How To Choose Between A Transfer Switch Vs Interlock Kit With Power Inlet Box

In this video I talk about the transfer switch vs interlock kit with power inlet box when deciding which one is best to hookup your generator to your house. This is probably the most common question I hear when folks are trying to decide the best option for them.
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Items In The Video:
30 Amp Power Inlet Box: amzn.to/3913Nal
50 Amp Power Inlet Box: amzn.to/3C6HEUF
30 Amp Generac Transfer Switch: amzn.to/2XaIGzr
Popular interlock Switch Kits. Make sure the interlock switch will fit your panel before purchasing. These are not necessarily the exact same one in the video:
Square D HOMCGK2C: amzn.to/3mOvZlr
Square D QOCGK2C: amzn.to/2TO1wYo
Eaton EAT-CH200A: amzn.to/38aGGuv
General Electric GE200HDUL: amzn.to/2U4ygNn
General Electric GE-3: amzn.to/3l9na5D
Thank you for watching and for subscribing. You can support the channel at no cost to you by using one of the above affiliate links. This helps support the channel for new content!
Blessings,
Adam
How To Home assumes no liability for damage or injury. How To Home highly recommends using proper safety procedures and professionals when needed. Our content is for entertainment purposes only. No information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not How To Home. How To Home will not be held liable for any negligent or accidental damage or injury resulting from equipment, tools, electrical, fire, electronics or any items contained in this video. Attempt projects and repairs at your own risk.

[@mcrider333]

I like your content. I find it fascinating that anytime the subject of a backup home generator comes up it immediately defaults to dire warnings that you must use either a transfer switch or an interlock system. If you don't you are breaking all kind of laws and could kill your neighbors or linesmen. Let's get real for a sec. The interlock system wasn't even invented until around 2005. Transfer switches a few years before. For those of us who live in places like Florida where power outages are a way of life we have been using generator backups long before these two items were even invented. The whole issue centers around one simple thing. Shutting off your main breaker to the power company. Once it's off it will not come back on until you MANUALLY switch it back on. That's the whole thing in a nutshell. If you are going to use a backup generator for an emergency power outage shut off your main breaker first. So all the Internet hysteria and dire warnings about killing people, doing illegal things, and breaking the law is just that, Internet induced hysteria. If you are not capable of understanding that simple instruction then perhaps you should rethink a lot of other things in your life first before worrying about a power outage. Btw, I ran a 2400 sq foot home for two weeks at full power during a power outage using a suicide cord that I made and plugging it into the dryer outlet. No one died and no one got arrested for breaking the law. It's called an emergency power outage. During emergencies you do what you have to do to get by. As I said I like your content keep it up. Thank you.

[@philpom4515]

Interlock kit all day long. Just label your critical breakers in the panel to have on during an outage. Exact same as a transfer switch except the added benefit of being able to energize any other breaker as you see fit. Personally I prefer the flexibility of running anything in the house. A transfer switch removes any flexibility you have and forces a compromise. I have an 11,000 watt dual fuel on a 50 amp inlet but I could also use my 3300 watt on the same inlet with reduced breakers live at once. I appreciate the video, thanks!

[@SuperVstech]

@@timothywillis7872 hard to imagine why that would be the case. Interlock is required if a generator inlet is connected to the panel without a transfer switch.

[@timothywillis7872]

@@SuperVstech that’s what Texas power told me. If I wanted to run a generator as a back up, I had to use a transfer switch.

[@DIY_Dad_83]

@@timothywillis7872 I'm in Texas as well, but all of the electricians we've gotten quotes from offer both options. My understanding (as I haven't found anything in my research) is as long as there's no chance of back-feed there shouldn't be a legal issue. We're going interlock for the same reason @philpom did. If our needs are drastically different for an outage in winter vs summer and we want the options. Cool thing with a transfer though is that it is easier to tell once the grid is back up.

[@philp3512]

Agreed. The flexibility of an interlock is by a far superior choice. People just have to be aware of the wattage of what's being used on each circuit and what their generator can handle.

[@jim4621]

@@philp3512 absolutely, Reliance has a nice 2 line wattmeter box (cat.no.MB125) for monitoring that I installed. They also have a nice little PowerBack device that sounds an alarm when ulility power is restored.

