Honda generator and electrical grid

SAR Tracker wrote:
Here in Central Oregon, we have "emergencies" once in a while. I just run an extension cord inside from the generator to a power strip, running the fridge, freezer, TV, and laptops. Longest I've had to run them is 28 hours. Normally, the generator stays in the garage.

I really hope you shut off the main beaker to your house when you do a jury rigged approach like this. Otherwise you can send 120V power out to the lines where people are working. This could hurt or kill them!!!!!!!!

Mortimer Brewster, that is a great article. The third option, the breaker interlock, is exactly what I pictured in my mind. I believe I could do it myself, but just to be extra safe, I will hire an electrician to do it for me. I am buying the Honda Companion generator next week, and as soon as I can, I will buy the second generator. These generators are supposed to be linked together to give them greater capacity. Here in Southern California, we do have fires, but not those destructive calamities like in the rest of the country, and I just want to be as prepared as possible. Thanks to everyone for their input.

Yes, it's called a Generator transfer switch.

I did this myself about 10 years ago and it's great.

it's only a 120v 6 circuit setup, but it keeps my fridges, select lights, computer, TV and fish tank and also some other select outlets going in the house and is a lot better than a running extension cords all over the place.

I've got a Honda 3000i generator and it works great.

Here in Central Oregon, we have "emergencies" once in a while. I just run an extension cord inside from the generator to a power strip, running the fridge, freezer, TV, and laptops. Longest I've had to run them is 28 hours. Normally, the generator stays in the garage.

As others have said, it can be done, but you must have a proper transfer switch setup to be legal (and keep the linemen safe, and make sure you don't try to power the neighborhood with your little generator). Mortimer Brewster's link is nice and clear, and the described setup looks to me to be done properly to code.

Incidentally, the connector for the house would be an inlet, not an outlet, and would be male, rather than female. The side of the connector that supplies mains power is invariably female so you don't have exposed live prongs when things are unplugged. Any setup that can permit a live male plug is dangerous and should not be used (and usually contrary to code and so illegal).

It’s definitely doable. This article explains some options.

Feeding a house normally uses 240V, as most breaker panels have separate and alternating 120v breaker sockets.

It *can* be done, but only one side and would require an appropriate lockout device that doesn't allow power in from the generator while the mains breakers are on.

My neighbor had an electrician wire his open frame contractor generator to his main box at his house so I would say yes it can be done. Don't know if a 2000w generator would do a whole lot but it would be better than nothing. I would make sure to have an electrician do it.