Having a generator is beneficial and often crucial to protect your family from power failure. Connecting your generator to your home safely is essential.
Let's break down the basics of connecting a generator to your home, installation tips, and options.
Using a Transfer Switch to Power Your Home
Transfer switches offer several benefits. Some of these benefits include being easy and convenient, being capable of powering more appliances throughout the home, and managing power from different locations within the home.
A transfer switch is typically installed near the circuit panel. The main breaker located in the transfer switch shifts the power source from utility to generator. The transfer switch works by dividing the electrical load, allowing the home to run off of utility power or generator power, without combining the two.
This prevents electrical backfeeding, which can cause injury and even death to technicians and utility workers. It also assures that the power won’t feed into your generator and damage it.
The transfer switch also contains a number of circuits. You can designate each circuit to a different appliance or room, which means you can power your furnace, refrigerator, or certain lights. Just turn one circuit off while another stays on. Not only will this help manage power usage, but it will also maximize the generator's effectiveness.
It's important to note that a professionally installed transfer switch is the best and safest way to use a generator to power your house. Here’s how to safely and efficiently install a transfer switch and connect it to a generator as a professional electrician.
1. Mount the transfer switch to the same wall as the main electrical panel.
2. Shut off power to the house at the main electrical panel.
3. Attach the wires coming from the transfer switch to the breakers in the main electrical panel.
4. Drill a hole through the house wall from the outside and screw in the electrical box.
5. Connect an electrical cable from the box to the transfer switch.
6. At the outdoors box, connect the cable to the electrical receptacle that comes with the transfer switch. Screw the receptacle to the box.
7. Connect the receptacle cable to the transfer switch.
8. Plug the generator into the outdoor receptacle.
9. Flip the switches on the transfer switch.
Using Extension Cords to Power Your Home
Extension cords are an easy and affordable option. However, they don't offer the same convenience as transfer switches, so this option is only recommended if you need occasional backup power for basic appliances.
To connect your generator, run extension cords from the appliances you want to power to the generator. Always keep the generator a safe distance from your home.
Trust Big Electric Supply for Your Parts and Tools
As an electrician, you need to be well-stocked and ready to meet the needs of your clients who are eager to protect their family during a power outage. At Big Electric Supply, we have many of the parts, pieces and tools you need to help your customer connect their generator to their home, including transfer switches, extension cords, panels, and more.
Make sure to take a look at our hot deals so you can get safe electrical products. We only offer professional quality electrical products for professional electricians.