[@tracynation2820]

Super. Somebody is missing the ball by not making main breakers with extra generator terminals and wire control so that you can just hit a switch in your house and the main kicks off, connecting the generator. Yes, auto-transfer switches, but i'm talking inexpensive retrofit, not complete replacement. (Remote starting is possible with any generator that has a starter motor, so you would not have to go outside at all.) You can shut off almost anything inside that is not needed without killing the breaker. 💙 T.E.N.

[@genew.231]

Bravo!! Finally a video that was helpfull and understandable at the same time. I have watched several how to do videos on transfer switches. This is the first one that was clear and to the point. Thank you!!!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad to hear it! Glad it was helpful for you! Thank you for the feedback Gene!

[@susannebarrett4356]

Awesome video Adam, You do a great job keeping it simple and direct call covering all the bases.

[@scottmacglashin3059]

This really breaks everything down so well. I really appreciate this video prior to meeting with an electrician for an install.

[@antoniomariomagalhaes2521]

Thanks for the excellent video. Concise and to the point. From the beginning, you set out to give us points to consider in each situation, as opposed to a definite answer that might not fit everyone. Well done.

[@Doug-gp2qw]

Generally I think an interlock switch would work best for most people no matter the size of your generator. It allows you to easily change the loads and the size of generator. Clear instructions on its use should be posted in or near the panel. Lets say you were making dinner on your electric stove when the power went out, and you have a smaller generator. You can turn on the breakers for the range and kitchen lights. After the meal you can turn of the range and turn on the hot water heater and dishwasher. In the winter you would want the furnace on, in the summer the AC, or fans. If you're working in the garage you can turn those circuits on. With a transfer switch you are stuck with what you decided when you installed it.

[@jamesjackson4224]

Couldn't agree with you more. Mine powers my whole panel and I decide what I want to use and flip breakers accordingly. I.E. Turn the ac on to get it cool then turn ac off and water heater on for a little for showers then water heater back off and ac back on.

[@MrTeamriab]

In the event of an outage, does that mean you have to first flip all breakers OFF before enabling the Interlock switch (or at least enough to bring the panel under the capacity of the generator)?

[@Doug-gp2qw]

@@MrTeamriab To turn on or off a main breaker it is always best to shut off all the breakers first. Then turn the circuits on one at a time.

[@steeve7010]

Perfect video! Straight forward information. Exactly the info I’ve been searching for, thank you!👍

[@jsimish]

Well done. direct and to the point with no rambling, Thank you

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for the feedback!

[@lstanich1]

Excellent info and presented quickly/professionally.

[@user-su4tp8lk7n]

Gave all the information I needed in the most simplistic way, thanks.

[@dandiffenderfer6010]

Really high quality video. This in conjunction with your other video on the power inlet box puts together the whole topic in a really short amount of time.

[@thomassemich4627]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I am looking into a couple of different scenarios with generators for a couple people. So this is educational for me.

[@rstephe]

Good explanation. I hooked up an interlock with a line coming from an external 50A plug and a 12,500 watt on propane. I can choose the circuits I want to run and during hurricane season in FL, life with the wife without A/C is hell. I do have a small generator I loan out to others or I can use during cooler months in my house if needed. Costs - the most expensive cost was the cable from the external plug to my circuit panel at $105 and the plug at $43, which you would have to buy anyway. Other costs were the interlock switch for $38, and a 50Amp circuit breaker for $8.

[@llsansan50]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I recently experience my first 2 day power outage in Norther Virginia. I want to be prepared for next time. I learned a lot from your video. Thank you.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Great! Yeah it is not fun being without power. I went about a week without it and it is really what prompted me to do everything that I have done. Thank you for the feedback.

[@gunznknives]

Excellent explanation of the difference and who should install the transfer switch or the interlock. It clears up my confusion. Now I know what to buy. Great video!

[@roush2win]

Nice Video. I went with the 6 breaker Transfer switch powered by a remote start 4500 Watt inverter. Also plumbed it for Natural Gas as well as reg gas. Wanted to stay small so it wouldn't us too much fuel and inverter good for electronics and the RPMs drop when low load. This way I can run the basics, refrigerator, Furnace, lights, internet/ computers TV, Oven (gas oven but needs 110V to open gas valve).

[@jenc8953]

THANK YOU so much for explaining this. This has helped me to decided that I need to go with an interlock kit verses a transfer switch. The interlock is just much more flexible. I don’t want to be locked into only being able to use a select amount of circuits.

[@stephen.mcguire]

Thanks! Good info, I'll share with less electrically minded friends who need to know the basics. I have used both and prefer the interlock even with my small generator. I have a small house and have changed over all my 220 appliances to gas which helped and I can almost run the entire house now. May re-use my transfer switch for a solar project but we will see.

