Calling BD and MarkB

I have a question on those Reliance panels. They mention "keeps the generator isolated from the utility at all times." Does that mean that you supply power to this panel with a generator to feed YOUR circuits without backfeeding the utility? Or is a transfer switch still required? No, I don't want to kill any linemen. I'm asking because the website isn't clear and you guys know about em.

http://www.reliancecontrols.com/ProductDetail.aspx?TWB1512DR

It's a very simple device. It has a regular main service disconnect breaker, sized for the service. There is a second breaker, sized for the generator. (I have a TWB1503DR, the "15" means it has a 150 amp service disconnect, while the "03" indicates a 30 amp generator disconnect.)

The two breakers are oriented such that a sliding metal bar prevents both breakers from being simultaneously closed. So to switch from the grid to your generator, you open the service disconnect, slide the bar and close the generator disconnect. Reverse to switch back. Simple and foolproof.

Assuming you intend to plug your generator into the box, you'll need to also purchase the appropriate receptacle and install it in the box.

The Isolator switch is more or less a double pole switch that in one position supplies the house/shop with voltage from the Power company, and in the other position disconnects the power company and connects the aux genset. This prevents the possibility they could be on at the same time.
Connecting more than one building to the same meter is not wrong as long as the loads are appropriate. An isolator with the current capacity could supply both, If the genset is not capable of supplying both, the main in the house or shop could be shut off to allow selection of use. Jim

It means no matter how somebody tinkeres with connections and switch(s). The generator can not back feed into the utility grid.

The cost of a transfer switch, in some cases, is more than what some have invested in generators. So why not buy good 12g extension cords, which you can use for other things too? All total, I have about 500 ft of 12g cords. I don't lose power that often, but I don't see any need to wire up the entire house either. I only want to power up the well, refrig, a few lamps and coffee pot. I also don't want a genney that isn't on wheels. Like to use it for other things.

Yes, George, a proper transfer switch is not cheap. But if you're already going to pay for a 200 amp main disconnect, the incremental cost of upgrading to a whole house transfer switch isn't that much. More so if you're paying someone else to do the work, since the labor is going to be about the same.

As for running a rat's nest of extension cords around the house, BTDT. Yes, it worked, but it was a mess and a lot of aggravation. We had three refrigerators and a freezer at the time. Not to mention the well and furnace. Since those last two are hard-wired, now you're talking backfeed (using outlets installed at the furnace and pump control). Backfeeding gets real interesting when your (licensed electrician) son mismarks half the breakers when he installs a new panel.

Our current setup is safe and simple: 6500 watt Honda generator, 30 foot 10 gauge cord and transfer switch/main disconnect. The hardest part is rolling out the generator. If my wife has some help with the generator, she can do it all herself. Genny is electric start. Once we're on generator power, we can use everything in the house except the ovens. It's real nice to have air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter.

I really don't see the big deal about using 3 cords. One to well, one to refrig and one to hot plate. No need for A/C when I have a 55 degree basement to camp out in. I have back up protable LP heaters. I like to move genny far away from house. I never know which direction the wind will blow and I don't want exhaust to get into house. 10 ft of cord isn't enough for me. My genny is on wheels, has electric start with remote on/off. Lucky to use once a year for back up power. Use it all the time for yard work and other things.

I don't really think I would attempt to run my 3 ton A/C on your genny. Wouldn't think it could handle all you have plus A/c.