Connecting Generator to house

[Smoothie]

I ran 2 extension cords and power strips for a few lights, fridge, heat, and Internet. Worked fine.

Bought the genny from a fellow member over the summer and didn't tell the wife. She woke up and was like "why is it so warm on here?" best way to get away with an unauthorized purchase.

 

[jpdriver]

I flip the main breaker then take the panel cover off. I have connected the wires from the generator a breaker and install the breaker to the panel. Flip off all the breakers but to the fridge, freezer and living room. That way we wont loose the meat in the freezer, have some lights and wifi. It wont run the heat pump but we have a fireplace. If you have a gas furnace, it should run it.

 

[PopPop]

Get a Dryer cord to match your dryer outlet, put the proper male plug to match your gen set. Plug into gen set and dryer outlet, use 8 gauge wire and butt splices, wrapped liberally with Scotch 33 tape if needed to make a longer cord.TURN OFF MAIN, TURN OFF MAIN, TURN OFF THE DAMN MAIN. This will power every circuit in your house and 5KW is not enough to run the average house. 5KWs is equal to 3 and 1/3 hairdryers.

 

[rbstern]

I hate the dryer plug solution. It's worth spending the little bit of extra money for a proper 30A male receptacle outlet, and have the proper male-to-female generator extension cord. Having a generator cord with two male ends is flirting with trouble you don't need. Either end, under the wrong circumstances, could deliver a lethal shock.

 

[PopPop]

True. My recommendation is the cheap way for people who pay attention.