How to Hook up a Portable Generator to Your House!! Emergency Only!!!

[@IDVDalot]

This is a VERY Italian way of telling someone how to do something you are not supposed to do. I love it!

[@raymondgarafano8604]

nope if it was the italian way he'd have sausages on his fingers to roast.

[@allenriddle9080]

Lol

[@sebstream8440]

I remember watching this a year ago. Then a few dozen other home electrical videos. I feel more comfortable with what is in this one. Thank you for sharing.

[@ronaldtober9443]

watched your vid over a year ago after i bought a generator , got 10/4 wire and made up a cord , yesterday power went out and i tapped into the stove breaker that we dont use. 40 amp. worked like a champ , we had power to everything for 14 hrs . including air-conditioning. we just monitored everything . Thanks for explaining everything to a tee.

[@Mike-mw7bg]

As confusing as this video might have been for the average person to understand this wiring method, and understanding how the 2 phases of a panel are setup, it might’ve been just as easy to simply explain the interlock system. I absolutely love the release of liability in the beginning. Great job with this video!!

[@timesthree5757]

Which is no release of liability.

[@MrOkrick]

So in a perfect world EVERYONE would have the interlock AND all the stores would be open on a day when the power went out AND EVERYONE would have the money to purchase the interlock system..actually..in a perfect world your comment wouldn't be here..

[@TigerDude333]

@@MrOkrick in a perfect world you also already owned the generator. Now that you do there's no excuse. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt that you bought it that day.

[@stevec9669]

I fully understand the logic/theory behind each step. Good video for those who know what that's all about.

[@fossilfire6511]

I won't be surprise if you are an Electrician or a EE. But I commend you for making it so simple to understand and speaking in layman's term.

[@InAMoment777]

I am a woman and even I totally understand how to do this for well pump now! Thanks so much sweetheart from a Southern Belle! Much love to y’all up there!! ♥️

[@greenmarine5]

We lost power about 7 years ago for 10 days, I have a 10K Generator, for working my power tools in the back yard. I had no idea how to hook the Generator into my panel to get power to our well pump, lights and a few other things. A friend of mine that is an electrician came over and hooked it into the breaker panel just about the exact way. Awesome video!!

[@keithnoneya]

Loved it! Next time just hit the main and plug it into the dryer outlet, as it's 220v and will run both L1 & L2 on the house panel. It's easier and safer than rewiring the house panel. Just don't forget to: 1. Turn off the OUTSIDE Main 1st, as you said. Some houses have two mains. One on the inside panel and one on the outside where the power company meter is. Yep that is the MOST important part so you don't fry someone or your generator. 2. Run a wire from the "Generator Ground" to the house ground in the house panel, if your power cord doesn't have one. 3. Shut off the AC System unless your generator can take a 22 Kilo Watt hit for a second when the AC compressor turns on. I'm guessing most folks don't have a 22KW home generator. Options: If you need AC like we do here in the south buy two small AC 250-350 sqft window units. Put them in the rooms you sleep, say kids or master bedroom, or both in a big master bedroom and have the kids sleep on the floor or pull in some mats for them. My 7KW/8.5KW surge generator will run the house & both small AC units at the same time. You do have to turn off everything that you're not using just to be safe you don't trip the generator circuit breakers. The rooms can use just the regular overhead lights but a small 40 watt desk lamp is better. Put LED night lights in the rooms for night time. Most rooms can be used under night lights, or at least the bathrooms. Most definitely get a transfer switch in the future. Thanks for sharing. Best Wishes & Blessings. Keith Noneya

[@jimmytheriot8978]

So all i have to do is go from my 30amp plug on my generator to the dryer plug on the inside of my house?

[@keithnoneya]

@@jimmytheriot8978 AND do the other things mentioned as well. MAKE sure and turn off the outside MAIN at the meter so you don't back feed into the power grid and kill someone. Before you go and do it educate yourself and know what you're doing so you don't burn your house down. Also keep the generator outside but not next to an open window or the exhaust can come in and well put you all to sleep permanently. Happened here to about a dozen people here in Louisiana after the hurricane , a few of them it was the whole family that died. Of course follow all the advice on KZbin with a grain of salt. Educate yourself before you do it. Best Wishes & Blessings. Keith Noneya PS you're not going to be able to run and electric stove or much depending on the size of your generator. Read your instruction manual for example of how much power you have and how to add it up so you'll know many items you can run. Keith

[@slchang01]

@@keithnoneya Hi, Keith, the 10 gauge extension line needs to go thru my back door...which can not be shut properly...Any suggestion?

[@keithnoneya]

@@slchang01 If you have a window nearby you can lift it slightly and run it through the window. You could also pull the dryer forward a little and run it through the dryer outlet. If you intend to run it longer and every year if the power goes out you may want to install an outside outlet that runs into the house main circuit breaker. You can buy and easy to install a circuit breaker lockout. They"re pretty cheap, say round $75.00 dollars, provided you have the right breaker panel with a single main switch inside the panel. Hope that helps point you in the right direction. As always know what you're doing before you connect anything or get professional help. Best Wishes & Blessings. Keith Noneya

[@slchang01]

@@keithnoneya Thanks a lot...between a window and a back door, I think I will take the window route, which is easier to seal against the cold and rain/snow. Thanks a lot for the reply.

