
-Speak
