Jerry,
To make things simpler, you can get a transfer switch board that has 6 circuits (for 20A 120/240V plug on genny) or 10 circuits (for 30A 120/240V genny) and are set up for 4-wire portable generators for ease-of-installation.
pic source If they already have the generator, size the transfer switch board, twist-lock plugs and SOW cable for the size of the largest 120/240 V outlet on the genny, and there you have it.
The pairs of lines and loads are numbered and get hooked in series with the breakers to the circuits you want on the genny. The neutral and EGC go the the proper busses.
Connect the cord and you're all set!
The grounding electrodes of the dwelling are used and no other rod is needed.
Now, if they want to run anything over 20A, then I'm no help and go see the thread I started tonight!
-Virgil
PS: If I have any of this wrong, PLEASE correct me! (I'm testing myself to see if I have all this straight)
[This message has been edited by sparky66wv (edited 01-13-2003).]