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 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
Learn Electrical Wiring
Home Lighting
Wiring Diagrams
Electrical Projects
Electrical Materials

Using Home Generators

residential-generators Summary: This article discusses how to select and use residential home generators.
© By:


Home Generators and the Important Features


Electrical Wiring Video

Install a Generator and Transfer Switch Panel

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!

Most residential generators include portable generators that are designed for temporarily connecting to a home and provide a maximum continuous power output of 7200 watts 30 amps.

Many portable generators will not work and can not be installed to homes with an electric service that are rated at more than 200 amps without installing a special transfer switch and circuit combination device that is designed to supply generator power to only a few essential circuits such as lighting and a small refrigerator.

During a power outage, a properly installed generator and transfer switch system allows you to select the combination of loads you want to operate by simply switching breakers in the household circuit panel. his flexibility makes generator sizing relatively straightforward.

Purchase a generator that is powerful enough to run the largest appliances and motors you need during a power outage. You may run other loads in your house by simply turning off the breaker to large usage loads.

If your using a hot water heater, for example, turn off this breaker once the water has been heated, and turn on breakers to other loads you want to operate.		 To determine what loads you can support with a portable generator, you must look at both the "running watt" and the "starting watt" requirements of the appliances you want to operate. For example, when your furnace motor first starts up, it will require approximately three times more starting watts for a brief 1 to 2 second period than the running watts needs to operate it for extended periods.

To assist you in determining what loads you can operate on your portable generator, appliance usage tables have been provided with information on running watts and starting watts for common household appliances. In most instances, you will want to purchase a generator with a continuous rating of 4400 watts to 7200 watts.


Be sure to get your copy of my BIG Book:

A Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

 Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians
Includes:
  • Generators and Transfer Switches
  • Electrical Codes for Generator Installations
  • Generator Transfer switch Wiring Diagram
  • Wiring Methods for Installing Electrical Panels
....and much more.
  electrical wiring book  




RELATED

More about Using generators

How to Wire Switches using the Godown Method
Controlling Light Fixtures using the Godown Wiring Method: Warehouse Lighting Controlled by the Godown.

Generator Transfer Switch Using Circuit Breakers
Can You Make a Generator Transfer Switch Using Circuit Breakers? How to Use a Circuit Breaker Interlock Kit for a Generator Transfer Switch.

Home Generators and Back Feeding Electrical Power
How to Connect a Generator to a Home - There are illegal methods of connecting a generator to a home to provide temporary power that can be very dangerous, the proper way to connect generator power to the home electrical system is by providing a separation between the utility company power supply and the generator.

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.

How to Prevent Generator Overload and a Tripped Circuit
How can I set up a small generator to keep my essential items powered up? How to Identify Home Circuits and Prioritize the Run Time.

Home Generator and Transfer Switch Connection Video
How can I connect a generator and transfer switch to my house to supply electricity? Basic Generator Connection to Power a Home, Generator Transfer Switch and Panel.

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.

Upgrade an Electrical Panel and Install a Home Generator
Planning and Installing a Home Generator Power System: The complete home electrical system should be considered when installing a home generator system and transfer switch. Upgrading portions of an aging home electrical system is advisable. Here are some key factors that you should consider before attempting such a project.

using generators - 1898