How to Wire a Portable Generator | Ask This Old House

Summary by Krater

This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey and electrician master demonstrate how to safely wire a portable generator to a home's electrical system using a transfer switch and an interlock kit.

From the video

Answers: How do you wire a portable generator to a house safely?

• portable generator safety
• transfer switch installation
• generator interlock kit
• CO Sense technology
• backup power management

What it concludes

• Portable generators must always be operated outside to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• A transfer switch or interlock kit must be used to prevent generator power from backfeeding into utility lines.
• When using a transfer switch, circuits must be pre-selected and limited to the generator's capacity.
• An interlock kit allows the main breaker and generator breaker to be mechanically interlocked so they cannot both be turned on at the same time.