Interlock for a generator

One may be considering using a portable generator at their house for emergency power backup. Here at Anchor Electric we have been receiving more calls for this type of work over the past several weeks. This is due to hurricane season creeping up. Portable generators can be great during an emergency, but must be connected safely.  We are going to take you through the correct way of installing a portable generator and why.

 

• First, why can I not plug a generator into a wall outlet?
  • Generators produce power so it is treated differently than another appliance in the home, which only uses power. If the generator was plugged directly into an outlet, it would be like plugging it into the power lines outside.
• Also, what would happen if I did plug the generator into a home outlet?
  • When a generator is connected to the home’s electrical system without disconnecting from the home grid, it will back-feed the electricity. This will have the power from the generator move backward into the main panel and redistribute that power throughout the home.

• With having not managed reversed power flow, there is a risk the potential of electrocution to not only yourself, but your neighbors and power line workers. This will result in serious injury or even death.  Due to the safety issues of plugging a portable generator into a common outlet, it is considered illegal and one could get into trouble with local law enforcement.
  • • Plugging a generator into a home outlet can also cause permanent damage to the home. It could possibly cause a fire or significant electrical damage which would not be covered under  insurance.

 

• Last, what are the options to connect a portable generator?

 

Interlock Switch	Manual Transfer Switch	Reliance Generator Panel
Pro- Adding a switch inside the breaker Most cost-efficient option	Pro- Will have multiple transferring circuits Middle of the road option	Pro- Most user friendly because there is only one switch so no guessing Do not need to worry about the size of the generator, it can accommodate all. The safest option
Con- Would be relocating an existing circuit to modify generator breaker Must have a main breaker Modifying panel Will have to shut main breaker off and choose a circuit that will not exceed the generator size	Con- Manually have to switch from normal power to the switch The transfer switch will not be able to exceed the generator size	Con- Will need to transfer old circuits to a new panel Limited to these specific circuits that can be powered by the generator

 

If you are interested in installing a portable generator, call us here at Anchor Electric to come take a look at your system.  After we look at it, we can advise you on your options and give you an estimate of what it will cost to get your new generator wired for future use.