[@kiaweron]

I have to say that you really helped me figure out which one to buy. Thank you very much.

[@jamesshelton4423]

Great presentation. Was leaning to transfer switch, now I am convinced, transfer switch.

[@user-dd9yn1xo3h]

Thanks for the clarity of this. I had no idea what to do

[@ApoJake13]

Interlock. 100%. You have complete control of what circuits you want to have power to in your entire house. Not to mention it is so much cheaper (and easier) to install.

[@jstevens501]

unless customer has a 200 amp zinsco meter main. good luck. or some other 40 year old weird panel.

[@geraldarmstrong5861]

Thank you so much for your very, very helpful videos!! I may not be able to do all this stuff with my arthritic hands anymore at age 69, but it gives me an idea what I'm getting into that I might have to pay for. Keep up the good work!!!!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome! I am glad you doing it helpful. Thank you very much for the feedback Gerald!

[@bobharris3433]

thanks it gave me a better understanding, since I want to get my generator hooked up to my panel

[@kaitym9012]

Thank you for your concise explanation of the differences in the two approaches. We recently purchased a largish generator, 10k watt output, and have been looking into our options. Our power consumption calculation is about 8000w, so we purchased something that would not have to run at peak all the time. This allows for home heating with our pellet stove, cold food storage in two fridge/freezers, hot and cold water and lighting. Also figure we can switch off a few things and fire up a computer/TV for some DVD watching while we are "in the dark". We really have appreciated the effort that folks have put into providing clear information about our available choices. Your video and information are top notch! May 2022 bring us all peace and prosperity.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Excellent! Sounds like you all are doing your homework and getting everything setup right! I am glad you found the video helpful. Thank you very much for the feedback and enjoy the backup power!

[@danielh4995]

For what its worth from a random internet stranger, I just installed a new outdoor load center with a main breaker and generator lockout w/ 50A input. I have 3 generators (for various reasons ranging from a 8kw welder to a 2250w 120v inverter) the 8kw will run my A/C, water heater, stove, microwave, etc individually with various lights and other small draws. It burns around 1gal/ hr at moderate load. For comparison my small inverter will run lights, fridge, freezer, TV, internet without issue. It burns a gallon every 6-8 hours or so. My typical usage for an extended outage is to run the 8kw intermittently cool or heat the house, shower, cook, etc in a couple hour time frame. After that I shut the 240V breakers off and run fridge, freezer, lights, and entertainment stuff with the smaller generator. Last large outage we had ~5 days running the small generator only was around $50 in fuel. Running the 8kw for 5 days would have been $420. The small generator I have was around $470. I keep a 55gal drum of 100LL aviation gasoline on site for all my small engines and as an emergency reserve for running the generators. Hope this helps or gives you something to think about.

[@turkwendell6904]

@@danielh4995 thanks for that info good to hear real world stuff.

[@nicklopez5298]

Are u running gas NP, NG

[@nicklopez5298]

@@danielh4995 have u considered a no load low idle generator would do same

[@maelo9x]

Outstanding explanation, thanks for the time and energy on this video 🤙😎

[@sharpenrightservicesllc]

Very helpful. Now I finally know what I'm going to do to connect my gen to my house.

[@dwwilliams72]

Answered a question I’ve wondered for several yrs. 👍🏼

[@joaquinaguirre2976]

Thank you Mr. Again I really appreciated this video with it information. Simple, easy and well explain.

[@krazzyk01]

Awesome. Clear cut answers. Thank you very much.

[@sebastiannielsen]

Also I want to mention it DO exist transfer switches that don't hook into a subpanel, but into the main panel instead, which only consist of a tranfer switch and give same flexibility as an interlock. There are lots of transfer switches, even transfer switches that can automatically measure load current, and automatically start up generators and transfer over the power to backup when grid disappears, and transfer back & shut down generators when grid comes back. Some of these transfer switches will also have a in-line UPS too, so you have completely 100% uninterrupted power.

[@OfficiallyFran]

Great video, I just did a video on my set-up. I opted for the InterLock for the exact reason you stated. Thanks for the detailed overview!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Awesome! Glad you were able to get it all setup and are ready to go! Thanks for the feedback Fran.

[@ronaldhagen4890]

REALLY INFORMATIVE INFORMATION.WISH I HAD FOUND IT SOONER.THANK YOU.

