Simple Guide to Installing a Generator Hook-Up | Ask This Old House

In this video, This Old House master electrician Heath Eastman helps a homeowner install a generator transfer switch in his home.
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While extension cords might do the trick, there’s a better, safer way to run a generator when the power is out; transfer switches Master electrician Heath Eastman helps a homeowner install a set in his home.
There's nothing quite as handy as a backup generator when the power goes out. These devices can keep the house warm, keep the lights on, and ensure everyone stays safe. But they’re not quite as safe as they can be if they’re hooked up to extension cords and running inside an attached garage. There are better options and master electrician Heath Eastman helps a homeowner set theirs up correctly.
Where to find it?
For the generator hookup, the homeowner chooses to have Heath install a transfer switch.
Heath mounts a piece of plywood to the wall studs to provide a secure and safe area for
the transfer switch to be installed.
Heath uses a hole saw to cut through the shelves to run the conduit from the transfer
switch to the exterior receptacle.
All materials used can be found at most home centers.
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Simple Guide to Installing a Generator Hook-Up | Ask This Old House
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[@mauricerichard3611]

Don't forget to find a way to lock you generator with a chain so it does not leave your property unintended. Good luck !!

[@imgadgetmanjim]

Or else someone can roll up cheap lawnmower at night and roll off with your generator.

[@grantw5939]

As someone who learned the hard way... -Get an interlocked generator breaker, not a transfer switch -Install a 50 amp inlet from the beginning, not 30 amp, even if you have a small generator. Once you've lived through an extended summer outage you'll want to upgrade to a generator that's big enough to run your AC. -Don't get the inlet box shown in this video, the cheap plastic turns yellow after a few months in the sun. -If you have natural gas available, get a tri-fuel generator or convert yours to tri-fuel. Not having to worry about running out of gasoline, or gasoline going bad and fouling your carb, is a game changer.

[@highlorddarkstar]

Be aware, if you have a regional power outage (ie Texas, or after a hurricane) that natural gas requires pumping. This means you should still have propane or gas on hand.

[@stevenbelsky1652]

I would actually perfer installing a whole house generator with the automatic switching. It cost more money but it does everything by itself.

[@bobroberts2371]

The much simpler and less costly way to hook up a portable generator is to use the main breaker / generator interlock plate. Wire in a place for the generator to attach and you are finished. If you want to isolate circuits so they don't get turned on and overload the generator, simply shut breakers off at the panel. However, the reality is just don't turn everything on in the house.

[@kennethwood2089]

Yep--keep 'er SIMPLE!

[@TheMastercanine]

A good point about the way they do it in this video is you know when power is restored. Once the rest of the house comes back on, you know you can switch back to line power

[@danielmcgowan9534]

You could just get a switch with a solenoid that throws from generator to main power once the main line is energized. The same process can also cause a kill switch to the generator.

[@Johnroddy96]

Some local jurisdictions don’t let you have the interlock switch. It’s lame

[@PumpkinDog33]

Right? How was the separate breaker simpler? Seems way more complicated to figure out what you need to switch on when you start the generator plus all the overhead of connecting those breakers to existing breakers.

[@MM-fe9mz]

Should be noted to wait 15/20 seconds between each breaker when turning loads on to allow the generator to adjust.

[@roneckler6235]

The generator outside when he's flipping all the breakers on like a champ. 🔥🔥

[@csimet]

You also never hear them mention that while you must place the generator outside, it also needs to be protected from rain/snow. It should be covered while running... in a small shed or specifically made "tent" product that keeps water off and provides ventilation. Mine sits in a tool shed out near the house, easy to access with doors that open away from the prevailing wind direction. I have and prefer the dedicated interlock panel. No chance to overload the generator if you pre-plan exactly what circuits (and load) have power. It also has two built-in meters to show the exact load on each leg of the 220V line. It has served me well for more than 10 years in Buffalo NY snow storms.

[@gamebreaker5518]

hey!! a person from my area...just south of buffalo

[@coffeebert6644]

2 things they did not mention 1 - power goes out in storm you need a weather proof generator 2- you cannot use a std generator for todays electrical appliance ie furnace, tankless hot water - you need a inverter (sine) generator that produces clean electric - I learned both these both the hard way

[@2loco]

Generators are mechanical machines, and all produce a pure sine wave as they use a rotating alternator to generate electricity. What your talking about is inverters that convert DC to AC i.e an inverter for a caravan, car, boat etc. Those come in modified sine wave (pretty much square wave output) or pure sine wave (save wave form as what you get on the mains).

