My cabinet shop recently burned down so I am rebuilding it and planning its new electrical system. I live off the grid and run my shop off a generator. I will be running a 14,000 wt generator for large tools, but want to run my smaller 4500 watt generator for lights and times when not using larger tools. I am looking at installing a manual transfer switch (MTS) with only about 6 circuits. I would appreciate suggestions or advice on designing this system. Does the watt rating of the MTS need to comply with the larger generator or just the smaller one that will be running through it? I was planning on a 100 amp panel and maybe a 30 amp MTS. Should I be looking to purchase my panel, MTS, etc as a package or is separately OK? I would like to also run a surge protector for the circuits that power my fluorescent lights since the generators surge has blown out the ballasts in the previous lights.
Thanks for any advice!
Larry