You might think your only concern is with the Generator Warranty, at least I did, until Bruce, a visitor to ReviewPortableGenerators.com pointed out his home furnace warranty has a clause covering the use of portable generators! Here is what he has to say:
"Mentioning warranties... my furnace warranty includes a provision whereby using a portable generator voids the factory warranty.
Some furnace control units and computerized fan motors are extremely picky about what kind of power you supply. For example, before startup, the unit runs a power diagnostic for wave form (unit requires a clean sine wave), frequency (cannot deviate from 60 cycles plus or minus a very tight margin), and ground integrity. If the generator doesn't run through the power panel (with a transfer switch - also known as a lockout switch) then the grounding is not up to code and the furnace goes into a shutdown mode and won't start. Bad news for newbies using killer cords (male to male cords to power the house, with the main breakers turned off).
This is not kids' stuff, folks. It's for professional electricians and people with a proper regard for the National Electrical Code. Spend the money and get it done right, or go to the Hilton."
Here is my setup, which I recommend for standby generators of the portable type.
If you're thinking about using make to make and just plugging the power into one of your electrical outlets, think twice and consider warranties on products like appliances, furnace and more.
Know of other warranty concerns? Please leave a comment and share with others - Thanks!
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