[@csimet]

@@2locoYup.

[@timmersoft]

@@2locoand with the sensitive electronics running all the new major appliances, you want a pure sinewave generator which are branded as inverter generators. You might get away with a standard generator for a while, but at some point it will get you.

[@d1bigshifter737]

Wrong

[@rickybobby7276]

Depending on where you live like the southeast coast storms will come and go in 24 hours. A portable generator is a convenience in that period of time. The real risk is the potential weeks after to restore power when the weather is fine.

[@tedfryxell3666]

Interlock works great. Plus I added a voltage monitor.

[@poeticthoughts06]

Great job, Heath.

[@steveloux4709]

Installed a gentran once. Would not ever do it again. More costly, more effort, and more limiting. Heath explained it well. For the cost of the interlock bracket (roughly $50) you have avoided the cost of the switch and the complexity that demands.

[@HumbleBrownWarrior]

Good job!!

[@Its_crazyadamla]

They forgot to mention to wait 3 weeks for the power company to come out...

[@ElevatorWasher5000]

No they reconnected power

[@kaseyc5078]

@@ElevatorWasher5000 for the initial request to cut the power

[@ElevatorWasher5000]

@@kaseyc5078 I saw it was connected to the meter still at the end of the video

[@Dountman]

Proper planning, you clown.

[@bananafoneable]

What power company?

[@TheEpic55]

A much easier and possibly cheaper option depending where you live is to get a generlink. You're limited to 40amp but it's such a game changer when it comes to back up power. Unfortunately they're not approved by all utility companies so make sure to check first!

[@mae2759]

This is really expensive, but there's no extra BS. One and done

[@johnsn10]

They never mention about floating or bonded neutral generators. Every generator is different and might need to be modified to work correctly depending on your setup. I had to change my generator from a bonded neutral to a floating neutral based on my electrical panel.

[@johnsn10]

@@csimet yes correct. I built a shed with exhaust fans and vents so I can run my generator in storms

[@csimet]

@@johnsn10I moved my comment into the main list so everyone can see, but good that you did so!

[@Gregtries]

They also didnt mention gauge of wire 30 / 50 amp, etc

[@lukenukem6920]

I'm pretty sure if it's the service disconnect, I should float the neutral on the generator since it is bonded in the panel and utilizes a ufer ground in the foundation, right?

[@4663David]

Yes, you are correct. If a generator is wired to an existing bonded service, the generator's neutral should be converted from bonded to floating. That's not to say that it wouldn't work if bonded at both locations, but dangerous ground currents could be present if the neutral isn't floated at the generator.

[@dustinbergeron7508]

Everyone keeps saying that just get an interlock switch which is fine nothing wrong with them but some people like my parents won’t use that very good because my parents home is complete electric water heater, dryer, central A/C, stove/oven so it wouldn’t be a good option yes they can easily turn those breakers off but remember with age comes slight memory loss on certain people

[@chrishoward4017]

Awesome! Id like to see a hook up to a house with a grid tied solar system,

[@paulbegemann4308]

Must be a cost difference between the two options would have been nice to have them discuss that in general terms

[@enriquemuro9564]

Hola soy de cd. Juárez Chihuahua México y me gustan sus programas Se podrá poner subtitulos en español jiji es que no entiendo el inglés Aun asi los veo todos saludos

[@69ssrscamaro4]

Do you need to worry about the neutral wire still connected back to the power company's transformer when operating the generator using your setup?

[@oldfreddyfrenchfry1]

For an interlock - If you have a single phase generator supplying in-phase power to both sides of your panel (via a double pole breaker), make sure you have no shared neutrals (aka multi wire branch circuits). If so, the shared neutral will carry the sum of the two circuit’s current, (instead of the difference, like normal), and it can overload the wire without tripping a breaker. If you have a MWBC, you’ll have one less white wire than black in the panel. I love my DIY interlock project, Honda EU2200i. Learn more about MWBC if you think you have one, there are several ways to address it. Reply with any interlock project questions!

[@twryder1]

Interesting! I had an MWBC going to my laundry room but had no real need for two circuits so I turned it back into a single circuit. Finding out that the breakers weren't bonded together was a scary surprise too!

[@lnk4328]

He never mentioned that when deciding which circuits were hooked to the transfer switch, to keep the two legs of the generator balanced. Plus, he never explained the panel's watt meters to the homeowner and trying to keep the loads balanced.

[@tjcib]

I thought the same thing. My biggest stress was balancing load, not installing hardware.

