This video shows the required steps for installation of a generator lock-out & generator inlet panel that some were interested in when this was being discussed after Snovid 21:

Youtube Video: Installation of generator lock-out & power inlet

A generator lock-out does one of the functions of a transfer switch (insures generator power can never be back-fed to the grid) for safety. However, it does it at a fraction of the cost. It also allows you to choose what electrical items you wish to operate - up to the limit of what your generator can handle. You are not limited to a provided number of circuits on an expensive transfer switch. If you have some basic electrical system skills, this approach is not hard to install, just be sure to be careful and understand what you are doing.

Good video, that is one way to accomplish this. His generator was 3800 W. He had a sense meter clamp type ammeter that was neat. That way he could evaluate the current, calculate the wattage etc. I am looking to find a Generator with an ammeter built in or will have to add my own clamp-on. Thanks!

Thanks for sharing sir. Excellent information.

I went with a mid-size generator (7500w, peak is 9000w I believe), and a 50A inlet connector just to be done with it for any future option. The only off-limits items on my electrical system are the central AC units. The key to running everything else is just don't run too many things at once. (I have natural gas stove, water heater, and clothes dryer.) I have some propane devices for additional backup, and a window AC unit I can install easily if I need cooling while on generator power. I can do all that with no danger and no extension cords. It's a convenient emergency power setup.

This DuroMax seems like a good unit. Lots of good reviews in2020.

I'll personally never own another non-inverter generator. They are crazy loud in comparison. However, it's super-rare to see inverters that output 240V. So I'm kind of stuck.

Right now I run a predator 3500 and it's been great and we didn't lose power other than rolling blackouts this year, so it was fine to keep a few small things going. But if anyone knows of an inverter that outputs 240 that doesn't cost a small fortune, let me know

CCTX, he's looking for an inverter technology generator, not just an inverter. He's also looking to provide lots of amps so that he can power 240v items, as well as both 120v legs of the power distribution panel for his home. I didn't look at the specs on that inverter, but it will probably only provide a few amps, which would deplete 12v batteries rather fast, unless you had a very large bank of them. That bank of batteries would cost more than the expensive 240v inverter generator price tag he spoke of.

Lean a 4x8 sheet of plywood over it. Deflect the sound from your house.

I just had one of these installed at my place on Sandlin. I have a Generac 10/K startup 8/K running generator hooked up to my place. It will run most of my house when power is out. I can run heat and A/C if I turn other stuff off.

I use my generator when I'm camping also, so that's my main motivation for something quiet. The Predator is so quiet you almost don't even know it's there. I had a Husky before that, which you could hear in the next county.

Not all inverter generators are quiet. Most companies make open frame inverters that are pretty loud.

That little sense meter is pretty cool, big time handy, and takes out the guess work of what you're running.

Yes it is. I don't have that item (yet) but seriously considering it. When I checked around, it appears the best price for it is on Amazon.