harper223
West Texas
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I have a model narrowed down (Honda 3000) of generator for the travel trailer, and was going to use as a home backup as we typically lose power about 3x per yr/average.
This may sound like a silly question, because I have never owned a genny before. To run lights, refrigerator, computer, etc- do these individual appliances and the like plug directly into the generator? Is there some way to plug into 1 outlet (from the generator) to the house to power these things?
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dalenoel
Howell, Michigan
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There is and you will need a transfer switch to disconnect the power company grid from you and isolate your house. This is not something you want to do alone but would need a knowledgeable person.
In some localities you will need a permit as it is neccessary to protect the power company employees working on downed lines from you sending power to injure them.
Check with an electrician and you can get better local information.
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downtheroad
Puget Sound
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Take a look at this. It is full of info for your application and has supplies available also. Hope this helps
Home generator hook up info...LINK
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harper223
West Texas
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I'm assuming a manual transfer switch since the generator is portable. I would think that a fixed generator next to the house would use an automatic switch without you having to do anything in the event of a power outage. Our outages usually last about 4-24 hrs at the most, depending on the event. We had a tornado hit the next town 8 miles away and we lost power for about 4 days. Thats been the longest though.
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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I put in a proper transfer switch.. But there are two ways to do it....
With the proper transfer switch you run ONE cable from the inlet on the back or side of the house to the generator (Or in my case the motor home) and then you flip switches and the house wiring distributs the power to the assorted loads (Computer, Television, Lights, including lights you can not unplug) this is the best way, simplest and easiest,, but of course the most costly.
Option 2 is a rat's nest of extension cords.. You bring a cord in via a door or window and run 'em across the floor's
This presents a tripping hazard, and of course the open door or window is a security risk for someone breaking in.
So... Take your pick
Some folks like to do things dangerous... I won't even tell you how they do it it's that dangerous.. I will say use one of the two methods above.
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camperpaul
Illinois Beach State Park
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The 3000 Watt generator isn't big enough to run the entire house. You probably have 100 Amp electric service.
Let's do the math:
240 Volts X 100 Amps = 24,000 Watts.
You might be able to get by with a 12,000 Watt generator if you watch your usage. That would be equal to the 50 Amp service in the RV parks.
The generator would have to be permanently installed and ideally run on natural gas, have automatic start and automatic change-over.
We're talking some big bucks here and the system is NOT a DIY project. You'll need an expert to install it for you.
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pinesman
virginia
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I have an outdoor disconnect which will power the house from the grid or generator, but not both at the same time. The way it is designed, the grid breakers can not be on at the same time as the generator breakers. It is complicated to explain but the generator can not backfeed to the grid. The downfall is that I have to manually cut off certain breakers in the main panel that my generator will not run. It might be cheaper than the regular transfer switch but still needs to be installed by a pro.
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gstanton
Oakland, MD and Tierra Verde, FL
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I have used a 3500 watt genny for years to power our house in an outage. The math listed above of 24,000 watts is waaay off base. 3500 is not enough to run the whole house, but will run the furnace, microwave, television, refrigerator(s) and a bunch of lights. It's when the motors start-up that sucks the (watts). If we need to run the well pump, I switch off everything, pump up the water pressure, and switch the pump back off.
When I hit the lottery, I'll get a 7-8000 watt and we'll be good to go!
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Moderator
Bowling Green, KY
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We are closing this one before suggestions that may get someone killed are posted..... as recommended earlier, get a qualified electrician for advice.
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