[@josephr08322]

It's the same way you would wire your panel for a lockout kit except you didn't add two breakers and an external twist lock connector. It doesn't cost that much more. Also, an easy way to tell if the power comes back on is to use a battery powered voltage tester that rings (chirps).Just set it next to the incoming service lines at the top of your panel.

[@toddlaroche5831]

Johnny: Does your generator have a bonded or floating neutral? If it is/was a bonded neutral, did you remove the jumper bond in the generator to covert it to a floating neutral? Did you use a grounding road attached to the generator? These questions are VERY IMPORTANT to be clearly understood and answered!

[@raheelhameed1]

Would be great if someone actually did a video on breaking Predator 3500 neutral bond.

[@4toddlaroche]

@@raheelhameed1 I detached the bond in my DuroMax 1200... easy enough to do.

[@floridagirl386]

@@4toddlaroche what does that do?

[@francisbailey3831]

PERSONALLY I would have installed a manual transfer switch next to the main Panel, which is the way my generator back up system is set up. The transfer switch is a Connecticut Emergen Manual Transfer Switch. This way you can be sure that the system is completely safe to the power company and your self.

[@izzy8823]

Was it expensive?

[@snap-off5383]

there are other ways to be sure, but that's the "protect everyone from accidental stupidity" method.

[@snap-off5383]

@@izzy8823 For me just the part is $500+

[@waynebinky]

We went with a 20KW Generac and an automatic switch. We only lose power for a 1 minute or so and it is all automatic from start-up to shutdown. But damn it's expensive. Final install was just over $10k for the generator, switch, electrics and propane line. Installed for about 5 years now and no regrets.

[@rodneys9805]

State of Texas watching this like!!!!!!

[@chillthegreat6708]

Hell yea I’m one of them😂

[@JustKaiTheGuy]

Yep 😂

[@gchild00]

That's why I'm watching it lol

[@eazy1174]

Had to use my work van to power a space heater

[@SportBikeAnthony]

I'm a bit late, but me too. lol

[@lostee2001]

Super thorough!! that is how it is supposed to be done! I too am super thorough and it was refreshing to see someone be as thorough as me! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@JohnnysTipsandTricks]

Your very Welcome. Remember to Subscribe!!!

[@lostee2001]

@@JohnnysTipsandTricks I'm subscribing right now.👍👍

[@jgyodai]

Really liked the video. The problem that I see is that the cable that goes to the generator is always going to be hot. Unless you disconnect from the breaker when you don't need to use it anymore.

[@Isgood2beKing]

@@JohnnysTipsandTricks i found these way the best and SAFE WAY, to diy Now just someone else also coment about it, If you can share your knowledge If you have a 240 dryer outlet, can just the plug in the generator and feed back , without the wiring Will be nice to know the answer, if you need my email i will send a private message

[@JohnnysTipsandTricks]

That’s how we did it in Florida.

[@bobsmith6816]

I tried to hook up everything like you said and I got shocked causing me to piss myself and forgot my name for about a day and a half. Now every time I hear my generator running I instantly forget who I am and just start pissing myself uncontrollably! What did I do wrong?

[@JohnnysTipsandTricks]

Drink less water

[@themagus5906]

Shock yourself daily for a couple of weeks. You will build up a tolerance, and maybe even a liking, for 120 volts. Trust me, from a guy who used to work on tube radio chassis while standing on a wet rug, on a concrete floor.

[@tw1919]

Bob Smith Use the toilet before hook up.

[@albionwatts6000]

Thanks for the laugh, I needed that after watching this video...

[@wrz5468]

Before making connections next time, forego licking your thumb and finger tips🤐

[@janorve21]

He looks like uncle fester without the light bulb. Great video

[@angelooldman7201]

great video budd , is 2023 and is still helping we the people, thsnk you

[@frontcentermusician]

This guy explains this very well. Been doing it for years and years. NO PROBLEM people.

[@JohnnysTipsandTricks]

Thanks for the kind comments. Remember to Subscribe!!!

[@firstnamelastnameisallowed7943]

The main breaker legally needs a block off switch if you are going to wire a generator into your house for reasons like he said, but the main thing is because obviously the power is out so linemen are working doing repairs. If you have power going backwards into the grid you can shock one of them and actually do prison time for it!! So just be aware of that!

[@cecilyt006]

umm, duh. He could not have made the 'emergency use' more clear.

[@reryro1472]

@@cecilyt006 Right, because you can't kill a lineman if you're only doing this for a good reason, like an emergency, huh? Jesus, what a duh mass.

[@urielcamara1239]

Hey man thank you so much oh, I did exactly what you did on my own risk and now I have my mobile home up and running. I just bought the mobile home and still haven't had money to get all the wiring under the ground so I was able to connect my generator and I have light everywhere I'm sitting down watching TV at the moment thank you so much

[@mainegeek0]

You can permanently install your generator SAFELY with a Generator Interlock Switch. Put a sticker on your meter outside and install the interlock between your main and one of the breakers you dedicate to the generator for back feeding. I have had this installed for years. I have a 7k/5k generator and can literally run MOST of my house. I have a portable generator installed in a custom built shed and I keep about 4 days of fuel on hand.

