Page 4 Working With Portable Generators [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ]

Connecting the generator To install the generator hookup, first bore a 1 1/16-in. hole through the rim joist and pull the 10/4 cable through this opening. Then, thread a 3/4-in. galvanized nipple into the back of a weather-tight exterior box (Photo 17), 17 feed the cable through this nipple and screw the box to the wall. To protect the siding, carefully caulk around the perimeter of the box. With the box installed, cut the cable to length and strip the sheathing from the last 8 in. Then install a flanged power inlet in the box. This is nothing more than a male plug instead of a receptacle. A variety of flanged inlets are available for this situation, but it makes sense to choose one exactly like the one on the generator. This not only simplifies the selection process, but it assures a compatible prong configuration and load rating. Attach the red and black hot wires to the inlet's brass terminal screws, the white neutral wire to its silver terminal and the green grounding wire to the green terminal. Make an extension Cord that has a male plug on one end and a female plug on the other. Make it with 6 ft. of rubber, water-resistant 10/4 cord with stranded wires. Strip 1 1/2 in. of sheathing from each end of the cord. Then, strip 1 1/16 in. of insulation from each wire. Slide the wires into the color-coded terminal slots on the plugs and tighten the terminal screws (Photo 18). 18 Again, the red and black wires go to the brass-colored terminals, white goes to silver and green to green. With the cord made up, turn the transfer switch to generator supply and plug one end of the cord into the house-mounted flanged inlet. Plug the other end in the generator (Photo 19). 19  For safety, always make sure to plug the cord into the house receptacle and into the generator before starting the generator. And, of course, always shut off the generator before unplugging either end of the extension cord. What can happen if I don’t use the generator properly? The most common problem is something called back feed. This occurs when a generator is connected to the home’s wiring system. The problem typically occurs during a power outage when a homeowner with a forced-air natural gas or oil-fired furnace tries to operate the furnace fan by plugging the generator into an electrical outlet and feeding power into the home’s electric system. That’s when back feed happens. The electricity from the generator will flow through the home’s wiring, out of the house through the electric meter, the voltage will get increased to about 12,500 volts as the current passes through the transformer outside (yes, it works in reverse), and then it will flow into the electric power company's electric system — posing a potentially fatal shock hazard to anyone working on the power line or coming in contact with a line that might be sagging or on the ground

Can this also damage my generator? Yes, it can. When our utility workers work on a power line, they routinely use a grounding system to protect themselves. If a portable generator is back feeding to that ground, the generator could be severely damaged. Also, when we restore power to a home that has a portable generator connected to the wiring, the sudden flow of utility power into the portable generator could burn out the machine. How can I prevent back feed? There are two ways. The easiest solution is to simply plug items you want powered by the generator (for example, your freezer) directly into the generator. But, that doesn’t solve the problem of getting electricity to something that is hard-wired into the house, like the furnace fan. If powering the furnace fan is your objective, you’ll need to use something called a transfer switch, which disconnects the home’s wiring system from the electric power company's wiring system and also allows the homeowner to direct the flow of electricity from the generator to any circuit in the house, such as the one powering the furnace fan. A transfer switch should only be installed by a licensed electrician and requires an electrical permit and an electrical inspection. Most electricians or dealers that sell portable generators can arrange to get one installed in your home. Can’t I accomplish the same thing by throwing the main breaker? Not safely. Simple circuit breakers do not make a positive disconnection between the home electric system and the electric power company's system. What’s more, they’ve been known to fail. And, the consequences are pretty high if it does fail. The only safe way to create a positive disconnection between the two electric systems is through the use of a transfer switch. Are there other safety tips I should keep in mind? Yes. Make sure extension cords are adequately sized to handle the electricity. If you’re not certain, ask the dealer who sold you your generator or check with an electrician. Also, the generator itself should always be placed outside in a well-ventilated area and you should never refuel it when the engine is hot. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes to minimize the danger of fire. Instructions on how to properly use a portable generator are included in most operating manuals. You should read them carefully. Also, if you ahve a Home Depot or Lowe's close by, or favorite lumber yard, you can ask them questons about the items you ahve to buy and they will gladly explain the terms to you. Sources Popular Mechanics REM General Information     Morning chores COLD? Nah..... whatever gives you that idea?