How to Install Generator Power for Your Home Video

How to Connect a Generator Transfer Switch to the Home Panel: Connecting the Generator to the Home.

Wiring a Generator Transfer Switch to the Home Panel
Electrical Question: I would like an electrical drawing of a residential Generator rated at 120/240 volt, 30 amp.

• The generator has a total running power of 7,200 watt’s.
• I will use flex cable between the generator and 120/240 volt. 30 amp receptacle rated for out side use.
• The out side receptacle will be fed into the garage where the inside sub panel will be located.
• It will be able to fit four 15 Amp single phase breakers rated at 120 Volt.
• The sub panel will be a 120/240 volt 30 amp with the main power supply is about eight inches away.
• The main power supply is a 120/240 volt, 200amp panel with a main circuit breaker.
• The chosen circuits to be transferred, their neutrals and ground wires are feed into a separate conduit from the main power supply to the sub panel.

• Wiring the Generator Circuits
  • Is a special main circuit breaker for the main power supply panel required for the back up designated circuits?
  • Or are these designated back up circuits placed in the same screw slot where the original breaker is? Is this not a code violation.

Thank you for the memory refresher. It’s been a long time. From an old I.B.E.W. retired wire man.

This electrical question came from: Ed, from St. James, New York.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Ed.

Connecting Generator Power to the Home Electrical System

Application: Installing a Generator
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best installed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, Not Recommended for Homeowners.
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. Special consideration must be given to the existing electric service panel and the circuits that will be powered by the generator.
Important: Installing a generator and transfer switch must be well thought out and performed with a permit with all work being inspected.

Options for Connecting Generator Power

When integrating a generator power source to a home one concern is to provide separation between the generator power and the electric utility power to prevent damage to equipment and eliminate the possibility of sending power from the generator onto the electric company utility lines where a line man may be working.

• The Home Electrical Panel
  • The method to accomplish the separation of power will depend on the existing panel that is at the home and the number of circuits which will be powered with power from the generator.
• Connecting the Generator to the Home The most typical options include:
  • A main power transfer switch.
  • A generator circuit panel.
  • Circuit Breaker Interlock kit or device.
• The Cost for Installing a  Generator
  • The cost for each of these options will depend on the amount of power or the amperage provided by the generator and the number of circuits that will be on generator power, and the type of transfer switch or generator panel that is installed.

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