Backup Generators

[Happy Gourmand]

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

This is not rocket science people. If your generator can supply 220/240 amps then it is a very easy connection. I use a double pole breaker just like all of you have in your panel. I have a twist lock receptacle next to my panel that is fed from that breaker. My cord goes to my gen and to the recep. Simply keep that breaker in the off position, start your generator, turn off your main breaker and turn on the double pole to that receptacle. Viola, your whole panel is energized. If you have a large load like an electric h2o heater or the like then shut that off at the panel. In my case my hot water is from my boiler and the only other real loads are from my shallow well pump and my fridge. I never shut any breakers off and my 5000 watt works fantastic for the following...Water pump, fridge, boiler, large screen tv's and any lights I need.

Nope, not rocket science, but if you don't have the type of switch on your panel that only allows juice to feed from either the street or the generator, then your setup is illegal and dangerous. I trust you left that detail out of your description of your setup, right?