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Connecting A Generator To A Home Video


How should I install the wiring to connect a generator to my home? Planning and Installing a Generator with a Transfer Switch: How to Connect a Generator to a Home.

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Installing a Generator and Transfer Switch
Electrical Question: How should I install the electric wiring to connect a backup generator to my home?

This electrical question came from: Bob, a Homeowner in California.
Additional Comments: Very well thought out and organized.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Bob.

How to Connect a Generator to a Home

Application: How to Install a Portable Generator for a Home.
Skill Level: Advanced. This electrical project is best installed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Electricians pouch of hand tools and the various power tools necessary for installing the generator and transfer switch.
Estimated Time: Depends on the type and size of the generator and transfer switch and the available access to the project area.
Precaution: Any existing electrical wiring within the immediate area that may interfere with the installation of the transfer switch may need to be relocated if necessary.
Important: Installing a generator and transfer switch requires planning and the application of electrical codes that will apply to the specific project. The project must be well thought out and performed with a permit, and all work must be inspected.

Note: If your home has sustained damaged from a storm then be sure that home repair work has been authorized and coordinated through your local or state building authorities. Contact your homeowners insurance provider for specific information relating to the home repairs. Detailed photos should be taken to document any damage.

Planning and Installing a Backup Generator with a Transfer Switch

See More about Home Generators and Home Electrical Wiring

electric-generator

Electrical Circuits
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Electric Circuit Listing
The size of the home electrical service panel is designed by calculating the square footage of the home and factoring in the code requirements for the electrical circuits that are required.

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Basic Home Wiring Diagrams


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

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Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

5 Responses to “Connecting A Generator To A Home Video”
  1. Tom Risinger says:

    Hi Bill,
    I’m installing a generator inlet box on the exterior of my garage. There is an exterior water faucet about a foot from the ground. How far away from the faucet should I install the inlet box? Thanks.

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Victor,
    With all the generator panels and transfer switches installations I have done I have always located to receptacle for the generator cord on the outside near the generator. As you nay know, a generator may not be located indoors for a number of reasons, most of all carbon monoxide and locating the generator receptacle indoors could be misleading. Ask the question to your local building department when you obtain your permit to be sure.
    Dave

  3. Victor says:

    I want to run my portable generator about 10 feet in front of my garage. Can I install the flanged power inlet inside the garage (connected ro the transfer switch by Romex run inside the wall), or is this against code and needs to be installed outside the house? I live in CT.
    Plugging the extension cord inside the garage would be safer (dry) but I don’t know if allowed.

    Thanks

  4. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Bill,
    If the 10-4 SO Cable will be permanently installed then it would be best to protect it with EMT or PVC conduit which is strapped and supported. To prevent overheating, the size of the conduit should provide the same amount of free air space as the size of the 10-4 cable.
    Dave

  5. Bill Heisler says:

    I’m about to install a generator transfer switch with an outside power outlet for the generator using 10-4 SO wire which will run along sheetrock on the inside of the garage wall for 6 or 7 feet. Should this wire be run in conduit or is it possible it will overheat if it is? Thanks.