[@ACommenterOnYouTube]

Interlocks are for those that are INCOMPETENT ...

[@snap-off5383]

$500+ for a part to use to protect me from myself once or twice a year.

[@gerryrig5012]

From Amazon: Reliance Controls Corporation 31406CRK 30 Amp 6-circuit Pro/Tran Transfer Switch Kit for Generators (7500 Watts).

[@juliocastaneda2230]

Emergency situation is fine in your own house as long as you know how your electrical system works. I wouldn't do it for someone else. There are main breaker lock out systems to prevent power feeding back to pole.

[@royalway12]

This way, is a good way to kill a lineman.

[@chrislnflorida5192]

Great video 👍👍. I'm in Fl, just went through Ian. For 20 years, 4 different places, I've hooked my generator to my panel with the 10/4 like you did but to my dryer breaker. I hooked the Ground to the Ground Bar, the White (Neutral) to the White (Neutral) Bar, the Black & Red to the Breaker. I can't remember taking the Lines off before from the Breaker to the Dryer Outlet so left them on. For some reason I was getting 220v into my 110v breakers. I about blew my Fridge, I blew ever Bulb, Ceiling Fan in every room I turned on, Luckily I didn't Blow my TV. I kept Blowung GFIs in the Panel and through the house. I worked on trying to straighten this problem out all day until power cane back on. I think the GFIs saved my BUTT from blowing more things. My GROUND Wire in the Panel was loose, found that out when breaking it all down after power came back. WOULD a "LOOSE GROUND" have to do with like Getting POWER SURGES to my 110v stuff??? OR was it leaving the Wires on the Breaker to the Dryer Outlet???? I hope u answer I feel like a failure and its been bugging me for days now. I think I've looked at a few hundred videos until I found yours, GREAT JOB. THANK YOU I did though when 1st hooking up, I couldn't get all circuits working so I hooked freezer and Fridge on cords. After I thought I had the problem fixed I un plugged the Fridge from cord and plugged into the outlet AND POW, GENERATOR PULLS, FRIDGE smelled and thought I blew my Fridge. After that I was still popping GFIs. So it STILL could be the loose ground from Generator Cord to Panel???

[@herbertcharles8606]

The reason for what you are getting is you have a receptacle or a cord where the neutral and the hot are reversed , you can get a test that will show you what ones are wired wrong .

[@jeffallan1460]

For those of us who have 240v generators and for people who have an electric dryer. You don’t have to take anything apart on your panel at all, I made up a 30’ 8 gauge 4 wire extension cord, one end pugs into the 240v outlet on the generator, the other I spliced on the end a dryer male end I cut off an old electric dryer. FIRST- TURN OFF MAIN BREAKER PANEL SWITCH, tape over with duct tape, attach note to disconnect cord from generator before touching switch again. 2nd-turn off all breakers except dryer double 240v breaker 3rd- slide out the dryer, disconnect dryer wire, then feed in the window and plug in the new 240v extension cord 4th-I use a piece of blue rigid insulation and fit into window slot and duct tape it in place around the cord. 5th-plug in cord at generator, fire it up and turn on the breaker at the generator 6th-slowly, 10 second intervals I turn on all the panel breakers 7th-I walk around the house and turn off any lights or anything unnecessary while the area has no power 8th-we carefully use only things we need while doing this, for example if we are going to cook something, I will go and turn off the furnace while cooking. When finished, turn the furnace back on etc. I have done this method when we have a power outage (prevalent in our area)at least half a dozen times, I can have us up and running in about twenty minutes. For safety, no one but myself, touches the panel switches to make sure no mistakes are made with the main breaker switch! I have made this setup for 3 of my neighbors as well with a step by step set of instructions and now power outages are nothing but a twenty minute nuisance to deal with.

[@Tom-yj6mt]

I'd be lying if I said I've never back fed before. Now, that being said, what you're saying as you may or may not know is illegal. No matter how many safety measures you take, there's always a chance of causing a fire that way by overloading the circuit. So by doing that and if it causes a fire, there's a good chance it won't be covered by insurance. I understand it works, just saying that it's possible that something bad could happen.

[@DIYVariety]

Buddy this is the best video i have seen on doing this. Great job.

[@sta36ny11]

Johnny, you are a god send. I like how you explain verrrrry carefully step by step. How your experience was to help out your family.

[@prettygirlus9008]

I backfeed my 7500 watt generator through the 220v dryer oulet and it worked great, even powered up the 4-ton central AC. Then I had an electrician wire up a dedicated breaker with an interlock and a 30-amp inlet box for the gen cord. Works as expected but now the gen won't power up the central AC. Am I losing power going this way as compared to the dryer outlet backfeed method?

[@aaronshoyt]

That's the best way to do it..

[@macmcatee611]

Something I don't understand here. When you turn the main breaker off you are disconnecting the two hot wires. But the neutral wire doesn't disconnect. So, if you then were to hook up a generator and fire it up wouldn't there be a chance that you feed electricity back to the grid on that neutral wire, hence causing stress to a lineman working out on a pole someplace? Wouldn't one want to disconnect the main incoming neutral wire from the neutral buss so you don't chance feeding the grid?

[@reryro1472]

"causing stress" LOL. Never heard such a cute way of saying electrocution and death. Yeah...that would be stressful.

