Electrician Training Electrical Certification wiring recessed light fixtures Electrical Wiring Electrical Troubleshooting and Electrical Repairs wire outdoor light fixture Home Electrical Wiring Diagrams

wiring home generator and transfer switch wiring a 220 volt range cord outlet Wiring for GFCI Outlets Wiring Outlets and a Switched Outlet Wiring and Installing Ceiling Fans and Remote Controls wire dimmer switch wiring diagrams for switches wiring a dryer cord and 220 outlet circuit breaker panel
Electrical Wire and Cable
ask the electrician
Electrician Training Electrical Certification wiring recessed light fixtures Electrical Wiring Electrical Troubleshooting and Electrical Repairs wire outdoor light fixture Home Electrical Wiring Diagrams
wiring home generator and transfer switch wiring a 220 volt range cord outlet Wiring for GFCI Outlets Wiring Outlets and a Switched Outlet How to Installing and Wire Ceiling Fans and Remote Controls wire dimmer switch wiring diagrams for switches wiring a dryer cord and 220 outlet circuit breaker panel
Electrical Wire and Cable
Electrical Wiring | Home Wiring | NEC NFPA Electric Codes | Wiring Diagrams | Wire Ceiling Fans | Lighting | Wire Switches | GFCI Outlet | Wiring Outlets | Smoke Detectors | Dryer Cords | Exhaust Fan | Energy Savings | Solar Exhaust Fans | Wiring SIP Homes | Wire and Cable | Electrical Boxes | Circuit Breakers | Panels | Relays | Generators | Power Quality | Electrical Calculations and Formulas | Testers and Meters | Electrician Tools | Electrician Training | Electrical Safety | Wiring Plans and Symbols | Electric Repairs | Electrical Books | Electrical Troubleshooting

Portable Home Generators

portable-generator Summary: Portable electric generators for home use and the proper electrical connection to your home.


The Benefits and Features of Portable Electric Generators


Electrical Wiring Video

Install a Generator Interlock Switch

NOTE: A List of All my Helpful Videos

Will Display at the End of This Video

So Keep Watching So I Can Help You Wire it Right!


Check out my YouTube Channel:
» AskTheElectrician «
and Subscribe!

Portable generators are handy for some applications

This series will take a look at portable generators and help you discover if they are the right choice for your temporary power application.

IMORTANT NOTICE:

Please do not use a generator indoors!

The exhaust from a generator is harmful and can kill you in minutes.

A portable generator should not be operated in a garage or basement.

Portable generators should be operated outdoor away from windows, doors and other vents that are part of the home. 		generator-carbon-monoxide-danger

Types of Portable Electric Generators

portable-generator

Portable generators

  • A portable generator may be a good option for powering the home during a power outage. Portable generators offer the best value and are great for powering up individual essential circuits or small loads.
portable-generator

Is a portable home generator a good idea?

  • Consider these guidelines to help understand if a portable home generator is a good idea for your home.

Comments and Questions about Home Generators




related

Methods for Connecting a Generator to an Electric Service Panel

Hi Dave,
I wish to wire a 7kw backup generator into my exterior home breaker panel. The power goes out several times a year for several hours at a time.
Can I use a 2 pole breaker to connect the generator power to the panel?
I have a L14P box attached to the breaker box. This feeds the breaker, albeit on the output of the breaker.
The utility feeds into the 200amp up top goes dead, I turn this off. I plug in generator, turn on its 2 pole breaker and both legs are energized. I manage my load with normal breaker control.
Thank you,
JB

Hi JB,
Sorry but No - this is not an approved way to connect generator power to your electrical panel, in fact it is illegal because it is very dangerous!
The correct way to connect generator power to an electrical panel is by using an approved device that will only allow one power feed to be on at a time. This is commonly accomplished by using a transfer switch, a generator circuit panel, or by installing a circuit breaker interlock kit. These methods will prevent the generator from back feeding power to the electrical utility lines which can be lethal to emergency crews working to restore your power, and will also prevent the electrical utility from feeding power to the generator and damaging it once the power is restored.

» 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.


See How to Wire it Right!

Learn more about How to Wire Generators and Transfer Switches
Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring
Perfect for Homeowners, the Handyman, and Electricians
Includes:
Complete with Practical Hands On Wiring Instructions
Installing Electrical Wiring for Generator Panels and Transfer Switches
Loaded with On the Job Electrical Pictures and Wiring Diagrams
Great Help for Wiring a Generator and Transfer Switch
....and much more.
» Click here to learn more about Home Electric Wiring «
  electrical wiring
 



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.
portable-generator

Generator Parts and Accessories


Portable Generator Cords

Generator Interlock Kit

Generator Transfer Switch

Transfer Switch Kit - 30 Amp 10-Circuit

200 AMP Smart Transfer Switch - Single Phase Generator Controller

6000 Watt Portable Generator

12000 Watt Portable Generator





RELATED

How to Wire a Generator

Daniel asks:
What 10 ga. wire is acceptable to run through conduit to power a 100 amp panel with a portable generator.
10 ga. Indoor Romex or 10 ga. UV cable per Ashford, Ct. code.

Dave’s Reply:

From what you have described, the wire type will depend on how the wire is installed and protected.

Type-NM wire is used for indoor wiring which installed inside walls and protected areas.

UV Cable is rated for outdoor use, however it must be protected as well.

A Type SO or SJ Cord is commonly used to connect portable generators for a temporary connection.

Keep in mind that a 10ga.copper wire is rated only for 30amps.

Be sure to identify the output rating of the generator that will be used, and use a transfer device, such as a circuit breaker lockout switch which is one of the most affordable.

More about Portable electric generators

How to Wire a Generator Transfer Switch Video
What is the Basic Wiring Configuration for a Generator Transfer Switch: Each Wiring Termination must be correct for the Power Conductors of the Line or Load.W-926 C-6

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.W-660 C-5

How to Install a Generator Manual Transfer Switch
How to Select the Right Generator Transfer Switch: How to Save Money on a Generator Transfer Switch - These two items actually work hand in hand, and the end result will actually be how large the generator will be and there are a few more options that may be much easier to install and much less costly that a large transfer switch.W-685 C-4

Sitemap
Ceiling Fans Airplane Ceiling Fan Airplane Ceiling Fan Ceiling Fan Direction Summer Ceiling Fan Direction Winter Ceiling Fan Wiring Diagram 1 Ceiling Fan Wiring Diagram 2 Ceiling Fan Wiring Questions and Answers Ceiling Fans Wiring – Part 1 Ceiling Fans Wiring – Part 2 Introduction to Ceiling Fan Remote Controls Outdoor Ceiling Fan 1 Outdoor […]W-1975 C-0

portable electric generators - 1158