I've got a similar setup on my own home, 200A single phase service, 200A whole house ATS, and 12 Kw generator.

[Linked Image from mysite.verizon.net]

[Linked Image from mysite.verizon.net]

Since the ATS is not service entrance rated, a 200A main breaker is between the meter and ATS as shown below:

[Linked Image from mysite.verizon.net]

I know, I should've painted the walls before I put up the plywood, but I was excited with my new toys... you know how it is. In any event...

I can run the entire house no problem... 240V 18,000 BTU A/C, as well three smaller 120V A/C's a 5,000 BTU, 6,000 BTU, and 8,000 BTU, not to mention refrigerator, oil furnace, dehumidifier, attic exhaust fan, three computers, two televisions, toaster, dishwasher, microwave, and just about every single light in the house (mostly 75W cans) you name it... I really wanted to push it for the purposes of testing. At one point, I was reading a total of 50.6 amps on one leg, and 46.9 on the other leg with stable Hz. Had my wife turn on her 1,850 watt hairdryer and only then did the genny shut down on overload and Hz drop (50A genny breaker didn't trip).

I have oil heat and hot water, and natural gas for the stoves and dryer, so my electrical requirements aren't really that steep. If I had electric heat, hot water, stove and dryer, all bets would be off for this unit. Was fine with 100A 12 breaker panel before, but I wanted a 40 breaker panel for the rewire for lots of dedicated circuits.

Let's face it, few homes truly need 200A service... you get 200A for the number of dedicated circuits.

Joe


[This message has been edited by JJM (edited 11-10-2006).]

[This message has been edited by JJM (edited 11-10-2006).]