[@mmpiforall5913]

Correct, turning off main breaker 'isolates' your house from public hydro. You are 'off grid' and can power up from a generator. In an apartment in power failure, uncrew all fuses (or turn off all breakers) then make up a double ended cord to plug into wall outlet and into generator on balcony, hopefully wind will blow away fumes! You can power a few items wired to that circuit only, so try other outlets to see what comes up!

[@garfeld9031]

Be sure to state that the contact lugs to the main breaker are always hot and not every location has a disconnect switch at the meter. Some panels have safety covers over the main lugs. If a person is not comfortable with any electrical service always pass or hire the pro as it is not worth being shocked or the possibility of death. Safety First

[@garywebb3938]

Thanks for the video! This is the only one I've seen that's oriented toward operating the furnace which is my main concern for winter power outages.

[@garyhiland6013]

Garfeld, thanks for that first sentence!

[@mongjedi244]

Props for giving people the proper warning. Do do this properly all it takes is a 30 amp breaker, 30 amp interlock receptacle, interlock kit, and a 30 amp generator cord.

[@RL-xb4gz]

I only got a thirty amp generator so I'm going to unhook the furnace wires and hook up direct then run 12 gauge cord for the tv good video also.

[@Tony28337]

Not saying that you should do this but... it is not only very important to turn off the main breaker for your safety, but also for the safety of the linemen who are working to get your power back on. If you don't turn off the main, you are sending power back out of your house and down the (potentially damaged) power lines.

[@charleneh8084]

Great video.. thanks for sharing and breaking it all down for even a girl to understand lol The rest is just about what I’m going thru. No questions about what you did, so no need to listen to me ramble, unless your bored 😆 We are about to get a shit Ton of snow here in Plymouth Ma. (I live next to the Plymouth plantation and Mayflower ship. Every year we lose power and every year I say GO get a generator please! After 22 yrs I got tired of waiting so I just bought one. We don’t get much snow here but there predicting 1-3 feet!! & 40-60 mph wind gusts. I live next to the ocean and when the wind blows it freaking BLOWS making the house freezing within minutes if the power has gone out. I got the Predator 9000, plus a battery that needs to go in it And a 7500 Watt 30 amp cord. BUT… the freaking Circuit Breaker isn’t set up for it. I’m missing something but can’t figure out what lol. Some sort of plug has to be wired into the breaker. Shit!

[@JohnnysTipsandTricks]

All I did was take the wires out of an existing 2 pole breaker or could even have added a 2 pole breaker (30amp or bigger). I plugged into the generator and the wired end went to the breaker in the panel.

[@larrylucas5731]

Hell yeah, brother. Thanks for being honest! A hurricane I fell is an emergency.

[@TheMetuneter]

Great clip bro , I can tell your a hood guy salutes from Detroit Eastside

[@KingdomUploader]

You can clean up the current going to your tv or pc by running it through a UPS or uninterrupted power supply. it works like the filter you mentioned. Just get one with more wattage than your device uses. less to no chance of any harmonic distortions, or so i'm told. Cheers

[@jamesbuddyrogers]

I invested in a transfer switch. Yes, it is more costly, but the safety is worth it for me. Nice vid, but I am too scared of power to mess around with it.

[@JohnnysTipsandTricks]

I have a transfer switch now. Like I said this was an emergency situation. I literally bought the last generator at Home Depot

[@nickp4089]

And how did I know where to plug in the white wire you ask? 😯 Eating my popcorn like ahhhhhhh son wait for it lol. Great video.

[@shanebrown5935]

NOTE!!!! This is awesome and works in a pinch BUT if you do this be sure to keep the main breaker off!! Otherwise you are back-feeding the lines through your meter and through the transformer on your pole which amplifies the amperage and can kill power line personell working on the lines up the street. Just a PSA

[@randylee2549]

that is why you only run a dedicated transfer switch and DO IT THE Right way, this is non insurable if something happened and back feed can happen if steps are not taken in the right sequence.

[@shanebrown5935]

@@randylee2549 I totally agree but you know some people will do this in a pinch so I was merely overstating the safety necessity of killing the main breaker.

[@randylee2549]

@@shanebrown5935 you can do this with a dedicated backfeed breaker and the interlock safety hardware, that would be to code and will run the WHOLE house, just a thought

[@shanebrown5935]

@@randylee2549 not sure why you think we're arguing here. I agree your method is the correct way to do it up to code, etc, etc. I'm telling you that when push comes to shove and someone is desperate they will follow this video. When they do I just want them to do it the safest way possible. Even though they shouldn't

[@reryro1472]

Nope, it's voltage that gets amplified via a transformer, not amperage (current).

[@bobhumphries3998]

Although this will work it would be much safer to install an interlock. You cannot feed power from your generator without first shutting off the main breaker. It also meets code in most cities. Also the most important reason to shut off the main breaker is so you don't backfeed the grid and kill a lineman working outside.

[@spoolnaround]

This raises the question about my solar, what keeps lineman safe when the outage happens during the day?

[@bobhumphries3998]

@@spoolnaround Excellent question. I'm not familiar with solar installations so I can't answer that but there must be some kind of safety feature if the system is properly installed.

[@danopureblood7066]

My grid connected solar system would shut down if there’s no line voltage!

