Affordable Generator Hookup for Your Home

Affordable Generator Hookup for Your Home

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Connecting a Portable Generator to Your Home
   • The Dangers of Using a "Suicide Cord"
3. The Right Way to Connect a Portable Generator
   • The Importance of an Inlet Receptacle
   • Different Methods of Hooking up an Inlet Receptacle
4. Fully Manual Transfer Switch
5. Interlock Kit
6. Installing a Sub-Panel
   • Adding More Circuits with a Sub-Panel
7. The Function of an Interlock
8. How to Run Your Home on Generator Power
   • Flipping Breakers and Starting the Generator
   • Switching Back to Utility Power
9. Conclusion

Connecting a Portable Generator to Your Home

Introduction

If you have purchased a portable generator for the purpose of powering up your house in the event of a power outage, you've probably thought about how to connect it to your home safely and efficiently. There is a lot of misinformation out there, and in this article, we will discuss the right way to connect a portable generator to your home.

The Dangers of Using a "Suicide Cord"

One common but dangerous method that people often suggest is using what is known as a "suicide cord." This involves taking your generator hookup cord, cutting off one end, and replacing it with a male dryer cord for a 240-volt hookup. However, this method is extremely dangerous and illegal.

A suicide cord poses a significant risk as there is live voltage on the prongs when plugged in. If it falls out or someone trips over it, it can result in serious injuries or even a house fire. Additionally, the circuit protection is far from the panel, making it unsafe to backfeed power using this method.

The Right Way to Connect a Portable Generator

Now that we understand the dangers of improper generator connections, let's explore the right way to connect a portable generator to your home. For this article, we will focus on portable generators in the 3,000 to 8,000-watt range that typically have both 120 and 240-volt outputs.

The Importance of an Inlet Receptacle

To connect a portable generator to your home, you will need to install an inlet receptacle on the side of your house. An inlet is different from an outlet in that it uses male prongs and is typically a twist lock receptacle. It is important to use the proper twist lock receptacle for a secure and safe connection.

Different Methods of Hooking up an Inlet Receptacle

There are three major ways to hook up an inlet receptacle for a manual transfer switch:

1. Fully Manual Transfer Switch: This involves using a switch with a big red handle that allows you to choose between utility power and generator power. While effective, fully manual transfer switches can be quite expensive, often costing several hundred dollars.

2. Interlock Kit: An interlock kit is a piece of metal that sits between your main breaker and a double pole breaker connected to the inlet receptacle. This setup keeps the breakers interlocked, ensuring that both cannot be closed simultaneously. Interlock kits are more affordable than fully manual transfer switches but require ample space in your electrical panel.

3. Installing a Sub-Panel: Another option is to install a sub-panel that can be switched between utility power and generator power. By adding a sub-panel, you can select which circuits you want to run on generator power while keeping others on the main panel. This method provides flexibility and can be cost-effective.

Fully Manual Transfer Switch

A fully manual transfer switch is a popular option for connecting a portable generator to your home. However, they can be quite expensive. These switches have large red handles that allow you to switch between utility power and generator power. They often come with an "off" position where there is no power at all.

While fully manual transfer switches work effectively, they might not be suitable for those on a tight budget. Prices for these switches can range from seven to eight hundred dollars, depending on the size needed for your entire home.

Interlock Kit

An interlock kit is another method for connecting a portable generator to your home. This kit includes a piece of metal that fits between your main breaker and a double pole breaker installed in the upper right position of your electrical panel. This double pole breaker connects to the inlet receptacle, which feeds power from the generator.

The interlock kit ensures that the utility main breaker and the generator main breaker cannot be engaged simultaneously. This interlocking mechanism keeps the setup safe and compliant with regulations. Interlock kits are more affordable than fully manual transfer switches, but they do require space in your electrical panel.

Installing a Sub-Panel

For those looking for flexibility and cost-effectiveness, installing a sub-panel can be an excellent option. Adding a sub-panel allows you to choose specific circuits to run on generator power while keeping others connected to the main electrical panel.

To install a sub-panel, you will need a separate circuit breaker box with enough space to accommodate the circuits you wish to run on generator power. By using a double pole breaker from the main panel, you can feed power to the sub-panel through a specially installed interlock.

This setup enables you to switch between utility power and generator power seamlessly. It provides the convenience of selecting which circuits to power during an outage while keeping other appliances and outlets connected to the main panel.

The Function of an Interlock

To ensure a safe and efficient connection, an interlock plays a crucial role in the setup. The interlock prevents both the utility main breaker and the generator main breaker from being engaged simultaneously. It ensures that only one power source is active at a time, preventing any backfeeding of power to the grid.

The interlock works by allowing only one breaker to be closed while keeping the other in an open position. This interlocking mechanism eliminates the risk of power from the generator flowing back into the grid, making it safe and compliant with electrical codes.

How to Run Your Home on Generator Power

Once you have properly connected your portable generator to your home, it's important to know how to switch and run your home on generator power during an outage.

1. Flipping Breakers and Starting the Generator: When the power goes out, turn off all loads in your home. Next, switch off the utility main breaker and switch on the generator main breaker. Start the generator and gradually turn on each load, ensuring you don't overload the generator with a sudden surge of power.

2. Switching Back to Utility Power: To switch back to utility power, turn off all loads connected to the generator. Switch off the generator main breaker and switch on the utility main breaker. Gradually turn on each load again to prevent overloading the system.

By following these steps, you can safely and effectively run your home on generator power when needed.

Conclusion

Connecting a portable generator to your home requires careful consideration and adherence to safety guidelines. While the use of a "suicide cord" is dangerous and illegal, there are various safe and affordable methods to connect your generator.

Whether you opt for a fully manual transfer switch, an interlock kit, or a sub-panel, ensure that the connections are performed correctly and comply with electrical codes. With the right setup, you can power essential circuits in your home during a power outage while keeping your family safe and comfortable.

Highlights:

• Connecting a portable generator to your home requires a safe and legal approach.
• Using a "suicide cord" is dangerous, illegal, and poses the risk of electrical hazards and house fires.
• The recommended method is to install an inlet receptacle and choose from options like fully manual transfer switches, interlock kits, or sub-panels.
• An interlock ensures that utility power and generator power cannot be engaged simultaneously, ensuring safety and compliance.
• By following proper procedures, you can switch your home to generator power during outages while avoiding overload and maintaining electrical safety.

FAQ:

Q: What is the danger of using a "suicide cord"?
A: A "suicide cord" is a dangerous and illegal method of connecting a generator to a home. It involves cutting off one end of the generator hookup cord and replacing it with a male dryer cord. This poses risks such as electrical hazards, house fires, and electrocution if the plug falls out or someone trips over it.

Q: How can I safely connect a portable generator to my home?
A: To connect a portable generator safely, install an inlet receptacle on the side of your house. From there, you can choose from different methods such as using a fully manual transfer switch, an interlock kit, or installing a sub-panel. These options provide secure and legal connections, ensuring the safety of your home.

Q: What is an interlock kit?
A: An interlock kit is a metal piece installed between the main breaker and a double pole breaker in your electrical panel. It prevents the utility main breaker and the generator main breaker from being simultaneously closed, ensuring only one power source is active at a time. Interlock kits offer a safer and more affordable alternative to fully manual transfer switches.

Q: Can I power my whole house with a portable generator?
A: It is possible to power an entire house with a large portable generator, typically those with 10,000 watts or more. This requires the installation of an automatic transfer switch, which can be costly and requires professional installation. For smaller portable generators in the 3,000 to 8,000-watt range, options like fully manual transfer switches, interlock kits, or sub-panels are more practical.