So I did some reading after pfflier’s comment and, not being an electrician by trade, was a little confused. But sometimes its use of language more than not knowing a subject that causes confusion. I am pretty sure both of you know more about this type of house wiring than I do so no criticism from me. But I am still trying to understand what my real generator needs are going to be. If I have items, like an oven, or possibly my Central Air/Heat, that are ‘split phase’ will I not be able to run those from a single phase generator, or is it just a matter of some additional wiring and hardware to make that single phase from the generator ‘split’?
It’s simply single phase for the majority of residential homes. 3 wires (legs) feed from the pole to the home. Two of the wires are 120 volts while one is considered a neutral or ground. When utilizing both 120 volt wires, you utilize 240 volts like a sine wave. Stove/oven, clothes dryers, HVAC units, hot water heaters are examples of 240 volt appliances while the rest are 120 volt. Hope this helps.
https://www.calstatesolar.com/product/220v-nema-rated-receptacle/
The supply connector for the appliances will tell you what type of power they need. Single phase will be the conventional two pin and a ground you use around the house on lamps and small appliances.
Your big appliances should have connectors that will not fit in a convenience outlet.
Your single phase generator will work just fine for everything in any average house. HWT, Range, dryer, all work single phase.
Your home is served with single phase 120 volt power. Two "legs" of it are brought in to power your 240v requirements (range,dryer, AC units, very little else) and everything else is powered by 120v.
You simply need a genset that will develop single phase power.