[@RGD-Audio-Repairs]

Defo not the worst thing i have seen... I see someone the other day, Switch off their main breaker switch, To avoid back feeding.. And then just plugged a power plug straight into the wall socket, and then into the generator! hahahaha Technically it worked.... fed all the sockets, back to the breaker box, across the bus bars and to the lights etc too... But i was like OMFG! haha

[@sallieswint5648]

Thanks so much, Johnny, for not helping me in such an awesome video!

[@tookymax]

Very informative video. Most important is to cut off the main breakers! Glad you stressed that because we don't want to shock the workers repairing the lines. My generator is only 2000 watts and doesn't have the 240 volt socket. I only spent $200 on it and it should handle the furnace or the refrigerator in an emergency outage. I also don't want to buy the transfer switch if I can do it manually.

[@keithharrington4595]

There are some interlock kits out there to ensure your panel is disconnected from the grid. Check with your local permit office to see if a permit is required and their job is to check out work being done. They get to see how so many different people do the same thing. They may have an answer to a question you did not know you had.

[@ElectricalTrade]

Excellent Video, good call on liability at the Start.

[@jammils38]

I like this guy 🤣 he's a smart one! Don't you worry, I'm definitely not going to do anything like this.

[@sodbuster518able]

Make an adapter cord 30 amp twist lock generator end, get yourself a dryer plug cord make your wire connection of line 1 hot line 2 hot and neutral. Same thing shut off main back feed into dryer outlet ,keeps you out of fuse panel this way.WARNING this method is illegal but it works no problem been doing this way for yrs.The cord will be male at both ends of adapter cord.

[@Veritas-invenitur]

As an electrician I most definitely positively absolutely do not have one of these cords in my truck and I can assure you I do not have one in my basement either. And in the event I did it would be for educational purposes only.

[@snap-off5383]

The real danger (if you're turning off the main and avoiding that danger), is that the dryer's grounding cord is acting as your neutral return and could be under-gauged.

[@joemc111]

Holy crap my power came back on before he was done,

[@Yoursoul101]

Oh, so you did right, but you should consider installing an interlock switch between your main and dedicated fuse for the generator. Basically this is how anyone would install one (with the given that you would run the dedicated wire through the house behind the wall and all) and then the interlock switch would just keep someone from flipping on the generator switch with the main is on and vice versa.

[@armedmariner]

Thanks man. Great video. You are a good guy for posting this.

[@victorlopez2143]

Johnny - Quick question for you. I have an 30 amp 'OUTLET' for my RV. And I have a Genset with 30 amp outlet . Sounds like I would need to 'make' a CORD with one normal end that would plug into the Genset then I would need to 'modify' the other end to add a plug that would go into my RV 'outlet' - which is a 30 amp circuit with nothing on it.. Is this the way to go ?

[@tomsommer54]

Good job Johnny! Thanks for posting it.

[@GregoryJohnston77]

All you have to do is use the 220 side on generator and plug it into your dryer. Then the whole house is lit. BUT you ALWAYS shut off the main because your power will back feed to the power pole and shock the workers. They will tell you if you use a gen to shut off main so they don't get shocked.

[@bengleason2882]

I know. Hilarious. All the rest is just noise unless you have a dedicated breaker and lockout or transfer switch.

[@2scents434]

Thank you Johnny! 2nd video I've seen on this, other guy had bought all the right stuff but yours is explained much better and more detailed.

[@Nevaehlennon77]

Saved us with this video! Thank you!!!

[@even7steven]

There's a lot of negative comments but IN AN EMERGENCY choosing between my family freezing to death or backfeeding my home.... Family first.

[@brianbabb6666]

What about when it comes to you being warm and your neighbor being dead?

[@pinkiepie1656]

@@brianbabb6666 good idea, go over and steal their supplies. They’re dead anyway.

[@chopjohnlucas7513]

Thank you for the video, but you said you didn’t hook up the ground because your generator had a gfi outlet? How do you know if your generator has a gfi outlet

[@shanglang133]

When all wiring was completed, were you plugging both the 120v plug and the 4 prong plug in at the same time?

[@texarkanaandi7393]

Amazing! Hooking-up one 240v circuit in the panel to the generator would power the whole house, much cheaper solution than installing a $300.00 transfer switch

[@reryro1472]

Of course -- it's always cheaper to do something the unsafe way. Use your savings to help pay for the dead lineman's funeral who was electrocuted when someone came along & noticed that the main breakers were off, flipped them on, and instantly killed the power company's linemen who thought there was no power on the line.

[@athletikonaol]

If people have the opportunity to plan ahead, we can just install a 30 amp breaker (preferably just below the main breaker on the right side so you can add a lockout device) Then wire that breaker to a NEMA L14 30P Plug installed adjacent to your main box. Then, when the power is out, you shut off the main breaker, and your AC system, then supply power with your generator. If you set up a lockout, it ensures you can't have your main and your gen both supplying power at the same time. It is a PITA to open your panel and wire this in every time. Look at your generator. If it only has a 3 prong plug, it can only drive 120V. The description above is for a 220V capable Generator.

[@1978garfield]

This is why it is good to have a 220V outlet on your back porch. You can run a welder or connect a suicide cord and power your house. As long as you flip the main breaker off first the suicide cord is safe.

