I have the duct work in and they come back in a week to start phase II. I am trying to figure out how to have my 16kw connected (really not big enough). Anybody else have this problem. I want to be able to control key items and be able to switch on/off as needed to make sure I don't go over my limit. I do that now. My water furnace is 4 ton. My guardian is put on the automatic start mode. Lisa

They make multi circuit transfer switches in sizes for different generators that may work for you. 15KW is a good sized unit and should run your heat pump w/o the heat strips. Generac and others make them. You just choose what you want to use at the time.

A generator interlock is the best way. You can pick and choose what you power with the generator. Here is al link http://www.interlockkit.com/

This is an econmical way to go if you don't want or need an automatic transfer switch which will be very expensive.

The interlock kit looks neat. From what I can see, it appears to need manual intervention to engage.

Guardian also makes "Load Shedding" transfer switches that: "Drops non-critical circuits when overload is approaching", and "Brings back non-critical circuits when power is available". I have no idea how well this works.

Another idea is a "soft start" for your geothermal system. WF makes one called IntelliStart.

The interlock is a manual device, but so is my generator. I will be installing two, one each on both of my primary 200 amp panels. The generator will feed panel "B" which will in turn feed panel "A". My second floor subpanel feeds from panel "A" so that the generator can power anything in the house. This is the most economical way to have generator power available to every circuit, just not everthing at the same time.

Sorry, how many tons is your heat pump?
A true 15 K might be good up to a 3 ton depending on many things.
joe

My Guardian is 16KW and the waterfurnace supports 4 tons. Lisa

I am looking at soft start option comments. Lisa

Hi Joe, My guardian is a 16KW with a waterfurnace of 4 tons. What I have now is a regular air HP elecric house for the generator (which I will move to new home). It is hooked up so that I can switch to any circuit I want. My concern is that the initial surge when the waterfurnace kicks on with whatever else is going to turn on at the time (like the refreigerator, freezer and some lights microwave)will not support the generator load. I want the freedom to switch circuits/amps where I want. Guardian16KW is put in auto start mode also.thx ahead

lisa6801 Info about WF Intellistart is here-

http://www.waterfurnace.ca/Engineer/IntelliStart/IntelliStart Sales Sheet.pdf

It really works as advertised. It is available through you WF dealer.

This may be a little off topic... Does anyone have info as to what size generator is acceptable with each size WF unit? Seems even moderate oversized (40%) generators will trip the comfert alert on startup. (I guess that is why the CA is there in the first place) Adam

off topic a  little; hope you have backup genset as my generac was down this summer and we had to wait a month for parts bcause factory shut down for vacation.

ended up buying a sweet Onan diesel, 12kw, Kubota motor; rpm one half generac at 1800 rpm.

Nothing wrong with motor, was electronic  parts that failed.

I saw a device similar to Waterfurnace's Intellistart at Climatemaster's downloads today. It's called Securestart and is made by Emerson Climate Technologies.

http://www.climatemaster.com/downloads/97B0103N01.pdf

Regards,

Masoud

1800 rpm 4-pole generators are definitely the way to go, budget allowing.

All I've read of the Intellistart option for WF strongly suggests it substantially reduces kw rating of generator required to start the unit; starting amps are said to drop by 1/2 - 2/3