Many companies will supply emergency gen sets with automatic switches for emergency use, but I suspect the size you are looking for will not be available- too small to interest the big boys. Most smaller sets are intended to be manually started. I suspect most of the switchgear for this purpose (especially the equipment with which I am familiar) would cost about an order of magnitude more than the generator itself. Have a look at, for example, Caterpillar generators.

Winco, a US company in Minnesota, makes systems that may interest you. Not cheap; but high quality US made, trifuel, auto start systems. 6kw may be the smallest you can get. Check them out. http://www.wincogen.com

Ed Weldon

Check out basementwatchdog.com I know you stated that you did not want batteries in the house, but this may be the route to go. After our basement floor got covered by about an inch of water because the power went out and the sump pump stopped, I installed a basement watch dog. It has performed perfectly during several power outages. For emergency power inside the house, I use my Miller Trailblazer welder/generator. I disconnect the furnace, fridge, and several other smaller appliances from the power panel so there is no feed back into the utility lines. Then I just run cords I have adapted to fit them...............works great and it is safe.

Pat.

I suggest two back-up systems. The first is a 12 volt sump pump wired to as large a battery as you feel is required and a battery tender to keep the battery fully charged. This is the primary back-up system and is virtually fail safe. The second system is for emergency electricity and can be whatever you feel you require. It can be auto start, auto transfer switch, multi-fuel, etc.

That is an elegant system, assuming you have city water pressure, and they don't shut it down. It sounds like a waste of water (of course it is) but the cost of the water is miniscule compared to the cost of water damage.

There are lots of NG fueled generators out there. A automatic transfer will require a small battery system for the control's. The question is how far do you wish to go? A whole house transfer will require a generator that can match you full house load. Very expensive and you may not have the gas capacity to run it. The best option is to prioritize your needs. Sump pump, refrigeration, heating, etc. You than need to supply these items with a dedicated line from the transfer panel. Either way you go you will need to do a max Watts consumption, match that to your generator and than confirm if your gas meter will provide the amount of fuel required. You will also need a licensed electrician and gas fitter with experience in this field.