[@drigen223]

And..... make sure you plug the outlet end in first before plugging the other end into the generator, so you don't shock yourself, hence the term "suicide" plug

[@Sal112350]

I would love to try this, next time the light goes out, I will put it this way, no more extension cord.

[@raymondgarafano8604]

Yeah U GO MAN! if u have a 120/240 volt gen using a 4 wire cord, 2 hots a neutral and ground, u get to use more of the genz wattage. Everyone sez suicide cords R dangerous! and they R so right! but if the power is already out and u have the 'MAINS' OFF and plug into dryer 1st, instead of walking back to dryer socket with 240 volts on the prongs, yeah I never had an issue of any kind.

[@StartVisit]

@@raymondgarafano8604 so just plug long power cord from generator to dryer power socket directly, thats it? right?

[@raymondgarafano8604]

@@StartVisit NOPE! disconnect or shut 'MAINS' OFF 1ST! Then plug into the dryer BEFORE you plug into generator, that way you are not walkin' back to dryer w 240 volts swing at the end of the prongs or if you ran cord to dryer but did not plug it in, you don't have live prongs for the cat or dog to mess with and curtain crawlerz either. You don't want an event where you say, "If only.

[@StartVisit]

@@raymondgarafano8604 obviously safety first, i would plug all cables first before even start generator, my question was to avoid power panel connections hassle.

[@slchang01]

@@raymondgarafano8604 Good suggestion...Just wonder how to you deal with the 10 gauge cord that needs to go thru the back door? I do not think that the door will be able to close properly. any ideas?

[@matthewblankowski2265]

Additional note: If the grid power is off but the main breaker is on while you run the generator, you are backfeeding the electrical grid with the generator and might really piss off the guy trying to repair it.

[@robletto841]

He said main breaker off off off off remember that.

[@garyhiland6013]

matthew, he covered that emphatically and repeatedly.

[@jspinosa50]

That's the way I do it. Just be careful and shut the MAIN!!!

[@raymondgarafano8604]

My wife told me about that, a neighbor had a gen. plugged it into house either thot grid was out or mains were off. last thing he ever did, his wife saw, him shakin on the ground and the generator on fire, by the time rescue got there, he was electro-cuted. damn, that was so heartbreaking.

[@darkwinters9452]

@@raymondgarafano8604 does it end up in the local news ? Article link ?

[@raymondgarafano8604]

@@darkwinters9452 That was about ten yrs ago in St.Pete, FL.

[@daftnord4957]

Do you answer the question of what is the tube in your ear? Thanks for the good video

[@joeorton1218]

Its Steve from Jerry springers lol love ur video bro good job explaining

[@gregorysmith3302]

FIRST THING TURN OFF MAIN BREAKER....then just back feed thru dryer plug with 30 amp twist lock plug.. turn off 220 breakers. now everything in the whole house but 220 works.....turn the 220 dryer plug breaker on to feed the whole panel......

[@MrBuffdizzle2006]

@@william38022 yes, you would be back feeding your panel in this way Which Is ILLEGAL!!!!!. YOU MUST SHUT OFF MAIN BREAKER and Keep it off as long as your using the generator in this manner or your lineman is a DEAD man once he works on your line. Sorry for caps but that is very important information. Also that size generator will not be able to power alot of items simultaneously depending on the Amps in draws. So know the draw power of the items you are trying to run. Other than that he stated the rest

[@aaronshoyt]

@@MrBuffdizzle2006 no its not illegal... Thats why you install a transfer switch..

[@spencer_g1958]

@@aaronshoyt a transfer switch isn't back feeding your panel. You can't back feed your panel without interlock. What this guy is doing is going to kill someone and is illegal.

[@aaronshoyt]

@@spencer_g1958 nah shit,, of course it isn't .. I said he needs a transfer,, and i use a Generlink at the meter

[@aaronshoyt]

@@spencer_g1958 its not illegal in an ice, alsot as he pulla the meter he wont be, and then he can plug a 220v live from generator and plug in into his dryer plug in the house to backfeed to the box after the main iz shut off.

[@KingdomUploader]

Would it be a good idea to ground the actual generator - to like a fence pole or something?

[@vincentkillian3049]

Love the conversation you held all good bro

[@vincentkillian3049]

It worked great thank you

[@earlbrunner6755]

If I understand this, you disconnected the a/c wires which is 220 V, then attached a 110 v line to each of the a/c breakers---each breaker powered half the house. Then you no longer needed the 12 gauge extension cord. Am I correct?

[@jamieserio8343]

Generator with 220. Shut off main. Back feed dryer outlet. Done

[@angelasutherland1611]

can you also run the Well doing it this way?

[@jamieserio8343]

@@angelasutherland1611 never tried but don't see why not

[@vinnymac1]

Yup exactly

[@ajam4u]

@@angelasutherland1611 Yes. The 220 will feed the entire panel. If all the circuit breakers are turned on. Keep the main breaker off.

[@josephsingel6632]

Yep, waaaaaaaaaay easier!

[@raymondgarafano8604]

Mobile homes have the meter and 1st disconnect. the panel in mobile home is a sub-panel and has the neutral isolated from the ground. Yup I used the dryer ckt. to feed in. I had the breaker at the meter OFF and the MAIN breaker in the panel OFF. no way was a linesman gonna get juiced.