[@corneliusharrisoniii964]

Very simple BUT very helpful. Two thumbs up! Thank you

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome! Really glad to hear you liked it. Thanks a lot for the feedback Cornelius!

[@bryanfissell9255]

Thanks for answering all my questions. Good video right to the point I like that.

[@JamesMcGillis]

I had the Generac 30-amp Homelink transfer switch professionally installed. At that time, I had only a 2000w Harbor Freight inverter generator. When utility power failed, the small generator, with only two 120v receptacles, would not switch over power on the Homelink. After removing the HomeLink front panel, I used the provided lever to activate "test mode". Then, I could use the Homelink, but only at about 1800w continuous. I recently bought a Champion 4250w dual fuel generator, which has a 30-amp receptacle and should switch generator power to the HomeLink. Testing soon!

[@chrishackett554]

Excellent video ! Very helpful with our decision.

[@hendersonsobers396]

Really great information in this video. Good job man!

[@fredguerra4917]

Thank you so much for all of your well develop videos. Some years ago, I saw your oldest generator related video. Due to my budget and other related factors, I was able to create a my own locking mechanism. The one I needed was out of stock but principally was about $120 dollars delivered. Personally, I re arranged my circuit box to properly accommodate the order for my 240v. panel. This is important because it created a method for me to select 6 low power circuits along with 2 higher power consumption circuits. My main restriction to give power to the house was my generator. Lucky, I got one that produces about 8k of constant power and up to 13500k for peak events. In my view, the best option is the manual locking option. This is due to the fact that are less things that could go wrong and it is cheaper and a much straight forward option that just about any DIY person can actually handle.

[@yamioji]

I live in a rural area with power outages often, especially during winter. The boxes my utility company uses come prefitted with interlock kits so that adding a power inlet is very simple since most people in my area have generators

[@victorriga9814]

Great video. Concise and clear. Thank you

[@richardmorton1569]

I found this content very helpful, especially the price value

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I am glad you found it helpful. Thanks for the feedback!

[@Bergarita]

Very good video. Now that I see this I think an interlock system would suit my purposes better.

[@gls3894]

I went with a Pulsar 6500 dual fuel and a 6 circuit transfer switch. Perfect fit for our size home. The install was straight forward.

[@LloydArthurWilliams]

Thanks for taking the time to share this information.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are welcome Lloyd! I hope you found it helpful.

[@user-qp4gp4ri8c]

Very helpful. I have a 4500w generator and will be using the transfer switch option. Of course, if you can get your hands on a whole house generator, I'd go with the interlock kit.

[@utubetjc]

I used a 10 circuit manual transfer switch for a few years and recently replaced it with the interlock kit. 8500 running watt generator. Much better set up for us.

[@JeffBowe]

Thank you for this and your other video, I just purchased my first generator which is actually an inverter and I'm looking at stepping into a full house possibility over time. The first generator can certainly run critical need issues and I have the ability parallel them if I buy a second small one. I also am smaller because they're easier to move around and if one breaks I still have something happening whereas if I have one large one and it won't start I'm dead in the water. It's the military two is one and one is none Theory.

[@sqttube]

Thank you for the explanation.

[@jeffmasters6223]

Thanks,just what i was looking for

[@yvondubois1494]

clear, detailed and very helpful. Thank you.

[@Roame55]

This was very helpful!

[@GamingCentral3000]

Great description, thanks!

[@erinwilliams7405]

THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO, IT WAS VERY HELPFUL!

[@GmanfromTexas]

Great information. Thanks. I can now make a decision clearly.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Awesome! Glad it was helpful. Thanks a lot for taking the time to let me know!

[@rbrown2925]

Great info, thanks! It seems like the interlock is the only decent option for us. We have two furnaces running off an 80A sub panel in the furnace room, which also has breakers for lights and outlets in almost half the house. The 200A main panel in the electrical room powers the kitchen, water and sewage pumps (we’re on a well and septic), and the remaining lights and outlets. Given the staircase and finished walls and ceiling between the furnace and electrical rooms plus other framing obstacles, it would be a nightmare wiring job to connect the furnaces to a transfer switch in the other room.

[@ThomasCameron]

Very helpful, thank you very much!

[@lamontacoff4529]

Thank you so much. You’re explanation was as clear as can be. Personally, I’d prefer the transfer switch. Simply because in an emergency when I’m not available. My family can operate the transfer switch without the worry of dealing with the panel.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome. That is certainly a smart thought to take into consideration. Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@ChuckMorton]

I went interlock even with the family, training them when you are gone is key though.

