Had a major electrical re-do of my house, and had the electrician install a generator connection. I believe they are called "generator interlock" systems. It is a standard setup, I can throw a switch in the basement, then plug a generator in outside the house to power the house in event of a power failure. CY: I'd be tempted to get at least 5,000 watts. Coleman makes em for about $500, but noisy as heck. A generator that size should put out
220 volts, which could be wired to your interlock. that would give you several conveniences. First, having the house powered. Second, having a five galon fuel tank on the generator is really nice. Such a device in quiet Honda would be really nice. Please also invest in at least one or two big huge chains and padlocks. Generators are very often stolen.
(save safety warnings.. I know to put generator outside not near door or window, and I can't hook Gen up while still connected to municipal power supply due to lockout system on inside panel, and I know enough to not overload gen) CY: The interlock would prevent back feeding. Most generators have a circuit breaker. the factor to consider is also fuel. Every time you turn something on, you use more fuel. Will you have enough to make it through the power cut?
What should I look for in considering a generator. I am pretty much settled on Honda, as in my experience they are just head an shoulders above all others in reliability and noise. I am prepared to entertain opposing points of view, but I am willing to pay a little more for a good unit. CY: The couple experiences I've had with Honda convince me they are first rate equipment.
I don't need super-megawatts.. I will be happy to see that my home has heater, hot water heater (powered venilation unit) and a few lights and maybe a TV. I don't need to run the AC or electric stove. CY: If you figure probably 800 watts for a gas furnace, and maybe 100 for a power vented WH, then a couple more watts for lights and TV, you'd be well under 5000.
Could I get away with one of those tiny suitcase type units.. my concern is that they seem to only have standard AC plugs on them, not that special generator circular locking plug that goes into the outside outlet. CY: probably so. However, with the interlock you'd only power half the circuits in your house. It would be a guess and miss to power the correct side.
Personal experiences or tips? CY: I've got a Coleman 2200 watt. it has run my natural gas furnace a couple times during power cuts, and a couple friends furnaces. If you'e going out to help a friend, you'll need to know some electrical wiring. You'll also need an electric cord off a junk appliance to wire to the furnace wires. And a couple wire nuts. And extension cords.
Good online sources for info? CY: May wish to check and see what Honda has to read. Maybe also some PDF format owners manuals you can read.