The Power to Choose Wisely

With generators, watch your hookups and don't go overboard

House Doctor | Gary Dymski

October 30, 2003

Q. You hit close to home with your column on portable generators ("Generators Can Come to the Rescue but Need Care," Oct. 2). But instead of running extension cords to appliances and perhaps a sump pump, is there a way to connect the generator to the circuit breaker panel? - Ted Ramos, Blue Point

A. As I mentioned in the article, generators can be directly connected to specific circuits on a panel by means of a transfer switch. However, this connection is expensive - from about $300 - and should be handled by a licensed electrician. Homeowners considering a direct hookup also should contact their local building department to see if an electrical permit is necessary.

That column "generated" lots of reader response, and some of the best advice came from George Thompson of Briggs & Stratton power equipment. Like me, Thompson believes people shouldn't overreact when buying a generator. Installing big units with transfer switches directly connected to service panels might be a bit much. In the seven years I've lived on Long Island, my home has been without power for an extended period only twice. So, should I spend $6,000 to $10,000 for a generator and a transfer switch?

It seems wiser to buy an affordable generator for less than $1,000 to run a few necessary appliances from extension cords. It's a little elaborate to have home generator systems that actually monitor the utility company's power supply, and, in the event of an outage, use an automatic transfer switch to convert the home to generator power. Again, it's expensive, perhaps from $10,000, for such systems.

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By the way, Diana Stakey, an electrician from Stony Brook, was one reader who responded to the column on home generators with some wise advice. Inappropriate "work around" connections to eliminate extension cords can have tragic consequences, she says. Stakey writes that one common "work around" is connecting the generator output to a clothes dryer receptacle.

The danger in this type of connection is that it can create a situation called "back feeding" - when dangerous electric current is sent into power lines from the generator. Unsuspecting utility line workers trying to make repairs could be critically injured because power from a home generator is sent back into the power line, Stakey says.

Bottom line: Don't take any shortcuts when making connections with a portable generator. Use properly rated extension cords. And leave the installation of transfer switches to professional electrical contractors.