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.
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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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.
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.
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.
Installing a 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.
Electrical Requirements for Generators and Welders I want to run my welder off a generator, can I put a plug end on the welder wire and plug the welder into my portable generator? How to Wire a Welder and Generator Plug.
Wiring the Ground for a Generator and Transfer Switch How to Connect Grounding for Generators: The portable generator does not require a separate ground rod, however any electrical wiring enclosure including the generator transfer switch is required to be grounded to the ground system of the main panel of the home electrical system.
Residential Electrical Wiring Projects – Wiring a Light Switch Home Electrical Wiring Electrical Wiring Question: I replaced a light switch with a new switch, now the pantry light works, but the range light fan doesn’t. This electrical wiring question came from Chadwick in California. Electrical Answer: How to Wire a Switch Light Switch Wiring Diagrams Wiring Diagrams Fully Explained Light Switch Wiring Diagrams. Detailed […]
portable electric generators - 2019
Installing a Home Generator
Electrical Project Skill Level:
Licensed Electrical Contractor, Not Recommended for Homeowners.
Electrical 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. Electrical Safety:
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.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials:
Electrical parts and materials for generator wiring projects should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections:
Installing a generator and transfer switch must be well thought out and performed with a permit with all work being inspected.
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