How to Connect a Home Generator to a House
A home generator provides backup power to a house when commercial power fails. As a major appliance that wires to the power input to your house, it must be connected by a qualified electrician or electrical contractor. It is not a do-it-yourself project. Do not confuse a home generator with a portable generator, which can be carried or pushed on wheels, and connected to a house through a professionally installed transfer switch. A home generator is a permanent installation, and must be wired as such. Strict local and national building and electrical codes, regulations and standards will apply. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Find a Qualified Electrician
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Call or visit your local generator dealer to get estimates. If you have not already purchased your generator, your dealer can help you make decisions on your many options, and may have a turnkey price for all of the installation requirements.
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Call or visit your local electrical contractor to get estimates. If you have purchased a generator, he can help you with other tasks and knows how to meet the building and electrical codes necessary for proper installation.
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Choose your electrician or contractor depending on his reputation, schedule and prices, to conform with your needs and budget.
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Tips & Warnings
A professionally installed transfer switch, which is required by law to hook a generator up to a home, prevents the generator from backfeeding power onto the commercial power system, which could be fatal to neighbors and powerline workers.
Never attempt to install a home generator or a transfer switch unless your are a qualified and licensed electrician. Mistakes could be fatal to you, your family, your neighbors and utility or emergency workers.
