If you want to keep your entire home running during a power outage, you may need to run it off of a generator. Unlike portable generators, whole house generators are designed to power every device in your home.
They can run off of natural gas or propane, so you don’t have to worry about running out of fuel when you need it most. They also automatically detect an outage and turn on within seconds of detecting it.
Install a Double-Throw Switch
A double-throw switch can help you run your entire house off a generator. It separates the circuits you want to power from the two 120-volt lines supplied by the utility.
This helps you keep your generator running as long as possible by preventing it from feeding power back into the grid. It also prevents the house from overloading the generator’s capacity.
Normally, the switch has a metal tab that marks which side is for feed wires and which is for neutral wires. The terminals for the feed wires will be black or silver, while those for the neutral side are usually copper.
Attach one wire to each of the terminals, making sure it does not get loose or touch any metal. It is also a good idea to attach a grounding wire, as this can prevent electric shocks.
Install an Inlet Box Hookup
The inlet box is one of the most important parts of your whole house generator kit. It is where you connect the power line that will be feeding the main breaker panel of your home. It also serves as a place to plug in your generator.
The generators main function is to supply enough electricity to keep your house powered during a power outage. This can be done in a few ways. The most popular method is to use a standby generator and a transfer switch to supply power to your essential circuits.
A manual transfer switch with an inlet box is the most obvious and best choice for the job. It is the simplest way to supply a whole house with temporary electricity during a power outage. This will allow you to still run your appliances like refrigerators, microwaves and televisions even when the power goes out. It is also the most practical option for many homeowners as it is less expensive than buying a brand new standby generator or a more expensive generator with a built in transfer switch.
Connect the Generator to Your Utilities
Having a generator is a great way to keep your home safe and comfortable when there’s an outage. But it can also be dangerous if you don’t connect it to your utilities properly.
The only way to safely connect a generator is with a transfer switch. These devices sit next to your house’s circuit breaker box and switch your electricity from the utility grid to the generator.
These switches also help simplify power management in your home. Using the switch, you can load different rooms, outlets, or appliances onto different sub-breakers.
If you have hardwired equipment like air conditioners, heating systems, security cameras, or lights, these devices can be powered by the generator during a power outage.
If you have a manual transfer switch, it’s simple to hook up the generator. A human throws the switch from your home’s utility lines to your generator and then reverses the action when the power is back on.
Turn on the Generator
Power outages can leave you stranded in the dark and unable to cook or heat your home. A whole house generator can help you keep your home running until the power comes back on.
Before using a generator, read the manual to make sure you know how to use it safely. Different models may have different operating instructions, so read them carefully before you begin.
You should not overload the generator by plugging more appliances and lights into it than it is rated to handle. Appliances vary in how much they draw, with some requiring more than 600 watts of power at 120 volts, for example.
If you plan to plug in multiple appliances or lights at once, use long, heavy-duty extension cords made for outdoor use. Examine the cords to ensure they are in good condition with no rips or tears. You should also connect them one at a time, starting with the most powerful devices first and then slowly working your way to lesser-powered ones.