Generators for Home Use

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about Home Generators

Question from Sal,a Homeowner in Stillwater, New Jersey:
A Plug for my Generator

I want to install a male and female connection on the power line to my home oil burner so in the event of a black out I can plug into my gas generator. Problems: Maintaining polarity on the plug and outlet. It seems that I have to reverse the connection- brass for black wire – silver for white wire. Ran into the same problem on the extension cord when I cut the old plug and outlet.

Dave’s Answer:

Sal, make sure the oil burner has been wired properly. The wiring connections to the generator should be standard and not reversed, so if there is a problem connecting other equipment to the generator then we should make sure and check the equipment out to prevent problems with other equipment that may be connected to the generator.

Question from Raymond a Handyman in Pembroke Pines, Florida:
Should I make an Cord or Plug Adapter for my Generator?

I have a 50 amp plug to hook up to my old generator to my home. My new generator has a twist 4 prong 30 amp plug on it. Can I make up an adapter from my 50 amp plug to my new 30 amp plug? I would like to keep both options open if possible.

Dave’s Answer:

Raymond, to avoid confusion and standardize the wiring to your new generator you should consider changing the old cord connection to the new 30amp plug.