[@christophermm23]

I never knew this was an option. I always thought getting one of those $10k ones you attach to the panel was the only way to directly power your house

[@gbrown3020]

Mine came out the next morning

[@georgepmr]

That's cool much better than a suicide cord!

[@tcpnetworks]

Why the meter needed removing is anyone's guess.

[@fatcat-hc4pj]

Was wondering that myself

[@deefdragon]

one of the things this old house pushes is safety. because they are operating in the main breaker box, they don't want it energized. for most folks, just tripping the main service breaker (100/200 Amp one on the top of the pannel) would be enough as that unpowers the busbars. toh goes the extra mile however.

[@traktion9]

If he had chosen the interlock switch instead then that would require messing with the main breaker.

[@fnhwk]

To be safe. There is absolutely no reason to work in a panel that's energized. Pulling the meter is maybe a little extreme, but it's better to be safe.

[@phonedave]

​@@traktion9no it wouldn't. The interlock just involves adding a 30 amp breaker wired to the twist lock. The interlock The screws onto the deadfront

[@danieldion8825]

What is the solution, to use only an isolated electric panel, so that I can use the L14-30 connector of Honda EU7000IS, connect this to an inlet box outside. Inside have a 4 circuits panel, so I disconnect my fridge and freezer, and connect them to the isolated wall power outlet. Can Imstill use a transfer switch, as the line will not be connected, so it will only be on the gen side… Or I should find myself a little 4-8 circuits 15 amp electric panel for my needs, what will be the best. I do not want to connect anything to my main panel. Thanks

[@Coxfame]

I read a lot of DIY'ers here. Of course they are not going to reveal all their secrets, amps here, there, yes, no & why, thats for you to hire a pro and get answered. I run a business too i only show before and after and somewhat during... The purpose of this video is NOT to teach you how do your own things but reather see the option to power your home with a generator. I personally use interlock switch but ill find my self looking at security camera monitor constantly which is annoying for power restoration.

[@arturoelizondojr6420]

How much this cost.? To do that

[@darrenmacmullin6169]

This installation is against code in my local area (Nova Scotia Canada). No wire connectors allowed in a breaker box and not allowed to use panel box as a raceway. Must do all connections in a external appropriate sized junction box. Hope this helps someone Be safe!

[@johnmolnar2957]

why did Heath have the meter pulled when he is working downstream of the main breaker? like, does he do that to add a circuit or replace a breaker? .

[@addminusDIY]

Thats the proper way and safest to run generator instead turning off the main breaker alone

[@johnmolnar2957]

you don't remove the meter to run a a generator . you don't remove the meter to add a circuit to a panel.

[@addminusDIY]

@@johnmolnar2957 😅😂😂😂

[@howtodoitdude1662]

Maybe for liability reasons to make the video.

[@rickybobby7276]

The real question is why didn't they install a shutoff to the main breaker while the power was off so they never had to call the electrical company again when doing electric work in the home. Every home should have one.

[@user-sz2gu2il2w]

Should have told us tbe difference in price between the two systems.

[@addminusDIY]

Just do interlock to the main panel with 50amp circuit breaker and go all circuit if needed. That stuff is waste of money because limited circuit. I owned duromax 13k watts so far works for 1500sqft house and 2.5tons AC

[@lnk4328]

Big difference between your 13k and this 4.5k. And these are peak (starting) watts. That 4.5k running watts will be below 4.0k. Probably closer to 3.5. depending on the engine HP.

[@stephane184]

Generlink? Not an option in the US?

[@rvbcabo0se]

Depends on electrical company, ours does not allow it.

[@masterviper420]

so what about weather i wouldn't keep it in the bad weather

[@ketolifestyle68]

i got a 12k watts no worries works great.......

[@Eyore82]

Seriously? Go for the interlock! Always the better option, and way cheaper.

[@bobroberts2371]

Yep, I posted this too, interlock plates are way less expensive.

[@traktion9]

I agree he could always get a bigger generator and run the entire house.

[@donc-m4900]

Less expensive? This is This Old House. Cost is not an option.

[@bobroberts2371]

@@traktion9 Just don't turn on so much stuff. I've run a house in a 1,500 W generator by alternating between the fridge and freezer. That and a couple of lights and a TV are no problem. Unless you are running a whole house AC / electric water heater / stove, a normal day does not use much power.

[@bennewton3560]

As an electricain from the UK I cant belive wire nuts are an acceptable way to terminate cables! Have wagos reached across the pond yet or even connector blocks!!!

