How To Connect A Generator Switch To Your House?

A generator works to supply power to a home when there has been a blackout due to the utility source failing and the power has been disconnected. People may have a portable generator as the standby generator in the rare case of a power outage. Others will install a generator switch into the home when blackouts are more frequent and temporary power is needed. A portable generator will often be used as a backup generator when the generator switch is installed.

A transfer switch will be installed with the generator as these are safer than directly connecting appliances to the generator. Portable generators generate a small amount of power which will mostly be connected to the fridge and some lights. When a generator is used to power most of the home then this is when the transfer switch is needed.

There are many reasons why generators transfer switches are needed when a generator switch is wired with the home:

• Portable generators can only power a few appliances and need extension cords which can be dangerous. Portable generators may provide temporary power to major appliances but it is riskier than having a wired generator 
• Transfer switches which are wired in the home electrical system will transfer the load correctly to the major appliances. As these major appliances are also connected to the electrical switchboard and circuit breaker, it removes the hassle of unplugging cords at the switchboard to connect them to the generator. 
• Without a transfer switch, a wired generator will continue to power the home even if the power has been restored. This is extremely dangerous because it can lead to a back feed of the electrical current causing an electrical overload. Utility workers operating on restoring the power can also be in danger from this. A transfer switch will stop the temporary power load as soon as the power has been restored.

There are two main types of generator switches which can be installed and wired into homes:

• Manual Transfer Switch – these are less expensive than automatic but require more work to activate. When power is needed a person will need to switch on the generator and select which areas of home or circuits receive power. These are the more popular generators due to being cheaper to install even though they need to be manually switched on and off. 
• Automatic Transfer Switch – when the power goes out these generators will automatically reconnect the home with power. It will also disconnect once the power has been restored to prevent overloading. Configuring the settings to restore power in different sections of the home are needed but will stay the same when activated. Automatic systems are more expensive to install and purchase which is why they are often not as favoured as manual transfer switches.

A generator switch required proper planning to ensure they work correctly and properly restore power:

• Sizing – the correct sized generator needs to be installed into the home to ensure that there is enough electrical power available. When the generator switch is too small this can add stress to the systems and lead to overloaded circuits.
• Location – the generator should be located in a place with proper ventilation and outside. When the generator is operating all windows and doors close to it need to be closed as the gases released are dangerous.
• Fuel – to fuel the generator it needs to be cool and have fresh fuel and not fuel which is years old.
• Early Operation – when needing the generator it should be switched on early to allow it to properly power up itself and the home. Electrical systems, appliances and lights should be turned on one at a time to prevent the generator from overworking. 
• Safety – make sure to not turn on the generator if it is wet and make sure children and pets stay away from it.

For guides on how to plan and prepare for a blackout, we strongly encourage you to read our blog for more information.