Joseph Meehan wrote:

wrote:

I am considering purchasing a 3000 watt emergency generator. At this
size, some generators are 110/220 and others are only 110 volt.

My load will be a 5000 BTU A/C and a refrigerator. In addition, I
would like to put 110 Volts across the water heater for 1/4 power for
a few hours when the load could take it.

Assume that the main breaker is off.

You might do more than assume :-)

Your local power company will be very upsets with any home brew attempt
to do this.

What you do with the wires inside your house is none of their business, IMO.

You little generator is not going to do all you want it to do.

Would you have any evidence for this article of faith?

But what about the water heater?

Why not heat water on a regular basis in wintertime with Honda's 6500 W
water-cooled generator in an exhaust-depressurized plastic film room in
the basement, with a CO detector? Item# 1676-1601 at NorthernTool.com.
The description says " :-) Running 4.7 hours on 4.2 gallons
of gas, it could make 4.7x6.5 = 31 kWh of electricity and 4.2x114K/3412-31
= 110 kWh of "waste heat." About 4'x2'x2', 309 pounds, with wheels.

Nick