A portable generator can provide emergency power to your home in the event of a power outage. It doesn't need to power all the appliances in your home, just the ones you deem necessary, such as your lights, TV and refrigerator. Here are some simple steps to connect a portable generator to your home.
Step 1:
Identify the most important appliances in your home that you can't live without. A gasoline generator with a power of about 2.2 kW should be enough for lamps, TVs, fans, refrigerators and freezers. The generator's packaging usually states that it can produce 12 hours of continuous power with a full tank of fuel.
Step 2:
Make a list of the appliances you want to use. Write down the voltage of each appliance so you know how much power it will consume in the event of an emergency. For example, microwave ovens typically consume 1,500 watts, fluorescent lights about 150 watts, and refrigerators between 1,200 and 1,500 watts, but they have a capacitor that temporarily boosts the voltage when the compressor is running. Depending on the model and size, televisions can consume up to 1000 watts, fans up to 500 watts, etc.
Step 3:
Select a power supply. Generators can be connected to the house through various systems. Contact your local electric company to inquire about generator installation requirements. It is not advisable to consult these bureaucratic rules on the internet as many people seek advice on matters they do not understand. Instead, contact your local supplier directly.
It is worth investing in a manual circuit breaker. This type of device is a bit more expensive and requires a professional to install it properly and safely. This is the only way to ensure that the generator won't accidentally hit someone, including you.
Step 4:
Install the Junction Box. This junction box is located on the outside of the cabinet and has a plug. This allows you to connect the circuit board for the system installed in your home. You may already have a receiver in your home. To ensure safety and compliance with regulations, installation should only be done by professionals. Failure to do so could result in injury to you or others.
Step 5:
There are thousands of tips on the internet to avoid the risk of electrical accidents and fires. Generator fuel is highly flammable. If you refuel yourself, there is a risk of sparks and other fire hazards. Try not to use the generator in a dishwasher or washing machine and never connect the generator directly to the fuse box.
Step 6:
Ask an electrician or electrical engineer to check the installation. This is especially important if you have no experience with electronic equipment. It's important to have this check done to protect your family from insurance companies that may refuse to pay out compensation if your house is destroyed in a fire due to faulty electrical wiring.
Step 7:
Place the generator as far away from the house as possible. Use the cord connected to the generator and make sure it is as long as possible. This distance is necessary to prevent a house fire from breaking out in the event of a generator failure. This is a basic generator safety rule that should not be ignored.
Step 8:
Connect the generator to the electrical switch box. Connect the hole in the end of the generator cable into the teeth the electrical switch box. Connect the power cord to an electrical outlet.
Step 9:
Connect the generator power cord. A cord is usually connected to the generator. Connect it, select the appropriate voltage and repeat the process for the other side and the receiver.
Step 10:
Check that the engine valve is in the correct position and that there is enough fuel. Depending on the location, the engine may need to be preheated with spark plugs.
Step 11:
Start the generator engine. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 12:
Turn the system on and off. Provide access to the fuse box. Release the main control lever and operate the alternator lever.
Step 13:
Lift the lever. Slowly lift the knobs on the disconnected system one at a time.
Step 14:
Proceed in reverse order. To restore the energy coming from the street again, just reverse the order of operations.
Note:
Contact the generator installation companies and power suppliers in your town for advice and support! Working with the power grid can be very dangerous. If you are unsure of what you are doing, it is best to consult a professional.
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