[@snap-off5383]

the dryer ground acted as your neutral, perhaps bare and perhaps not large enough for the current. Perhaps also insulated and great gauge, just tear out the outlet and look .

[@terryj.macmullen9968]

shut main breakr off,yes.what about the main neutral still connected to the center tap on utility transformer.?

[@crankychris2]

A little surprise for any neighbor sharing your utility transformer. Unless they can prove that you did the wiring, your criminal charges probably won't stick. Your lawyer will explain your civil liability.

[@jimmytate7587]

neutral does not go to the utility. it goes to ground.

[@terryj.macmullen9968]

neutral white in house , goes on bare wire to the utility neutral which is grounded.the transformer is center tapped here as well.so in a round about way,there is a connection.

[@azopene]

Interlock kits don't switch out the incoming line neutral because there is no need to do so.

[@glennbrooks6478]

@@azopene wow, you sure on that. ( That neutral is not switched) If so that throws out the window some of those comments from electricians who do not want us to hook up without a transfer switch.

[@jasonrawls6959]

Im an electrician Ive done a few setups for small generators like this but I always an interlock kit. This ensures theres no back feeding.

[@ACommenterOnYouTube]

Interlocks are for the incompetent

[@SnowDogRedSectorEh]

back feeding is just sharing with others

[@ACommenterOnYouTube]

@Snow: Who are others..??

[@SnowDogRedSectorEh]

@@ACommenterOnKZbin you know - the neighbors, unsuspecting line men, the kids playing by the downed cable that caused the power outage in the first place. ... * I could swear I flipped the main disconnect before I started genny ... oops, my bad. ... * Kidding aside, if it's physically possible, it _could_ happen

[@ACommenterOnYouTube]

@Snow: 1st off your rinky dink 3k watt generator is NOT going to power the neighborhood ... If it could, that person would be the richest MOFO on the planet to prove to the world that his 3kW generator is providing POWER to the neighborhood because of that step UP transformer on the pole ... LOL .... That transformer does not turn your 3kW generator into a 1 mega watt generator, it may step the voltage UP but the current is NOT there ... The second that generator goes back to the grid and all the THOUSANDS and THOUSANDS of appliances and electronics try to power back up from your 3kW generator ... it will choke and shut down .. If your going to sit there on your cell phone and tell me that your 3kW generator will back feed to the grid and power the homes on your street ... Then i will say you don't know SHIT about power ... Next, there is NO i could swear i shut off the main ... You either know you did or you didn't. A weak minded person will double think what he or she did or thought he or she did. I don't double think anything, i KNOW what i did ... Competent people don't double think or think twice. They do it and move on. IN-competent people think twice or 3 times and don't remember what they did and half to back track. And as you said, all kidding aside, YES it CAN happen but only for those, not all ..

[@mrreddog]

Johnny - I have a 220 arc welder outlet outside on separate circuit going directly to 50a double breaker. I used it with an older 3 wire Generac s4000. Just bough a new B & S 6500 with 4 prong twistlock. Can I make my new cable with just the 3 connectors, leaving out the L-hook prong ground????

[@JohnnysTipsandTricks]

Definitely not. Without a ground no breaker will trip and the entire house will be unprotected.

[@jorgesantibanez7117]

Thank you brother you explained it in great detail loved it God bless you and keep pausing

[@ernestbrodie6601]

How about using a double breaker for a 240 voltage that is no longer in use. If your generator has 240 voltage outlet, why not wire an outlet for 240 voltage from your panel spare double breaker. Keep that double breaker off until you are ready to plug in your generator to the outlet. Main is off! All other breakers are off. Plug in your cord from the 240 outlet to the 240 outlet to your panel. Turn the designated 240 voltage breaker on. Then turn on all the breakers that you believe the generator will handle. The advantage of doing it this way is you can use some of your double breakers, depending upon the available output of the generator.

[@albjorneby5731]

What about just putting 2 new breakers in blank slots with your extension cord wires? Why do you have to disconnect your A/C ?

[@marcosortiz3665]

You can do that also, this is if you don't have breakers in hand or if there is no space in panel for new breakers

[@albjorneby5731]

@@marcosortiz3665 Ah got it. thanks.

[@TexasEdition]

Curious, I know this was in the heat of an emergency, but would you ever consider adding another 30A breaker and wiring up a 30A outlet so you can just plug in next time instead of having to break into the panel?

[@JohnnysTipsandTricks]

I actually did something like that for awhile until I finally could afford a proper transfer switch and generator

[@cappymac3136]

Anything coming off the generator, whether is direct to the panel or to a designated outlet (30 amp or otherwise) is going to be HOT and thereby dangerous if its not secured such as a outlet plug.

[@keithharrington4595]

Let me caution you on the connect to the panel. Transformers will work in both directions. If you do not disconnect your utility from your panel when you power it up.....your utility guy may expect to have a zero voltage wire that is back fed from your house at about 12,000 volts. Yes, around 12,000 volts. There are interlock kits out there to prevent you from having both the utility and generator breakers shut at the same time. I double super encourage you to get your permit office involved. They can make sure whatever is done is safe for the utility workers and can be a resource and n how to do it.

