Portable Home Generators

Summary: Portable electric generators for home use and the proper electrical connection to your home.
© By: Dave Rongey

The Benefits and Features of Portable Electric Generators

DIY Electrical Wiring Video

Install a Generator Interlock Switch

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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.

Types of Portable Electric Generators

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.

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

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.

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« Transfer Switches

Portable Generator Options »

More about: Portable electric generators

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Upgrade an Electrical Panel and Install a Home Generator
How to Ground a Portable Generator and Make a Power Box
Home Generators and Back Feeding Electrical Power
Generators and Power Quality
How to Install a Generator Manual Transfer Switch
Wire a Generator Transfer Switch Video
Connecting A Generator To A Home Video

Electrical Requirements for Generators and Welders