Need reliable portable back-up power? Have you wondered how do you hook up a portable generator to your house? If you’ve found yourself without power for long periods of time, having a reliable power back-up source via a portable generator is your best option. While there are many ways to power up your home while off-grid, you have to be sure you connect your portable generator safely and correctly. This can be done with a transfer switch or a Generlink meter mounted transfer switch. While both can be costly to purchase and install, they are both relatively easy to install. Which one you choose it totally up to you, depending on your geographic location, budget and approval from your electrical service provider.
How to Hook Up a Generator To Your House With a Transfer Switch
>>Click Here to Find a Transfer Switch on Amazon<<
The most popular way to hook up a generator to your house is via a transfer switch. There are 3 different types of transfer switches to choose from, which are; automatic transfer switch, manual transfer sub panel and a breaker interlock panel. Each of these has their pros and cons, but all essentially work the same. A transfer switch is usually installed inside the house next to your main electrical panel and then wired to the components that are essential to running your house while off grid (eg. fridge, freezer, lights, outlets, water heater, etc.). A Power Supply box is then installed to the outside of your house (where your generator will be connected) and then wired to the transfer switch. When the power goes out, you simply hook up your generator to the Power Supply box and turn on the Transfer Switch. You can now select which electrical components of your house you’d like to power up via your main electrical panel.
To learn more about how to hook up a transfer switch to your house, see the video below:
As you can see, installing a transfer switch for home back-up power isn’t that difficult!
How to Hook Up a Generator to Your House With a Generlink Transfer Switch
>>Click Here to Find a Transfer Switch on Amazon<<
New to the scene for home back-up power, is the Generlink meter mounted transfer switch. This type of transfer switch is extremly easy to install (less then an hour) but must be installed by your electrical utility provider and be approved by your electricity provider as well. While most states and provinces allow the installation of the Generlink transfer switch, some do not. You’ll need to make sure your provider allows the installation of your Generlink transfer switch behind your electrical meter before making this significant purchase.
To learn more about how to install the Generlink meter mounted transfer switch, have a look at the video below:
Can You Hook Up a Generator to Your House Without a Transfer Switch?
While it is possible to connect your portable generator to your house without a transfer switch, it is VERY DANGEROUS and NOT RECOMMENDED! Doing this can cause a fire and even electrocution – do not attempt to connect your generator to your houses’ electrical system this way. Make the investment, and install a back-up power transfer switch or a Generlink meter mounted transfer switch.