A small inverter generator can keep the essentials running during a blackout, but a Reddit discussion about backup wiring for a Honda EU2200i in Canada suggests many homeowners may regret going too small on the transfer switch setup.
Here's what to know
In a discussion on Reddit, a poster with a Honda EU2200i said, "One thing we're thinking of getting is a transfer switch installed for easier setup to power a few key circuits during an outage (fridge, freezer, furnace .. and being able to switch ones on and off based on load/priority)."
Although the original question compared EZ Generator Switches with a four-circuit Nature's Generator setup, many of the replies focused less on those specific products and more on a broader recommendation to put in a larger transfer panel now, even if the current generator is small.
"Honestly though, if you are going to spend the money to wire one in, you should future-proof it a bit," one commenter wrote. Another added, "Getting the larger panel gives you the option even now of have just the 'essentials'... but if there is something else you need ... you can turn off one of the other essentials and turn on the breaker to the garage."
Since the switch installation itself can be one of the more expensive parts of a backup power project, commenters argued that paying a little more for a 30-amp, 240-volt, multi-circuit panel could prevent another round of expense if the homeowner eventually upgrades to a larger generator.
More background
The thread centered on a practical issue many households face during outages: Extension cords can work for a while, but they quickly become inconvenient when the power stays out.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
Hardwiring key circuits such as refrigeration, heat, lighting, and internet can make an outage less disruptive.
A more robust outage setup can help prevent food from spoiling, reduce the risk of frozen pipes by keeping a furnace running, and delay or even eliminate the need to buy a much larger generator right away. It can also help protect the investment already made in a dependable portable unit such as the EU2200i.
Once the poster clarified, "I'm in Ontario, Canada, which I believe doesn't allow interlock kits," the discussion narrowed. Instead of the breaker interlocks some U.S. homeowners rely on, replies shifted toward transfer panels and meter-based options such as Generlink.
Commenters also noted that a bigger panel would not somehow turn a small Honda into whole-house backup. What it would do is give the homeowner more options for choosing which circuits to run and when, rather than locking everything into a basic four-circuit arrangement.
What can be done?
Choosing a six- or 10-circuit transfer panel with a 30-amp inlet may cost more than a simple four-circuit option, but the tradeoff is potentially avoiding a full redo later.
It also keeps future options open, whether that eventually means stepping up to a larger generator, running two compatible units in parallel, or incorporating a battery backup.
As one commenter summed it up, "You want as much control as you can get, and be able to upgrade your generator in the future."
Another commenter who installed a larger switch called it "an excellent way to go."
Where can I learn more?
The Reddit thread kept coming back to flexibility: how much wiring makes sense when a small generator may be only the first step. These articles look at that same question from a few practical angles, including breaker box upgrades, alternative backup systems, and newer ways to keep a home powered when the grid goes down.
• Across the U.S., portable solar backup systems are giving households cheaper outage protection.
• Anker says its home backup tech is ready when blackouts hit without fuel.
• ConnectDER is pitching a device that could prevent costly rewiring for solar and EV gear.
They also underscore a simple point: With a modest generator, the wiring choices can matter every bit as much as the machine itself. If there's any chance the system will grow later, the hardware around the generator may deserve the most careful planning.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
