HELP preparing for a power outage

Ok, so we run 2k w/ ballasts and water pumps for aero. Obviously choice one would be to install a transfer switch and keep it all "normal" as can be but that's gonna cost about $2000 to get done. My idea is to get a 5k generator and keep on hand a t5 light... We were told we can't run extension cord on our 1k ballasts, true or false? What would happen in an emergency if we set up the t5 on an extension cord and ran our pumps the same way?? What if it happened in the middle of flower? We live in a rural area and our power does go out every year, most times its back on within 36 hours but last year we had a rare ice storm and we were out of power for 6 days... We are expecting a big storm this Sunday so we are trying to prepare. Thanks for any help u can give us.

Anyone?? Id love at least an opinion... Thanks

If you had a big enough gen, you could get someone with electrical experience to fix you up with the right 220 plug on your lights, and get a cord for RV's and do it that way.
I have a 220v extension for my motorhome that will run 2 A/C units and power the whole thing all day when I plug in somewhere like a campground.

What he said but make sure you get the Honda quite run for your own sanity got one for my racing rig never looked back

Get a couple of ups,it will run the pumps but not the lights for very long.

This is a simple, quick, easy way to backfeed your home from a generator. It is not "code" mind you and any utility crews that may discover it while working to restore power will object strongly. Depending on your generator and light set-up your keeping energized, 120 volts or 240 volts, make an appropriate length extension cord with two male ends. ***** TURN OFF the main disconnect/breaker that feeds your home. This will keep you isolated from the utility power and you won't backfeed into their system. At your main panel turn off ALL other circuits but your grow. Plug the cord into an outlet in your grow circuit and into the generator. You're now isolated from the rest of your house and the utility, powering up just your grow.

Indagrow said:

What he said but make sure you get the Honda quite run for your own sanity got one for my racing rig never looked back

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honda generator r really pricey brother

Wow, really? That just might work... We have a transfer box that runs in its own circuit in the box to run the 2k lights and AC.... Id be afraid of burning that up... On the other hand, our accessories (pumps, rail, fans) run on a house circuit that is connected to half our house so if we tried Ur idea, we would have some power in the house and our pumps would work too. Food for thought there.... Thanks!!