Gas generator wiring to house

[Gary H]

I have a 3600W gas generator. Instead of running extension cords around in the house l was told another way to get power. First after the power goes out you trip the house main breaker. Then you can run 1 extension cord into the house and plug in a short male/male cord and that can go in any 120V outlet. So you can use any 120V devices (not over the generators amperage) that are on the same leg in your house breaker box.
Sounds crazy but it sounds possible.

 

[John Gayewski]

I have a 3600W gas generator. Instead of running extension cords around in the house l was told another way to get power. First after the power goes out you trip the house main breaker. Then you can run 1 extension cord into the house and plug in a short male/male cord and that can go in any 120V outlet. So you can use any 120V devices (not over the generators amperage) that are on the same leg in your house breaker box.
Sounds crazy but it sounds possible.

Why not install the proper switch box and one cord to the panel?

 

[Sponsor]

 

[wwhitney]

I have a 3600W gas generator. Instead of running extension cords around in the house l was told another way to get power. First after the power goes out you trip the house main breaker. Then you can run 1 extension cord into the house and plug in a short male/male cord and that can go in any 120V outlet. So you can use any 120V devices (not over the generators amperage) that are on the same leg in your house breaker box.
Sounds crazy but it sounds possible.

Illegal and dangerous for two reasons: (1) the male-male cord is an electrocution waiting to happen and should never be made (2) relying on the user to turn on and off the main breaker in the correct sequence is not sufficiently safe for electric utility workers.

The correct way to allow the use of a portable generator like that is to install a dedicated breaker that is mechanically interlocked with the main breaker (so that both can never be on at once), and connect the dedicated breaker to a flanged inlet that accepts the female end of an appropriate extension cord.

Cheers, Wayne

 

[Fitter30]

Generator panel left. Have well.pump, water heater, refrigerator, tv, internet, some lights, ceiling fans, 5k btu window ac and gas stove. Generator ,cook stove and cast stove for heat all lp 500 gallon tank. Window unit is for ac when needed keep it in a closet. Use a generator outdoor reciprocal and a 10 'generator cord. Gen mounted on a cart with 10" wheels to move it easily.

 

[Afjes]

As already mentioned but wanted to stress the safety issue is if the sequence of changing over the panel power is not followed correctly (according to your method) it is possible that an accident can occur by you sending power thru you lines up to the utility pole and to any linemen working on the lines even far away. Yes, you could zap them. It's more technical than that but I wanted to get you to understand how dangerous it is.

Also mentioned, but want to stress again is using an extension cord and plugging it into a receptacle to power the panel. What you will end up with is what they call a "suicide cord". In order to plug the cord into a receptacle you will have to have the male end available for the receptacle. This male end exposes you or anyone plugging it in to electrical current on the ends of the prongs. Thus another zap possibility.

Fitter30 post #4 gave a nice example of what can be set up to accomplish what you want but there are other methods that are just as safe and actually can be done by a DIYer if you feel post #4 may be a bit too complicated for your ability.

You can install on the outside of your house a generator inlet. Run a line from the inlet to your panel. Install an interlock device on your panel so that the main breaker can not be on at the same time the generator breaker is on so that you will never send power up to the utility lines in error.

Doing it our way instead of your way will make it even easier for someone else other than yourself if you are not available (home at the time) to run the generator properly/safely if power goes out.

 

[Fitter30]

If your the only one in a household to operate the generator might want to rethink that. Added the generator panel to make it easy for anyone to change power over.
From starting the gen to flipping breakers.