Portable generator connected to home power supply

Let's face it, power outages are inconvenient and stressful. Thankfully, portable generators can provide emergency electrical power to a home when the main power source, or the national grid, goes out. Connecting a portable generator to a house can be tricky, but with our comprehensive guide, you're in good hands.

To connect a portable generator to the home electric supply system by manual changeover switch, follow the steps below: Install a changeover switch (rated for 63-100A depending on the load) near the main distribution board in the home. Connect a 6 AWG (7/064″ or 16mm2)” cable wire to the lower two slots of the changeover switch.

To connect a three phase portable generator to the home supply, We have to use a four pole (4P) automatic changeover or transfer switch. The connection method is the same as mentioned above for single phase generator and changeover switch, but we have to use three phase 4 poles manual changeover switch.

Connecting your portable generator directly to your circuit panel is dangerous and often illegal. Normally, utility lines carry high-voltage electricity that passes through a transformer before reaching your home. The power is regulated to supply 110 or 120 volts at a maximum amperage of 15 or 20 amps or 240 volts at 30, 40, or 50 amps.

If you connect your generator correctly, you can use it to power your home without needing to move your appliances. Quite a few people put off installing a portable generator transfer switch because of the expense, only to have difficulty utilizing a standby power source when the need arises.

When your electric service goes out, you plug your portable generator into an outdoor outlet that's connected to a transfer switch inside the house. The switch feeds electricity into branch circuit breakers in the breaker panel and prevents it from flowing into any other circuits.