[@cpoggiolo68]

My AC is on a separate meter main is outside for it. What do you suggest instead of AC circuit? We have a well circuit, no longer used. (Citywater) stove, and pole barn both have double switch circuit. Also stove is gas know not electric.

[@bobocaterpillar3697]

even if you shut off the main wouldn't it possibly backfeed thru the neutral ?

[@grog3514]

How do you know which breakers to hook the black and red wires up to? Is it always the furnace or air conditioner to backfired? If so, why?

[@estring69]

Don’t know if you ever had an answer. 240 uses both power rails. Distribution panel alternates first row on one rail. Second row on other rail then repeat. So 240 breaker has a wire connection for both rails hence taking two spaces. So you can feed the two 240 hot wires into the two space dryer breaker assuming it is 30 or 50 amps as applies.

[@danlevine2584]

Johnny? I have the Predator 9,000 Watt Generator. I also, purchased the Predator 10/4 Twist-lock extension cord for this Generator to use the 30 Amp outlet on the Generator. I just wired this up over the past weekend. Question is, Considering we are back feeding thru a 30 Amp breaker. Is it normal for the breakers to get warm?

[@JohnnysTipsandTricks]

Yes. But shouldn’t be too hot to touch

[@danlevine2584]

@@JohnnysTipsandTricks thanks

[@brianmlodzik]

Thanks. This was the exact hypothetical answer to hypothetical questions I had about the hypothetical situation where I might have to hook up a generator to run my sump and well pumps, or potentially furnace.

[@estring69]

You have to understand all of this to do quickie or correct way. Correct way is just safe and permanent with interlock 30 or 50 amp connect box.

[@charleywalker2982]

Thanks for sharing your video and keep them coming please.

[@toddlaroche5831]

Johnny, if my panel has some 50amp bipole breakers (for a stove) would I need to use a 50-amp breaker to feed the generator into the panel? Even if all of the other breakers are only 20 or 30 amp, is there any harm in using a 50-amp breaker? If the system does get overloaded, the breaker on the generator will flip first anyway, won’t it?

[@JohnnysTipsandTricks]

You are correct

[@MrFlasailor]

This is good but does the Main need to left off when generator is running???? I always turn it off and have a similar set up to what you did....

[@JohnnysTipsandTricks]

I leave mine off for two reasons. 1. If the power comes back on nothing good will happen to your generator. 2. If I leave the main on I will be sending power down to the pole and a lineman may be working on it and get injured.

[@MrFlasailor]

@@JohnnysTipsandTricks Thank you... I tapped into the wire for my WELL and feed the house off of that wire and Kill the FURNACE, Oven and the Main and am able to get everything else working...

[@Jeff-bb3ur]

When you added you 10/4 cord to your panel you had already removed the 12ga extension lead to the furnace circuit correct?

[@hodun8]

10/4 has 3 hots and a neutral. With a ground for a total of 5 wires. But everyone here knew that except the creator

[@thumper88888]

I have a 2 pole breaker with the screw terminals shorted so I have 120 everywhere but no 240. I dont use it anymore because I got a 240v generator. If I accidently flip it on, it will just flip itself back off so I may leave it as a conversation starter.

[@Veritas-invenitur]

Oh my, that's something else.

[@tjalessi]

I think I saw this case on Forensic Files....

[@MrOkrick]

This is awesome thanks for the info..but..I do have a question..isn't the furnace 220v? I'm asking because you're using a 110v ext.cord which will plug into your 110v outlet on the generator.

[@warningmode]

Somebody is going to blowup they house listen to this professional electrician..

[@pinkiepie1656]

And somebody gonna fail their English test listening to you.

[@metrocaptain]

How did that panel get signed off having a closet door in front of it? I thought it needed unobstructed access?

[@JohnnysTipsandTricks]

metrocaptain house was built in 1967

[@metrocaptain]

👍

[@thomasmarable6818]

Because when the door is open you have the a clear path

[@bigtimepimpin666]

14:00 my stove is electric and runs on 240v. I figured a generator is 110/120 and would power it. Is your stove also 240?? Sounds like it worked for you.

[@JohnnysTipsandTricks]

The generator’s 4 prong plug is 240. My stove is electric and I was able to use 1 burner

[@stephenmilldrum2456]

@@JohnnysTipsandTricks Johnny, IF YOU ONLY HAD A 120 VOLT GENERATOR, could you still have powered up your whole house, (minus the 240 volt circuits) within the power rating of your generator, by putting a jumper wire between the two connections on your AC breaker?

[@darrellbush4280]

Johnny, what if your 30amp cord was 3 prong for RV? Would you have still hooked up to a double switch breaker?

[@JohnnysTipsandTricks]

I think your saying you want to use an rv cord from the generator to the house. The answer would be no. You need two hots a neutral and a ground. without the ground the breaker won’t trip if there’s a dead short and anything metal will be live and someone could get hurt or killed. You NEED the ground.

[@papidonaldotrumpo]

Question. If your generator had two 120v outlets, would you backfeed the other half of the panel with a second extension cord?

[@larryjordan3219]

so that answer my question . disconnect the first feed

[@scottburns4515]

When or if I hookup my 10/4 to my ac to the 30amp on my gen, can I leave the 12/3 hooked up also to my furnace or would the 10/4 and 30amp all I need?