True, but the ICE has to run full time. In that case it's just better to have a Honda or Champion portable generator.
You also need a proper transfer switch. There are no shortcuts here.
None that I would take. I went with the Generac 6852, picked the 8 breakers that I need, and plug in the 30 amp cord from the truck to the inlet receptacle. Flip the transfer subpanel over to generator and run everything in the house I need except whole house AC. I have not had to use this yet but previously I lost power for 7 days and 11 days, in the VA sun. We have regular short power outages when the wind blows. $400 for the Generac 6852 and $700 for the electrician to install it.
did you ever get a chance to test it out after installation was completed?None that I would take. I went with the Generac 6852, picked the 8 breakers that I need, and plug in the 30 amp cord from the truck to the inlet receptacle. Flip the transfer subpanel over to generator and run everything in the house I need except whole house AC. I have not had to use this yet but previously I lost power for 7 days and 11 days, in the VA sun. We have regular short power outages when the wind blows. $400 for the Generac 6852 and $700 for the electrician to install it.
One cheaper method is to buy 4 good 20 amp extension cords and a handful of smaller ones and that would get you through too. PITA but it would work in a pinch.
Yes, in fact at first it did not work and the electrician was pulling his hair out trying to figure out what was happening. Then he started testing the truck, the truck outlet, the cord, each breaker and he traced it to the junction box his worker installed. He was able to determine that 2 ground wires were touching and that was throwing the truck. He wrapped the wire with electrical tape and carefully stuffed it back in the box.
I haven't retested ours since we installed it over two years ago.Yes, in fact at first it did not work and the electrician was pulling his hair out trying to figure out what was happening. Then he started testing the truck, the truck outlet, the cord, each breaker and he traced it to the junction box his worker installed. He was able to determine that 2 ground wires were touching and that was throwing the truck. He wrapped the wire with electrical tape and carefully stuffed it back in the box.
Then we used it and it worked no problem. I have since tested it 2 more times and it works perfectly.
Just a note with the cost: The 6852 does not come with the inlet receptacle for plugging the 30 amp cord into the Transfer Switch. I did not need that as I already had that. I think the Generac 6854 is the model number that comes with the 30 amp receiver for the subpanel transfer switch. This is a beautiful thing, properly wired as there is no chance of backfeed, and now that I have paid to have it all covered, I bet I never need to use it again.
This is a 7.2kW PB equivalent generator. Sometimes 20% coupons work on them if you're patient. Given you're in TX and have been subject to a few different power issues over the years, this is an easy buy IMO.
In order to comply with the NEC, you must have a manual interlock or a transfer switch that disconnects from the grid and connects to the generator. Breaker panel companies sell such interlocks specific to their panels.
I was able to run everything I wanted on the reduced propane output fortunately. It stores so much longer and runs cleaner through the engine. I only had the pool equipment breaker off and it ran smoothly for an hour with the AC cycling, two fridges and a mini-split running.