[@ed6837]

We have WAGOs here for a few years now. Some don't like them for higher loads but they probably just don't trust them yet. Splices are allowed in the main panel but are supposed to be limited to the minimum required.

[@drejamz]

Dude scheduled a disconnect lol

[@ghostface4072]

Scott Caren did a much better job explaining this option . Bring Scott back .

[@Jonboyb1lly]

Can you use a military generator like a MEP-831a for a 1,700 square foot house

[@brianfong5711]

Their shirts show they came from the same cloth. Stitches from another missus.

[@Tractorman-xj4gt]

Al Borland (Home Improvement) fan club members ??

[@colbyhodges]

Buy that guy a new meter can.

[@ed6837]

No kidding that thing was rotten.

[@donc-m4900]

One pull and it works? No adjusting the choke? Got to tell my dad he is doing it wrong.

[@gamebreaker5518]

lol..guess it was warmed up before.

[@avi-tar2827]

If you run your genset once in while (I run mine once every 3 months for 15 minutes or so...read the manual) and use a proper fuel stabilizer, you'll find that most of these smaller gensets will fire right up on the first pull. Regular maintenance is the difference-maker, be it a car, a house or a small engine.

[@jean-marcfiliatrault266]

The Interlock system, as with the Generlink system, are not legal throughout North America, meaning throughout Canada. I’m not an expert, but there is a back feed risk with both these two systems. The transfer switch is legal through out North Armerica. Also, Square D sells a 60 A, 36 circuit generator panel as opposed to the typical 6 to 10 circuit transfer switch. So, if you get that panel, you won’t have to compromise on low power stuff, such as lights everywhere, garage door opener (where you store your generator), etc. Here’s what I found why the Interlock system is not approved for sale in all of Canada: “The reason why load center interlock kit is not CSA approved is because CSA requires that the interlock intention cannot be defeated if the panel cover is removed. Since the kit is an add-on to the panel, when you remove the panel cover, the interlock is removed, thus making the solution ilegal.”

[@BillyBobDingledorf]

This video completely ignores that generators of the size in the video is typically 120V. Contrary to popular belief, US homes are 240V. HALF of your outlets would not be powered.

[@danburch9989]

That generator has 240vac output. You can tell by the 4 wire connection at the inlet box and on the generaor. Max output is bout 18 amps conjtinuous.

[@tjvaichus]

Wait, codes in my area prevent me from putting a 15amp outlet within 5 ft of water yet this entire 200 amp panel is inches away from potential rain water if that garage door was left open during a storm? 🤔

[@steveloux4709]

That is not a code of the United States. Where are you located?

[@tjvaichus]

@@steveloux4709 CT. Inspector wanted receptacle 5 ft from bathtub

[@steveloux4709]

@@tjvaichus interesting. I still was thinking of an outdoor environment. The CT inspector may be enforcing a code that appeared in the 2020 update in section 406.9(C). The code says 3’ horizontally from the bathtub rim or shower stall threshold shall not contain receptacles (there are a couple of exceptions). Not sure where 5’ came from.

[@quazy1328]

With that tiny generator he will have issues running a refrigerator and HVAC.

[@jesstreloar7706]

I did not see where the utility power was isolated from the generator. Yes the meter was pulled isolating the house but that is not something you would do during a power outage. At a minimum the main on the house panel should have to be open for the generator to supply power.

[@bobhall6069]

I believe when they flip the switch on the transfer switch, it actually disconnects that circuit from the utilities solving your issue. I would recommend shutting the generator of before transferring those circuits back.

[@rvbcabo0se]

Yeah the transfer switch prevents generator feedback, when you flick the switch over it moves to the middle position which breaks utility power making feedback impossible (assuming installed correctly I guess), so you don't have to worry if the power comes back on while the generator is running.

[@billycable6714]

Not all transfer swit he's are automatic, some are, some require turning the main breaker off

[@howtodoitdude1662]

Your selected circuits are tied into the transfer switch. The switches on the transfer switch determines where you get the power, either from the generator or the main. It’s how its wired, unfortunately it wasn’t shown in the video.

[@ed6837]

The transfer switches are single pole double throw to each switch for each circuit selects generator or utility power. The one not selected is isolated.

[@toneystevens5023]

They never talk about keeping the generator out of the rain and snow.

[@Confoil]

They never talk about keeping your fingers out of the generator's flywheel either.

[@marcodm]

Its all rusted. Install him a new main.

[@HAMRADIOJOE4178]

HOPE HIS WIFE HAS A GOOD ARM TO START THAT GEN.

