can I hook up a portable generator to a house supply?

Question

if I can how do I do it

Answer 1

I have a 5500 watt portable generator which supplies household power during power outages. It plugs into a transfer panel to prevent backfeeding the street. Very simple and safe operation.

Don't connect by using a double male plug. It is terribly unsafe, against all electrical codes, and has the potential to kill someone!

Read my home generator page for connection and operation ideas. It should answer just about any questions you may have.
http://members.rennlist.org/warren/generator.html

Answer 2

If your area has frequent power failures, you might be money ahead by having an electrician install a automatic standby generator instead of having to pull start a generator in the dark, plug it into the transfer switch, etc. Most automatic units run on LP or Natural Gas and are not much louder then a air conditioning unit. When utility power is then restored the generator winds down and automatically shuts back off. With a automatic unit if your not home, and you have a sump pump in a finished basement, and the power goes out you dont have to worry about being too late. Before you go the route of the manual transfer, check prices of automatic units. Check out Kohlers website as well as Guardian. Good luck. www.kohlerpowersystems.com

Answer 3

You will need a transfer switch from the same place that sells these generators.
The reason for it is to run the house power from the generator, you need a switching system that will completely disconnect the house power (coming in from the electric company) while the generator is on line. when the power comes back on you don't want to blow up the generator and the transformer from the electric company that is feeding your house and a few others as well.
It is best to have an electrician do it right for you AND never run the generator inside the house or other enclosed area where there are people and/or animals.

Answer 4

Sure, it can be done if you have enough money. It requires a transfer switch that will "unhook" the utility supply and "hook up" the generator to the house wiring. Is it a practical thing or likely to pay for itself. No. Much simpler to run a cord from the generator outside the house through a window or door and plug the things you want the generator to power.

Answer 5

Best to let a Electrician aka sparky do it

Odd are it will cost more for a 1 time tool use

Answer 6

You didnt give any details about the size generator ,how exactly it is connected to the house but something is not connected right, why not just run off of extension cords

Answer 7

if yo have to ask then yu need a electrician or you will blow up your house