[@MrMercenary20]

This was the video I needed thank you!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are welcome! Glad it was helpful. Thank you for the feedback!

[@larryk5823]

Thank you! Great information

[@evilroyslade2491]

Thanks. Now I understand.

[@homerfantastic]

Very informative video. In our case we went with a interlock kit. Our range, clothes dryer and on demand water heater are propane. The only 220 items are our well pump and central air. We have a 13kw dual fuel portable genny that I can hook up to our in ground 250 gal propane tank in a few min. and plug into the side of the house. With our genny we can run the whole house without picking and choosing circuits.. Living in Florida it is important that AC operates.

[@wes326]

I grew up in Central Florida without A/C. I've been sleeping with a fan ever since.

[@raymondborror6996]

Thank you, very helpful

[@wabitt11]

GREAT stuff! THANK YOU!

[@user-ns5gk7lw3m]

Great job very helpful !

[@DeadlyHippo]

Thank you for this video. I am currently building my own place and this information helped me decide on the power failure route I am going to take. Seriously appreciate the time you took to make this video!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Awesome! Glad this was helpful for you. Good luck on the build!

[@user-ci6sc4fc2u]

Great and informative videos. I think I have learned something. Thanks so much. John

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Really glad to hear you liked it. Thanks a lot for the feedback John!

[@johnminogue7360]

Excellent and very informative. Thanks

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome! Really glad you found value in it. Thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@garfield8900]

Good information! Thanks!

[@trx3264]

Nice and clear. Thanks!

[@jkepps]

Very informative! Thanks!!!

[@normanrabbitlee]

Thank you. This is very helpful

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are very welcome. I am glad to hear that it was helpful. Thanks a lot for the feedback Norman!

[@ricko2766]

interesting video. Thanks for making it. Since I haven't bought a generator yet I will use the money I save going with the home interlock kit and and apply that to my generator purchase to buy a bigger unit. This way I will be able to power my whole ( if my daughters aren't home ) house

[@PNW_Sportbike_Life]

I’m going with a 50a interlock. I want to be able to choose what I want running. I’ll likely be getting the 7 or 8kw predator inverter. Very concise and informative video!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Sounds good! Glad you found the video to be helpful. Thanks for the feedback!

[@emblems4life726]

Just bought the 8750 Predator Inverter Generator and initial impressions are good so far.

[@user-zh7zq4no5h]

Thank YOU !

[@thomasmaddox9917]

Great video. Thanks for the information. What was the model of interlock kit you are using?

[@dcc2444]

Great info! Thanks!!

[@jimmyraythomason1]

I use a transfer switch with my Champion 7500 watt generator to power almost my entire house. I don't have my stove/range, heat pump or cloths dried powered by it because of the high amp draw. I have back up window a/c units for summer use if the power is out during hot weather that the generator handles quite easily. Even though it isolates the generator from the line I always throw the main breaker to guarantee no back feed of the power lines.

[@user-fj2ew9by7i]

Very good information

[@whobdis77]

This is good stuff. I'm just at the start of this process but if I went down the wrong path it would be difficult to go back I think.

[@mdavid2100]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad it was helpful! Appreciate the feedback!

[@Barc7580]

I’m almost ready to set up a generator inlet combined with a 48v battery & EG4 inverter(s) to a combiner box and run that back to a 125a breaker on an interlock in the main panel. Trying to capitalize on battery for main backup power and then use the generator to supplement grid power and also charge batteries with the EG4 chargeverter. Main idea is to use the generator to conserve gas / propane by only running the generator as needed until the batteries are charged. Thank you for this video. Lots more to think about.

[@salembeeman370]

That was very helpful.

[@briandesrocher8994]

Great videos....very informative!

[@mojorisin54]

Thanks for sharing.

[@georgecapone524]

Thank you

[@richardharrold4357]

You did good. Thanks.

