how can i connect a generator to my domestic supply?

Question

what is the simplist way to connect a agenerator to my household supply if we have a power cut

Answer 1

The quickest and safest way is to use extension cords. Use a power bar for distribution to your fridge, freezer, lamps, television, etc.

There are easier ways but your safety will be greatly jeopardized. Double male plugs to backfeed the panel are dangerous and should never be used. You are playing Russian Roulette with the lineworkers and may damage your generator.

If you are planning ahead and purchasing a generator, consider installing a proper transfer panel. This will allow a single extension cord to feed from the generator to selected household circuits. There will be isolation provided from the generator to the main panel and the electric grid.

I have information on generator connection, use, and safety on my web page.
http://members.rennlist.org/warren/generator.html

Answer 2

Ok, this is the quickest and easiest way, but not always the safest.

Make a lead up to from the 240/230v outlet of the generator, the other end of the lead fit a normal domestic 3 pin 13 Amp plug.

When a power cut happens turn off the mains isolator switch at your fuse panel ( that is very important so you don't back feed into the national grid and get into trouble).

Turn off all appliances in your home. This stops there being a big power draw when you switch on your generator.

Make sure your generator is in a well ventilated area, preferably outside. Then start your generator, plug the 3 pin plug into an available socket and turn it on, then, and only then connect the other end of the lead to the generator. Power will now flow backwards into your ring main.

Turn on individual items as you need them, but be warned this is only suitable up to a total of 13 amps.

It allows you to keep central heating running, the fridge and maybe a couple of lights. Better to use gas to heat water for drinking as kettles use too much power.

Make sure you disconnect your generator totally before you turn back on the mains isolator once the power cut is over.

Answer 3

Sounds like a fun experiment on a small scale. Don't try to power the whole house. What about a small generator on your lawn sprinkler's supply line. Use the generator to charge a 12 volt battery, which in turn could control the automatic sprinkler valves, or maybe run your low voltage Malibu lights. Maybe experiment with a small solar panel in the same system ? What kind of turbine ? I'm just guessing here... but if I take a small electric motor and turn it by hand, it generates a voltage. Not a great generator, but it works. What about a small electric water pump being turned by the water flow ? It would have the right fitting, right pressure ratings, and not too expensive to experiment with. Put it in line, and clip a volt meter where the power would normal be applied, see what happens. Have fun.

Answer 4

Legally you can't without considerable insurance liability if you back feed into the National Grid.
Their are systems you can have installed, that allow Mains and Wind or Solar Generator power to be implemented. These can allow you to 'sell back' power. However they require professional fitting, as it is illegal to tamper with your mains supply equipment.
If you require to use a generator, it is best to use a trailing lead or to have a dedicated (generator only) socket fitted in the house.

If you require a continuous supply for your computer and network, get a Back UPS system, this will ensure that you have an uninterrupted supply for your computer needs.

Answer 5

You must have a Transfer Switch between your generator and your house panel. This will isolate your utility fed power from your generated power. This allows either a generated power feed or utility power feed but not both at the same time.

I would recommend a sub-feed panel beside your main load center and move your essential circuits such as the fridge, some lighting circuits, a kitchen outlet circuit, mainly the necessities, move these into the sub-feed panel.

Then you would come from the house panel to the Transfer Switch, from the Generator to the Transfer Switch, the from the Transfer Switch to the Sub-Feed Panel. Otherwise it will require an Amperage Rating on your Transfer Switch equal to the Amperage Rating of your main panel....Very expensive and the generator to push the main panel. It is not simple or cheap to do with safety as a factor.

Answer 6

My husband has built generators for years. He said that you would have to go to your meter box and shut is off or disconnect it. Then go to the main line and ahead of the supply line and hook it up. He says there are many ways to connect a generator for domestic supply, but, you have to be sure the meter and main supply is off, if not, someone could get electrocuted.You may have to call your electric company and ask what they recommend. To be safe.Good luck.

Answer 7

Auto-cut in or manual? You just can't do it if you're not an electrician...better call an electrician for this...it might save you a lot of trouble...connecting it is not easy....if done but someone who have NO knowledge about it, it might cause short-circuit, over-loading....leading to a serious fire!

Answer 8

Not advisable, patently from your question you knowledge of electrics is limited. If this is purely for providing limited lighting, run the gen. with an extension lead.

Answer 9

put the generator outside somewhere,keep it in a well aired shed.run a lead from the generator to any plug in your house

Answer 10

NOT a job for an amateur. Get professional advice .