Honda generator and electrical grid

[cgmartine]

Might I ask a question here unrelated to motorhomes? The topic of portable generators often comes up here and on other forums. I am thinking of buying the Honda "Companion" portable generator, and I am wondering if there is a way, in the event of an emergency, to connect it to the house directly, by having an electrician wire up something like a 30 amp receptable to the house, where I would then plug in the 30 amp cord directly from the generator, to eliminate a bunch of electrical cords to the various items I would intend to power. I know I would be limited to just a couple of items unless I had a second generator, which I am also contemplating in buying. Has anyone done this?

[DrewE]

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).

[Mortimer_Brewst]

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

[DiskDoctr]

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.

[bob213]

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.