When most people think of generators, they think of the ones that are permanently installed in their homes as a backup power source in case of an emergency. However, there is another type of generator that is becoming more and more popular – the portable generator. Portable generators are just that – portable.
They can be easily moved from one place to another, making them perfect for use when you need power away from home. While they are smaller than the permanent generators, they still have the ability to provide electrical power to your home in a time of need. We will discuss how to use a portable generator with extension cords.
If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t have a standby generator. And even if you do, it’s not always practical to run the generator all the time. That’s where portable generators come in handy. Portable generators allow you to power key appliances and devices during outages or emergencies.
But before you can use your portable generator, there are a few things you need to know about how to safely use extension cords with them. We’ll walk you through the basics of using extension cords with portable generators. So the question is generator users is are extension cords safe to use with generators!
Now you don’t need to be an electrician to understand the basics of extension cord safety. But before we get into how to safely use them with your portable generator, let’s go over a few basics about extension cords.
How to use a portable generator with extension cords?
Start by determining the wattage of your generator. This is important because it will determine the size of the extension cord you’ll need to safely operate your generator. To do this, add up the wattage of all the devices and appliances you want to power with your generator. Once you have that number, refer to the chart below to find out what size extension cord you’ll need.
Size of Extension Cord (AWG)* Total Wattage Rating
- 14-gauge Up to 1,875 watts
- 12-gauge Up to 3,600 watts
- 10-gauge Up to 7,200 watts
Now that you know what size extension cord you need, let’s talk about how to safely use it with your portable generator.
When using an extension cord with a portable generator, always make sure the generator is properly grounded. This is important for two reasons. First, it will help protect you from electrical shock in case the generator comes into contact with water. Second, it will help prevent damage to the generator if there is a power surge.
To properly ground your generator, use a grounding rod that is at least 8 feet long and made of copper or galvanized steel. Drive the rod into the ground at least 4 feet from the generator. Attach a copper wire to the grounding rod and attach the other end of the wire to the green grounding terminal on the generator.
Now that your generator is properly grounded, you can safely use an extension cord to power your devices and appliances. Just make sure the cord is rated for the wattage of your generator and that it is long enough to reach from the generator to the outlets you’ll be using.
When using extension cords with portable generators, always remember to follow these safety tips:
• Never use a damaged extension cord. If the cord is frayed or has any other damage, do not use it.
• Make sure the extension cord is rated for the wattage of your generator.
• Do not overload the extension cord. If you are using multiple devices with your generator, make sure the combined wattage does not exceed the rating of the cord.
• Do not run the extension cord through water or any other type of liquid.
• Keep the extension cord away from heat sources.
• Do not use nails or staples to secure the extension cord. This can damage the cord and create a fire hazard.
• Do not leave the extension cord plugged in when you are not using it.
• Always unplug the extension cord before disconnecting it from the generator.
By following these safety tips, you can safely use an extension cord with your portable generator. So when the power goes out, you’ll be prepared to keep your devices and appliances running.
How to connect a portable generator to the home supply?
We will first need to understand how a generator works. A generator is an electrical device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The engine inside the generator turns a shaft, which in turn rotates magnets around a wire coil. This rotating magnetic field induces a current in the wire coil, and voila! You have electricity.
Now that we know how a generator works, let’s talk about how to connect it to your home supply. The first thing you need to do is make sure that your generator is properly grounded. Grounding prevents dangerous voltage surges from damaging your appliances or harming you and your family. To ground your generator, simply drive a metal stake into the ground near the generator and attach a heavy-duty ground wire to the stake and to the generator.
The next step is to connect the generator to your home supply. This can be done with a transfer switch or a manual switch. A transfer switch is a device that allows you to easily switch between your home’s regular supply and the generator. A manual switch is simply a switch that you flip to choose which supply you want to use.
If you are using a transfer switch, all you need to do is attach the two wires from the transfer switch to your generator. If you are using a manual switch, then you will need to run two separate wires from the generator to your home’s breaker box. One wire will be for the hot side of the breaker box and one wire will be for the neutral side.
Now, all you need to do is start up your generator and flip the switch! If you are using a transfer switch, the generator will automatically take over and provide power to your home. If you are using a manual switch, then you will need to flip the switch to the “generator” position. That’s it! You are now providing power to your home with your portable generator.
One final tip: Always make sure that your generator has plenty of ventilation. Generators produce harmful fumes that can build up and cause serious health problems if not properly ventilated.
Make sure that the generator is placed in a well-ventilated area and never run it inside your home.
FAQs:
Q 1) Can I use my portable generator indoors?
A: No, never run a generator indoors. The fumes from the generator can be harmful and cause serious health problems.
Q 2) What kind of outlet do I need to connect my generator to my home supply?
A: You will need a standard 120-volt outlet to connect your generator to your home supply.
Q 3) Can I use my portable generator while it is raining?
A: Yes, you can use your portable generator in the rain. However, be sure to keep it properly ventilated and never run it inside your home.
