Home Generator: Selecting, Sizing And Connecting: The Complete Guide

This guide is a excellent reference for learning the fundamentals of generator systems and electrical wiring principles, and as such deserves a full 5-star rating. The only reason for a reduced star is that it is dated, which is not unexpected in this rapidly evolving market. Beginning readers should use it for its background knowledge, but treat the specific product recommendations as examples of how to make their own ratings using up-to-date vendors and products.

Some of this book was rather technical, which would be fine except that what one is expected to already know is way above the average high school diploma these days. Needed to better explain the basics--which is really what I expected the book to do, but it didn't. And quite a bit seemed in conflict with other sources which was no help at all; I was hoping to be able to understand well enough to know which advice was good. I ended up just walking through it with my electrician and taking his advice, which I could have done without the book. My knowledge of home wiring is above average. This book needs a starting point a bit above my knowledge. In that case, it might be useful. The price is good, might be worth trying out if you're solidly above average.

There is so much information in this book. I can't imagine that the author missed any details about what you must know to make a good decision about home generator systems. I now know what I need to do and what I shouldn't do when choosing a back up generator for my home.You will not regret buying this book.

EXCELLENT guide! Lots of details. Written for the layman. "Professionals" at Generac insisted that I needed a 22 kW system that would cost over $10,000. After doing the calculations from this guide (including the load balancing test) I have a 8750 kW system running off natural gas that powers only what I need to run (including my 4 ton AC) for a total cost of $1200.UPDATE 8/2017: Hurricane Irma knocked my lights out for 4 days. Hooked up my Westinghouse 8K pro to my house and was able to power anything I wanted (you do have to choose priorities AC OR Stove, not both). Was able to sit in my AC'd home watching TV and surfing internet. Natural gas meant no refueling. FYI, 8K pro has <5% Harmonic distortion making it safe for computers and electronics.

I liked this book because of its "lesser known facts " given along w/ other little known tidbits. Doesnt overwhelm you technically yet enough info. to enable you to proceed in purchasing the equipment 95% of us would get for home use. Good work L. R.

This is a thoughtful and thorough discussion of both portable and permanently installed generators. It contains useful information about how to size the generator to meet specific needs, the merits of available fuel options, transfer switches and safety considerations. This book should be read well before the need is imminent to avoid buyer's remorse over a generator that cannot meet needs and expectations.

Perhaps a good "read" for anyone lacking internet. (hard copy version) Had really hoped to finally have answered the issue with any large portable generator, and 50 Amps being the MAX to safely tie into a transfer switch. Meaning 12,000 Watts or so is IT! Regardless of the max rating of the generator. Now, the facts about generators split power circuits and divided loads ... is discussed. But then, in exactly the same manner as every different website I poured over, the author stops short of explaining how a 17kw unit for example, via just one 50 Amp connection, can meet the starting *surge demand* of a 5 ton A/C - even factoring in the 30% voltage/ current drops expected from an "unstable" power supply. AND, even with adding a Hard Start Capacitor! It's like, on one hand we have this problem, then on the other hand... IGNORE IT!!

Lazar's book is clearly written, comprehensive, well organized and focused. He provides the theoretical information necessary to understand, size and select home generators, offers useful insights regarding the major generator manufacturers, and offers many examples of solutions to home power requirements. As a retired engineering watch qualified Navy officer, I was impressed with the usefulness of this book as I made my home standby generator selection. Highly recommended.

Diciamo che non ero del tutto a digiuno sull'argomento, ma volevo richiamare i concetti che mi servivano per un dimensionamento.Questo libretto ha svolto egregiamente la sua funzione.Preciso e completo quanto basta.Lo consiglio a chi vuole farsi una idea per muoversi in questo mondo.

This book explains exactly the sizing for a generator. It is just not as simple as buying a generator based on published wattage guides. Forget searching the internet. This is your source.