Ended up with standalone gas for same reasons as Roger. Mine is an emergency
backup idea. Figure I can do without computer, TV and electronic etc's. The
6500 Honda is adequate for furnace, pump, fridge, some stove and lighting. If
it's a long emergency, I can always shut some things down and heat a tank of
water.

My main purpose of writing is to comment on connections. In Ontario, the utility requires an isolated neutral connection. The most common form of
connection is a transfer switch with two 3 pt breakers--one to disconnect from
the grid and one to connect the generator to the house panel. Only only main
at a time can be on.

The reason for these requirements is safety. Apparently some linemen have
received some serious jolts resulting from people with improperly wired or
grounded generators. Most standard panels have 2 pt breakers which only break
the hot lines. It's possible to backfeed generator output into the utility
neutral.

Persons who connect their generators into 2 pt breaker systems should be sure
of their connections and their generator grounding. Better still, install a
3 pt transfer switch even if you don't have to. Serious injuries to utility
workers have resulted from improperly connected generators.

Tom

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