circuit switch
I have a generator with a limited number of circuits that it can feed. one of them is the exterior security lights, currently 10A of max load on a 15A breaker. They are quartz/halogen lamps (i'm told these don't have the same in-flow spike as incandescents, but i don't know if this is true) and only come on at night. I have a set of lights in the attic (4 CFL's, so pretty low load, but I also have outlets for power tools). Originally I had made this part of the security lights branch, but I also have just pulled a fresh line (not an easy task) into the attic to service the microwave (long story as to why i had to do that) and I was thinking of switching the attic lights and outlets to the microwave circuit. the chances of the microwave being engaged while i'm using power tools in the attic is zero. However, in the event of a power outage, I'd like to have lights in the attic if i need to go up and check anything out. I'd like to be able to switch the attic circuit from the microwave to the line feeding the security lights (on the generator).
One thought is to run a set of outlets to the microwave circuit and just include the 4 CFL's on the security lights circuit, but that would require tearing down the whole attic run and redoing it, especially replacing the light fixtures that have outlets in them with keyless (i think they're called) sockets. it's not the cost, it's the level of effort and pain (scraped knuckes and hands) that was incurred in the initial installation, and then having to distribute new receptacles to those same locations so i have the same coverage. i know i could just cap/tape the existing outlets, but when i sell the house, i don't want to have to worry about the new owner simply removing the cover, plugging in and tripping the breaker.
Okay, so the prudent/wise thing would probably be tear it down and rebuild it. i'm looking for a more expedient solution, provided that it's code compliant.
Thanks
BeekerC