The transfer switch is relatively easy, especially for a ~smaller system. The one on my bench is usually just an AC-coil relay. When the mains AC drops out, the relay switches over; a few cycles after it comes back up the relay switches back.
Of course, that's only running a fairly minimal subset of things, on the order of a few hundred watts, but you can get AC contactors that will handle up to fifty or so amps without Too much $$ or hassle.
'Anonymous' is definitely correct in thinking that the remotely switching outlets would be against code in Most places. More importantly, they would be Unwise, since even one going wrong could short the systems together, which would be *BAD*, mainly for the health and survival of you and your house, but also legally.
On the other paw, you Could have a system that did the switching either at the main or secondary breaker panels or at a ~central distribution and control panel somewhere semi-convenient, if you were willing to go to the trouble to provide a double-isolation system so it Couldn't short together. It might even be able to be made ~legal, albeit requiring bribes or a lax local code (read as 'West Virginia' or other similar location).
It isn't really worthwhile to avoid the inverters at this point, since the losses are less than the inconvenience of changing appliances and equipment back and forth for what is (hopefully) a rarely needed back-up.
And if you're Really worried about longer time periods, just get an old car that has been rear-ended and yank the engine (with associated sub-systems as required ... herein lies a fifty gallon drums of worms!) and hook it up to several alternators or a reasonable generator. With a replacement of the fuel lines with something tougher (Good brass or stainless steel), you could even run it on methanol or one of the ethanol/isopropynol combinations. Note that this would require a non-computer-controlled engine so you could adjust it to Your use, rather than fighting the idiot box.
Remind me on the wall-wart you were looking for, as I have a fairly large stock in hand ...
(no subject)
Of course, that's only running a fairly minimal subset of things, on the order of a few hundred watts, but you can get AC contactors that will handle up to fifty or so amps without Too much $$ or hassle.
'Anonymous' is definitely correct in thinking that the remotely switching outlets would be against code in Most places. More importantly, they would be Unwise, since even one going wrong could short the systems together, which would be *BAD*, mainly for the health and survival of you and your house, but also legally.
On the other paw, you Could have a system that did the switching either at the main or secondary breaker panels or at a ~central distribution and control panel somewhere semi-convenient, if you were willing to go to the trouble to provide a double-isolation system so it Couldn't short together. It might even be able to be made ~legal, albeit requiring bribes or a lax local code (read as 'West Virginia' or other similar location).
It isn't really worthwhile to avoid the inverters at this point, since the losses are less than the inconvenience of changing appliances and equipment back and forth for what is (hopefully) a rarely needed back-up.
And if you're Really worried about longer time periods, just get an old car that has been rear-ended and yank the engine (with associated sub-systems as required ... herein lies a fifty gallon drums of worms!) and hook it up to several alternators or a reasonable generator. With a replacement of the fuel lines with something tougher (Good brass or stainless steel), you could even run it on methanol or one of the ethanol/isopropynol combinations. Note that this would require a non-computer-controlled engine so you could adjust it to Your use, rather than fighting the idiot box.
Remind me on the wall-wart you were looking for, as I have a fairly large stock in hand ...