Electric Generators for Emergency Power

How do you hook up a portable generator to a house?

Posted by admin

The first answer is terribly dangerous. No one knowledgeable or responsible would ever suggest using a double male cord, let alone run around your house trying to find somewhere suitable to plug it in!

I operate my well pump, furnace, fridge, freezer, microwave and toaster ovens, computer, television, VCR, satellite receiver, lots of lights, and so on from a 5500 watt generator during power outages. Properly sized and installed the output will be perfectly usable with no further conditioning required.

If you are serious about backup generator power you will require a specialized transfer panel to isolate the home electrical system and prevent the generator from backfeeding the street, potentially with lethal results. This should be done by someone qualified, obtaining proper permits, and following all electrical code requirements.

Read through my generator page for safety information, connection details, and so on. If you have other questions feel free to contact me.

http://members.rennlist.org/warren/generator.html

5 Responses to “How do you hook up a portable generator to a house?”

1. lbuajlw Says:
   November 30th, 2006 at 12:11 pm

   first, please understand that most generators do not supply enough power to run an entire house. Second, that this method will only power 1/2 of you breaker panel. Shut off your main breaker. Using a double male extension cord, plug one end into your wall outlet and the other into the generator. This should bring power to the side of the panel that controls the outlet that you are plugged into. If you didn’t get the side you needed to run the fridge or furnace, just move the plug around to you hit the correct side. Don’t use a generator to power appliances like your dishwasher or washer/dryer and never run sensitive equipment like computers unless you have some sort of power conditioner.
   The proper long term method is to have an electrician install a bypass transfer switch.
   References :

2. Julie Says:
   November 30th, 2006 at 12:21 pm

   And for heaven’s sake - DON"T use it inside - it has to be outside with plenty of ventilation!
   References :

3. mike__996 Says:
   November 30th, 2006 at 12:25 pm

   i strongly sugest that you do not do this unless youy know exactly what you are doing. if you want a generator installed you need what is called a transfer switch as well as knowing how to hook it up.there are so many regulations that go with that you should call a electrician.
   References :

4. warren914 Says:
   November 30th, 2006 at 3:42 pm

   The first answer is terribly dangerous. No one knowledgeable or responsible would ever suggest using a double male cord, let alone run around your house trying to find somewhere suitable to plug it in!

   I operate my well pump, furnace, fridge, freezer, microwave and toaster ovens, computer, television, VCR, satellite receiver, lots of lights, and so on from a 5500 watt generator during power outages. Properly sized and installed the output will be perfectly usable with no further conditioning required.

   If you are serious about backup generator power you will require a specialized transfer panel to isolate the home electrical system and prevent the generator from backfeeding the street, potentially with lethal results. This should be done by someone qualified, obtaining proper permits, and following all electrical code requirements.

   Read through my generator page for safety information, connection details, and so on. If you have other questions feel free to contact me.

   http://members.rennlist.org/warren/generator.html
   References :

5. Darkgoth Says:
   November 30th, 2006 at 5:42 pm

   call a qualified person its a code thing…it must be done so as when powering a residence (or any structure) it must cut off any incoming feeds from the power company so no feedback voltage will be sent back on the power lines..it also would have to be a huge generator to run a home..(ex a 200 amp service using only half the amps times would require 22000 watt generator.or higher.)
   References :

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