[CQ-Contest] more on Portable Genny's

[Dale Jones K5MM]

 Pete,
 From my perspective, your scenario will work.  However, there are a
 couple of additional issues to concern yourself with.

	1.  You should provide for a fail-safe method for having only
	    ONE SOURCE of AC power to your home.  You do not want
         any brief mental errors to take over making the change.  Ensure
         that you can't make a mistake.  For example, when you flip
	    the Breaker off or on, you should flip a big relay that
         locks out the other source.  

     2.  In homes & businesses that have 'professional' installations 
         such as this -- hospitals, fire stations, rich people, etc -- 
         the switching is done automatically, and genny's of 10 KW
         to 25 KW are typical.

     3.  Another important issue the 'commercial' guys do is wire the
         home or business such that many circuits are NOT ACCESSIBLE
         to power from the genny.  The AC outlet for the Toaster,
	    Washing Machine/ Electric Dryer are not 'hot', etc.  Only
         essential circuits are wired hot.  Refrig-Freezer, a few lights,
         and the like.  They attempt to exclude non-essential items 
         from the genny power.  To keep costs down (and when you don't
         want to rewire your entire home)it is important to remember 
         which items are non-essential, and make sure your family knows
         about those items.

     4.  Please remember my comments about Propane & natural gas usage.
         That is extremely useful info.

     5.  Your note mentioned 'in the interest of simplicity and low
         low cost'.  Please remember that you get what you pay for.
         If you buy low-cost, you will get low performance. 

  Good luck with your project Pete!
  73
  Dale  K5MM  	



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