I have a gas generator and I want it hooked up to the house so we can have heat and air conditioning, elctric?

Question

I have a gas generator and I want it hooked up to the house so we can have heat and air conditioning and electricity.

Answer 1

Don't ever use the suggestion from Kris_B. This technique will indeed restore your power, but is terribly dangerous, and against all electrical codes. If you are going to install a backup generator do it properly or don't do it at all.

Electric heat and air conditioning are very large loads. You will need a very large generator to handle these items. It may be advisable to get a separate backup heat source and suffer without your A/C during an outage.

Read through my home generator page for ideas and explanations of what is needed. There are pictures and links to other sites.
http://members.rennlist.org/warren/generator.html

Answer 2

Know one thing...do not hook up where the exhaust can come into your home...I don't know how many times I have heard of people doing this, only to find out that people in the home, or churches have passed away due to carbon monoxide poisoning...
I have a Honda Generator that will do what you are talking about...Briggs & Stratton actually makes a series of generators for homes...however, you need to get a professional to install...this involves not only gas, but electricity as well...look under gasoline engines in your local phone book, call the dealer that is listed and talk to them..this is not something that you want to do on your own..if you have a family, please think about their safety and welfare....

Answer 3

Call an electrical contractor and talk with him. He can install the generator, the transfer switch, panel and wiring. A generator must be connected correctly and per the electric code. It is very important to do it correctly. He will advise you on what loads you can run from the generator without over loading it. I've installed many of them for people. Including my own. I wouldn't be without one these days.

Answer 4

You have to have this hooked up by an electrician, here in Michigan they usually charge about $200.00 for all the hook ups and, you better make sure the generator is big enough for all the use your going to have for it.

Answer 5

You need a special by-pass switch to bypass the main electricity coming into your house.

Unless you have huge, I mean huge generator, like thw V-8 diesels (or natural gas), you aren't going to power much with a gasoline generoator. Maybe one refigerator at best, and a light bulb or two.

Answer 6

If you look here:

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category_6970_36+968+280092

you will find a really good assortment of transfer switches for a good price.

Answer 7

Uhm, I've removed my original suggestion as it's not safe. Sorry. Though I can't find any where in the NEC that states my suggestions were not legal, I do recognize that it is generally not safe for the untrained to attempt.