Running WM100 on generator during power outage

[SkipWX10]

I have several questions about this:

We have lots of power outages here.

1) think it's OK?

2) any worries about surges, etc? My CM15 works 'okay' on generator...due to question #3

3) heare's the real one: my genny is clocked a bit fast (i.e.: not 60 cycles) and my clocks run fast by quite a bit. I know some generators have the ability to dial this in, but I wouldn't know what to do even if it did. I'm going to have a sparky look at it. But the question remains...does anyone know if that might damage the WM100? If a possibility, I will unplug before going on genny.

As usual. thanks to those of you who know about this stuff!

[HA Dave]

That's a good question. I know X10 doesn't play well (and can even be damaged) by the square-wave battery back-ups. But how close to a perfect 60 cycle is required.... I've never heard/read.

But what would you automate/control?

My generator set-up is way too modest to handle my entire home. I can power the frig and freezer... and a light or two here and there. But I've never even thought about HA during an outage. I've only thought about making coffee during a prolonged outage.

[Knightrider]

Generator or alternator? It's not an inverting generator, is it. It all depends on how clean the power is. Does a digital clock run fast, or just an analog model.  Too many variables here. I'd unplug to be safe.

[SkipWX10]

Good questions from you both.

As far as automation, I use the CM15 for light timers mostly during an outage. My generator runs my whole house, although it's a portable. I can run my house on the supplied 30A with exception, of course of a clothes dryer, which is not needed in a two/three day outage.

Alternator, not an expensive inverter. Digital clocks run fast, don't have any electric analogs.

I can do everything I want with CM15 timers and PPs for other tasks, just wondering if, for the time being, I should pull the WM100 prior to genny fire. Later, if I transition more automation to the WM100, I may need to educate myself on isolating it from generator issues or go without HA while on genny {GASP!}

Thanks