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https://powersmartusa.c
It's also slightly cheaper directly from their website using the 6% off code
https://powersmartusa.com/product...or-ps5040a [powersmartusa.com]
It's also slightly cheaper directly from their website using the 6% off code
First, if you're going for a whole home stationary generator with an automatic transfer switch you're starting at around $12,000 installed. About $6,000 for the unit & $6,000 for the install cost (assuming it is a simple install that doesn't require a long gas line run or electrical upgrades, then the install will probably cost more).
If you go with a portable generator instead, you'll probably want something approaching 10kw for whole home. & even that most likely won't be enough to run your AC/condenser in the summer without buying a soft start kit ($400 if you can install it yourself, more if you can't). You could also buy smaller room AC units as an alternative in an emergency & forego using central AC.
For me, the portable inverter generator with 9kW capacity was $2000. The install cost to upgrade the circuit into my house, update my electrical panel, add a 50A outdoor receptacle & an interlock kit was around $4000. So $6000 all in, but yeah you don't get automatic transfer & have to maintain & manually connect the generator when needed, keep treated gasoline on hand, perform oil changes, etc.
Also watch the warranties on the portables. Champion does 3 year warranty, some like Harbor Freight do 90 days, others do 1 year. I bought mine from AMZN with 1 year, added 3 years for low cost. I'm guessing it would be a PITA if I ever try to use the extended warranty, but I'll act like it's covered until they disappoint me.
Generatorbible is a great place to compare generators & learn in general.
60ft nm-b 6/3 $250
Nema 14-50 inlet box $55
50a breaker $35
manual interlock $50
RV hookup cord $70
Under $500 all in. Had to move a couple breakers around to install my interlock but well worth it. I'm using one of the champion power inverters that was on sale recently and looks really similar to this one. One tip for home hookup: you want a floating neutral generator because you want only one ground (which will be provided by your house). On my generator this meant simply removing the neutral bond wire from the frame.
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60ft nm-b 6/3 $250
Nema 14-50 inlet box $55
50a breaker $35
manual interlock $50
RV hookup cord $70
Under $500 all in. Had to move a couple breakers around to install my interlock but well worth it. I'm using one of the champion power inverters that was on sale recently and looks really similar to this one. One tip for home hookup: you want a floating neutral generator because you want only one ground (which will be provided by your house). On my generator this meant simply removing the neutral bond wire from the frame.
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