[@rogerdevero8726]

Adam, you're a fine teacher, and this was VERY well explained. (Liked & Subscribed from long ago) Kudos John 3:16

[@GeraldWilhelmBradenComposer]

Thanks so much Adam, your videos are great! I decided that I'm going to hook up my generator straight to my breaker box using the 50 amp dual breaker you mentioned in another video, and the 50 amp outlet plug on my generator. I totally understand the use and safety of installing and Interlock kit, though I really don't need that. I live alone, and no one is going to be messing with my breaker box. If my power goes out, all I have to do is turn the main breaker off, go out to my generator outside and hook up the 50 amp cable, start the generator, and then go back to my breaker box and turn on the 50 amp breaker for my generator. I am NOT going to make that simple mistake of having both breakers turned on at the same time. Then when I see the neighbors power coming back on, I will turn off the breaker for my generator in the breaker box, turn the generator off, and turn the main breaker in the box on again. With my 10,000 watt Northstar / Honda generator, I will have about 41.6 amps, which is enough to run my AC, some lights, my fridge, TV and computer. If I need to do laundry, use the microwave...etc., I'll just use my gas stove, and wait until the city power comes back on. 😀.

[@BatByke]

That is not only totally illegal, but foolish. I just got a interlock for my Square D 200A panel for $16! Why would you try to save a small amount of money and be doing something illegal? It only would take a moment of not clear thinking to possibly kill someone!

[@stevetx9301]

Thank you so much. After one week of reviewing generators and all of the associated details, I thought I needed a transfer switch. Your instruction clearly indicates I need an interlock kit. My wife and I live outside of town. Our house has a well and two water heaters. My 15,000 peak watt generator should arrive in a week or so. Your video is great!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Awesome! That is a nice sized generator and will almost make it like the power never went out. Thanks for the feedback Steve!

[@jonathanDIYs]

Great video - very well put together! I would recommend measuring the power usage of the house and deciding based off of that rather than the raw amp ratings. I have a new house with 200 amp service, but with all the lights being LEDs, my regular energy usage is 1000 watts, very well within a small or medium generator to power everything. My peak continuous energy usage has been 9000 watts, but that is only with the dryer, AC, and oven on all at once - probably wouldn't try doing that when in an emergency situation. I prefer having everything connected and simply remembering not to turn on the dryer, oven, and AC all at once. Only thing I have to worry about is AC inrush, but I will be installing a soft start for that (which you provide an excellent video on too!).

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Jonathan, I appreciate the feedback! Yes getting a good reading of what wattage is actually used is a great way to size what you will need. Sounds like you are doing it right and getting yourself all setup just in case you need to be! You will definitely love that soft start kit. It is a gamechanger.

[@rupe53]

you are obviously missing the inrush from many other devices with motors because the typical fridge is around 1200 watts right there. If you have several (and a freezer?) you have 3600 watts you forgot about, even though the average run draw is 2 - 3 amps. Edit: if you have forced air heating you have blower motors to deal with. If they are 10 years old they likely do not have a soft start.

[@jonathanDIYs]

@@rupe53 thanks for the reply. You're absolutely right. I fortunately only have 1 fridge/freezer and I'm going to give How to Home's soft start installation a try for my HVAC. He put out a really cool video explaining how to set one up. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6Dah4CPqrWmY7c I already tested the heat and my generator had no issues powering that, it did die on trying to power the air condition condenser. In-rush definitely is something worth considering.

[@nicklopez5298]

@@rupe53 I have a outside packaged a/c unit not sureaybe 4ton not sure the start watts hit

[@rupe53]

@@nicklopez5298 ... look at the data tag on the unit. It has figures for run amps and something else called LRA, which stands for Locked Rotor Amps. That's roughly the draw for starting up the compressor. Most gen sets can handle around 140% of their rated amps as a start surge if the "peak power" is not listed. Be aware that peak, inrush, start surge, etc is only for a few seconds.

[@slimtimrem1075]

Thank you for the videos. They’re very informative. My question is how do I know what size generator I’ll need to run the whole house. How do I add up all the wattage my house has in it Thank you

[@GRASS898]

Dude! Thank you so much! This helped.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Awesome! You are very welcome! Glad it helped. Thank you for the feedback!

[@stevendailey4160]

Great video!! thank you

[@MD.ImNoScientician]

@HowToHomeDIY Hi Adam, thank you for all your interesting topics. They really help us understand what we need to consider for our homes. Do either of these 2 systems you describe here use a power inverter between the generator and the circuit panel?

[@s.meredithclark1164]

Could you talk about grounding the portable generator when using it for household and other situations?

[@Dqalex]

I use an interlock at my house in NJ. My home has natural gas. My 7000 watt generator can run everything but the central AC. During Sandy it was nice because I could turn on any light in any room with the interlock.

[@headdownharris]

Outstanding video. Thankya thankya!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the feedback!