How to Hook up a Generator to a House

When the power goes out, having a generator can make all the difference. But hooking it up the wrong way can be dangerous, damaging your electrical system or even causing backfeed that puts utility workers at risk. There are a few ways to connect a generator to your home, and some are much safer than others.

The best and safest way is with a transfer switch, which lets you power your home without the risks of extension cords or backfeeding. If you want a permanent solution without the hassle, Schedule an Estimate and we’ll install a whole home generator that takes care of power outages automatically.

Choosing the Right Connection Method

How you hook up a generator to your house depends on the type of generator you have and how much power you need. Some methods are safer and more reliable than others.

1. Transfer Switch (Best Option)

A transfer switch is the safest and most efficient way to connect a generator to your home. It creates a direct connection between your generator and electrical panel, letting you power circuits just like normal.

• Automatic transfer switches work with standby generators and switch power on automatically when an outage happens.
• Manual transfer switches are used with portable generators and require you to flip the switch when needed.
• This method prevents backfeeding, which can be deadly for utility workers and damage your home’s electrical system.

2. Interlock Kit (Budget-Friendly Alternative)

An interlock kit is a manual device installed on your breaker panel that allows a portable generator to power circuits in your home.

• It’s cheaper than a transfer switch but requires careful setup.
• You must manually flip breakers to control which circuits receive power.
• Like a transfer switch, it prevents backfeeding but isn’t as seamless or automatic.

3. Extension Cords (Short-Term Use Only)

For a quick, temporary setup, you can plug appliances directly into your generator using heavy-duty extension cords.

• Only use outdoor-rated, heavy-gauge cords to prevent overheating.
• Never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet—this is called backfeeding and is extremely dangerous.
• This method only powers individual appliances, not your whole house.

For long-term reliability, a transfer switch or a whole home standby generator is the best way to go. It’s safer, more efficient, and takes the hassle out of power outages.

Installing a Transfer Switch (Best Method)

A transfer switch is the safest and most reliable way to hook up a generator to your home. It connects directly to your electrical panel, letting you power circuits without messing with extension cords or risking backfeeding. Here’s how it works.

1. What a Transfer Switch Does

• It isolates your home’s wiring from the utility grid, preventing dangerous backfeed.
• It lets you control which circuits get power, so you’re not wasting fuel on things you don’t need.
• With an automatic transfer switch, a standby generator kicks on by itself during an outage—no manual work required.

2. High-Level Installation Process

• Mount the switch near your electrical panel.
• Wire it to the panel and generator inlet, following manufacturer specs.
• Label the circuits so you know which ones get power during an outage.
• Test the system to ensure everything works correctly.

3. Why It’s the Best Choice

A transfer switch makes running a generator simple. No plugging and unplugging cords, no flipping breakers manually, and no risk of overloading circuits. If you’re using a generator to power your house, this is the way to do it right.

Hooking Up a Portable Generator (Temporary Solution)

If you don’t have a transfer switch, you can still use a portable generator to power essentials in your home. It’s not the most convenient setup, but it works in a pinch.

1. Use Heavy-Duty Extension Cords

• Only use outdoor-rated, heavy-gauge cords that can handle the generator’s power output.
• Check that each cord is long enough to reach appliances without running through windows or doors, which can be a safety risk.

2. Place the Generator in a Safe Spot

• Keep it at least 20 feet away from your home to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Never run it in a garage, even if the door is open.

3. Plug in Essential Appliances

• Stick to high-priority items like refrigerators, freezers, and space heaters.
• Avoid overloading the generator—check the wattage requirements before plugging anything in.

4. Never Backfeed Power

• Never plug the generator into a wall outlet—this is called backfeeding, and it can send power back into the grid, which is extremely dangerous for utility workers and your electrical system.

A portable generator with extension cords is fine for short-term use, but if you’re dealing with frequent outages, a standby generator with a transfer switch is a much safer and more reliable solution.

Why a Whole Home Standby Generator is a Better Solution

Portable generators can get the job done in a pinch, but if you want real peace of mind, a whole home standby generator is the way to go. It’s a permanent, automatic solution that keeps your home powered without the hassle.

1. No Manual Setup

• No hauling out a generator, running extension cords, or flipping breakers in the dark.
• A standby generator kicks on automatically when the power goes out and shuts off when it’s restored.

2. Powers the Whole House

• Portable generators can only handle a few appliances at a time.
• A properly sized standby generator can run your entire home, including HVAC, lights, and major appliances.

3. No Refueling Needed

• Portable generators run on gasoline or propane, which means refueling every few hours.
• A standby generator connects to your home’s natural gas or propane supply, so it runs as long as you need it.

4. Safe and Code-Compliant

• No risk of backfeeding or dangerous fumes.
• Installed to meet local electrical and building codes, keeping your home and family safe.

A whole home standby generator takes all the guesswork out of backup power. No cords, no fuel worries—just reliable power when you need it.

With automatic operation and a steady fuel source, a standby generator keeps your home powered without the hassle. Schedule an Estimate to get a professionally installed system that’s ready when you need it.

Hooking up a generator to your house isn’t something you want to take shortcuts on. A transfer switch is the safest way to connect a generator, while portable units should only be used with proper extension cords—never backfeed power. If you’re tired of dealing with manual setups and fuel refills, a whole home standby generator is the best long-term solution.