I can explain the ground situation a little more since it seems to be a point of contention for some. After every utility meter, at the first disconnecting means, there must be what's called a "Bullseye" where the Equipment Grounding Conductor (Ground) must be bonded to the Grounded conductor (Neutral). At this point there must also be an earth ground of some type. This action makes the ground in one house the exact same potential in the next house due to the pole connections on the neutral at the pole. This negates any earth ground to earth ground potential voltage. If the houses were on separate transformers, you might be more at risk, but doubtful. When we build large buildings we surround them with a large conductor ground field and attach it to an adjacent building to ensure there is no potential voltage difference. The power co does the same thing with the neutral to ensure that 2 houses don't have a funky voltage that could overload the phone system or cable system.
CM, a central genny with #10 AWG 4 conductor wire run to each house for a backup transfer panel would be optimal with your setup. If you want more info, PM me and we can go have some coffee and chat about it. If it's warm enough, maybe go for a spin on the scooters.
From this discussion and ideas put forth I have again backed up and simplified my plans. Yes, I tend to over think most everything....
Utilizing the main panels in the houses with proper switch gear will be the easiest plan.
The grounds will all tie back to the aux. power source.
Initial change over will be on the battery bank. This should give plenty of time to make the genny switch over. I will have the capacity for several hours from the battery's . Simple for the wife or the daughter.
Stopped at the Honda dealer. No 10k's in stock but they can get me one.
Looking at other brands as well.
CM, check out Northern Tool. The prices look pretty good and they do some free shipping from time to time.
Look at the Outback inverters. Military grade.
I'll look for a link.
Here: Outback Power Inc. - Inverters / Chargers
I'm set to bottle 2 gallons of Kilju (pronounced "kill you"), which sounds fancy, but it's just the Finnish name for cheap homemade booze based on sugar water, citrus juice, and turbo yeast. I'm going to stock up on sugar and use the cheap booze as a trade item. Or maybe just drink it all to forget my post-apocalyptic worries.
I'm in Lawrence, just off Carrol Rd. If you arrive around midnight, just follow the cackling. If you stop by just before dawn, just follow the barfing. Have no fear, this stuff is cheap as hell to make, so we'll have plenty left.