Generally, you’ll want to keep between 60 and 70 feet between the generator and the transfer switch. There are a few reasons for this, including:

• The distance reduces the noise coming from the generator into your home.

• It increases efficiency because you won’t have a voltage drop from this short of a distance.

• Prevents carbon monoxide poisoning: keep at least 15 feet between your generator and an open window. 

It can be safe to buy or live in a house with knob and tube (K&T) wiring, but only if the system is in good condition, functional, and has been thoroughly inspected and approved by a licensed electrician. Never purchase a home with K&T wiring without getting a professional electrical inspection first.

Key considerations include:

• Safety and Condition: An inspector will verify that the wiring is safe and has not deteriorated. Over time, the insulation can wear away, leaving exposed wires that pose a significant fire or shock hazard.

• System Capacity: The electrical service should be at least 60 amps. However, even at this capacity, K&T systems often struggle to handle the demands of modern appliances and electronics.

• Lack of Grounding: Knob and tube wiring is an ungrounded system, which is a safety concern for many modern devices.

• Ongoing Maintenance: If you live in a home with K&T wiring, it's recommended to have it inspected by an electrician every one to two years to ensure it remains in safe working order.

Ultimately, any inspection or modification of a knob and tube system should always be performed by a certified professional.

Smart light switches are designed to work with most traditional light fixtures and wiring. However, there are several compatibility factors to consider. Some smart switches require a neutral wire to function, which may not be present in older homes (typically built before 1985). If you plan to use a dimming feature, ensure your LED bulbs are specifically the dimmable type. Additionally, a stable Wi-Fi connection is necessary for remote control, though some models may use other standards like ZigBee, which would require a compatible smart home hub.

If your thermostat does not have a C-wire, you can hire a professional to check for an abandoned C-wire hidden in the wall, install a new C-wire, repurpose an existing G-wire to function as a C-wire, or purchase a C-wire adapter kit. 

There are some smart thermostat models that do not require a C-wire, but this will limit the functionality of the smart technology.