How to Safely Hook Up a Generator to Your House
The only safe way to connect a generator to your house is a transfer switch or an interlock kit installed by a licensed electrician, plus a proper inlet outside for the generator cord. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet.
Why a cord into a wall outlet is dangerous
Plugging a generator into a wall outlet can send power back out onto the street lines. That can seriously hurt line workers fixing the outage, or your neighbors. It can also burn up the wiring in your home, and it puts live power on the bare prongs of the cord.
Your three safe options
- Interlock kit: a part on your panel that makes it impossible to have the utility and the generator on at the same time. The lowest cost option for a portable generator.
- Manual transfer switch: a small panel next to your main panel that powers the circuits you pick, like the fridge, furnace and a few lights.
- Standby generator with an automatic transfer switch: turns on by itself within seconds of an outage and can run the whole house.
What size generator you need
A portable generator in the 5,000 to 7,500 watt range covers the basics. A whole house with central AC usually needs a standby generator around 20 to 26 kW. See our generator sizing guide.
Permits
In New Jersey, generator hookups need town permits and inspections. We handle the permits as part of the job.
Frequently asked questions
Can I connect a generator to my house without a transfer switch?
No. Plugging a generator into a wall outlet can send power back onto the utility lines and seriously hurt line workers or neighbors. It can also burn up your wiring. Always use a transfer switch or interlock installed by an electrician.
What’s the difference between a standby and a portable generator?
A standby generator sits outside on a pad, runs on natural gas or propane, and turns on by itself within seconds of an outage. A portable generator has to be wheeled out, started and fueled by hand, and only powers what you connect to it.
What size generator do I need to run my house?
It depends on what you want to keep running. A portable generator in the 5,000 to 7,500 watt range can cover a fridge, some lights, outlets and a furnace fan. Running a whole house with central AC usually takes a standby generator around 20 to 26 kW. An electrician can check your home’s load to size it right.
Do you install Generac generators?
Yes. We install and connect Generac standby generators, including the transfer switch, across Central New Jersey. Each install gets a written quote after a visit.
Is a portable generator a good alternative to a standby generator?
Yes. A portable generator with an interlock kit is a great economical alternative. The interlock kit lets you safely power your essentials, like the fridge, furnace, lights and outlets, straight through your panel. We install interlock kits along with the outdoor inlet for the generator cord.
Serving Central New Jersey
Spartan Home Pros is a locally owned and family operated, licensed and insured electrician and HVAC service company with offices in Hazlet, Bridgewater and Chatham, serving Monmouth, Middlesex, Somerset, Union and Morris counties. Flat upfront prices, 450+ 5-star Google reviews, and a lifetime craftsmanship guarantee. Call or text (908) 287-2187.
