transfer switch for generator

[treesner]

hey guys, power outage time of year (turn it off to prevent fires)

Trying to get my new house setup with a generator, was planning on getting a harbor freight predator 9000w one. 

I need to instal a transfer switch but was thinking it would be ideal to have the generator over by the detached garage for noise. Right now the power line goes into the garage with its own panel then another line goes off to the house. Will I loose a lot of power from that 100 or so feet of power line (not extension chord) from the garage to the house? 

I'd like to run fridge/lights/computer charger. Ideally I could run the duct air conditioning but not sure its enough? 

[drzaius]

Your suggested layout would be ideal. As to whether it will run your AC, I can't say because I don't know how much it draws. Probably not though, with a 9 kW generator. This is something that you will probably need to have a licensed electrician install, but certainly you will need to pull a permit. Do NOT be tempted to do the install without an inspection. A transfer switch that isn't installed just right can result in DEATH for a lineman trying to repair a 'dead' power line.

[wtnhighlander]

+100 to what Frank said. Get it done right. 

FWIW, I have run my entire house, including 2 electric water heaters, fridge, microwave, lights, washer & dryer, computers, tvs AND the central HVAC fan, all from a 4kw genny feeding my panel with 220v through about 70 ft. of awg 12 wire. (Don't worry, Frank - the meter base was pulled to open the incoming line).

 No AC compressor, as power outages are always a winter event here. The heat is gas-fired, with central distribution. Never ran ALL of that at once, of course. But as far as I can tell, I never do during line-powered operation, either.