[@tjvaichus]

Just back feed your panel through your dryer outlet. Saves about $5k hiring some know-it-all 😂

[@addminusDIY]

Lol not dryer, electric stove outlet

[@tjvaichus]

@@addminusDIY why not, dryer is 30 amp outlet. Plenty for a 10k kw

[@avi-tar2827]

Yeah, and when the linemen are out there for repairs after a storm, they get zapped by your back-fed power. If you're going to do that, open your main breaker, at least. That's what the interlock does.

[@tjvaichus]

@@avi-tar2827 well that goes without saying to turn off the main lol

[@howtodoitdude1662]

Not safe for the linesman and for your generator if you forget to close your main.

[@shilra2272]

Bring back the original this old House crew. These new guys have no idea what they’re doing just like what they did with top gear from the UK.

[@mahomv9824]

This way would be better, if all the houses can be connected, that generator will be overloaded and burn out.. That interlock system is good for when the generator has enough power for all the appliances in the house.

[@steveloux4709]

Maybe it wasn't clear, but the idea is you turn off the loads that exceed the capacity of the generator. If the generator gets overloaded, it will stall or the breaker will trip. It will not burn out and no long-term damage would result.

[@ed6837]

If you overload the generator the generator breaker will trip no damage.

[@dieselchild]

That generator sucks it’s so friggin loud!!! They should have used a Honda like mine you could talk and hear yourself over it.

[@jtstacey83]

You won't care how loud it is when the power goes out. Plus the generator was a gift from his father-in-law. So free is always better than spending a couple thousand on a Honda. The only issue I see is fuel. Went 10 days without power after Hurricane Sally and the 50 gallons I had on hand didn't last long. Took almost a week before fuel shortages stopped which was made worse by tourists deciding it would be fun to sightsee hurricane damage.

[@askaltheoriginal8319]

a year later .... in Gaza

[@ncooty]

I completely understand why people want to have back-up plans. However, I wish we spent at least as much ensuring that our infrastructure worked for everyone rather than relying on additional purchases so that wealthier people are insulated from the consequences of poor infrastructure, whether it's electricity, water quality, healthcare, education, the judicial system, etc. That is, I'd rather spend more for a durable civil infrastructure that works for everyone than rely on "up-charges" that insulate the wealthy. Some things we all deserve.

[@donc-m4900]

We can't afford it.

[@rustyshackle917]

Socialism is a dirty word in this country for some reason. The libertarian in me does like the idea of not being dependent on government.

[@krockpotbroccoli65]

​@@rustyshackle917Because socialism is soft communism. Soft communism leads to hard communism. Nobody besides the foolish or the delusional want that.

[@RandomTechWZ]

He made the wrong choice.

[@paulh1745]

Why wasn’t there any mention of the quality and purity of the power generated by that gas powered generator? That generator did not look like any inverter generator I have ever seen. It looks like something that might be used on a construction site to power construction tools. Doesn’t the electricity have to meet a cleanliness standard in order not to damage electronic equipment?

[@BattlestarCanada]

UPS and Voltage Regulators can help to clean it up. But generally the generator will output at a nominal voltage

[@nicholasvalera1298]

Total Harmonic Distortion or THD is the metric used for how clean the power is. Although this guy had to be told to run the generator only outside, those concepts might be a little over his head.

[@tylerwatt12]

@@BattlestarCanada Only online UPS's (which are somewhat rare) will clean up dirty power. The regular Line Interactive ones will happily pass through dirty generator power, and often flop between generator and battery constantly

[@tylerwatt12]

It's not as bad as some people make it out to be. Most new name-brand generators do "enough" to send clean power to sensitive electronics. I had a Champion 7kw non-inverter generator running my house for a couple years. I had computers, servers, high end AVR and sound systems, smart home switches, and LED wafer lights, nothing died. In the end, I saved up and got an inverter generator when I had the money.

[@bobroberts2371]

Computers and many modern electronic devices use switching power supplies. These take AC and rectify it to DC then chop it up at high frequency AC. This allows for very small , light weight transformers to adjust voltage. These power supplies are generally not sensitive to wave forms / distortion.

[@David-kh2gk]

Now I can power my AC using my neighbors gas in his car!

[@jtstacey83]

you laugh but when a major hurricane heads our way we fill up all our vehicles and gas cans to ensure we have plenty of fuel for our generator. On my old Ford, I have a duel tank and have siphoned gas out of it to use in my generator.

[@ig_foobar]

Never buy transfer panels from Reliance Controls. They are unsafe and the company is very unethical.