We’ve all experienced that unfamiliar silence when the power goes out and suddenly all the electronics turn off. Sometimes it’s not a quick fix. You might have to break into your emergency food stash and start figuring out how your family will operate for the next few days.
Or, if you’ve planned ahead, all you have to do is take out your portable generator, set it up, and more or less continue your routine.
PDX Electric explains how to utilize a portable generator safely and effectively, so your home can stay powered with all the essentials when there’s a power outage.
Table of Contents
- Can a Portable Generator Power a House?
- Common Questions About a Portable Generator That Can Power a House
- What Upgrades Are Typically Needed for a Portable Generator To Power a House?
- Let the Professionals at PDX Electric Ensure Your Home Is Ready for a Portable Generator
Can a Portable Generator Power a House?
Yes, but a portable generator that can power a house must have sufficient wattage, and not to exceed the capacity of the generator.
Hooking up a generator to power a house is not as simple as plugging it into the wall and running it outside with an extension cord, however. Your electric panel may need an upgrade to accommodate these connections. PDX Electric can take care of it for you.
Can a Portable Generator Be the Only Power Source for a House?
Yes. Although they aren’t intended to be used over an extended period of time, portable generators can power the necessary appliances in a house in the short-term if they are properly maintained.
If you are operating a generator, carefully follow all manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the safety of the household and of any electricians working on lines connected to your home.
Common Questions About a Portable Generator That Can Power a House
How Is a Portable Generator Connected to a House?
Don’t let the urgency of needing electricity cause you to take shortcuts when it comes to restoring power. A safe connection between a home and a portable generator is a transfer switch or interlock kit. These must be installed ahead of time, so don’t wait until the storm comes to consider your options.
A transfer switch allows your portable generator to power whole circuits, which supply hardwired appliances like your sump pump or water heater, with the simple flip of a switch on your breaker panel. It effectively allows your home to draw electricity from the generator instead of the power grid. The generator is plugged into an external outlet, which is connected to the transfer switch.
The interlock kit, a less expensive option, is installed on your existing breaker panel. It ensures that the home doesn’t draw power from the generator and from the power grid at the same time, and it prevents backfeeding into power lines under construction.
What Size Portable Generator Is Needed To Power a House?
Portable generators have varying capacities, ranging from 2,000 to 12,000 watts. To decide which one is appropriate for your home, calculate the number of watts your appliances use and add them up. Consider the wattage required to run them and to get the motors running (starting wattage).
You will probably have to sacrifice the use of appliances that are not strictly necessary in favor of those you absolutely need, as the portable generator is not designed to replace the regular power source.
What Appliances Should Not Be Powered by a Portable Generator?
Certain appliances use too much wattage to be powered by a portable generator. Of course, it depends on the capacity of the generator and the specific demand of the appliances, as well as the timing of their use.
Use of electric water heaters, refrigerators, dryers, HVAC systems, and other high-energy appliances may need to be staggered to avoid overloading the generator.
Is It Safe To Plug a Portable Generator Directly Into a Wall Outlet?
Plugging a portable generator into a wall outlet is neither legal nor safe. Risks of doing so include:
- Damage to electrical appliances and the system as a whole
- Electric shocks or fires
- Electrocution of utility workers
A portable generator can only be safely connected by way of a transfer switch or interlock kit. PDX Electric can perform the necessary upgrades to your system to enable you to operate a portable generator without fear of danger or damage.
Can a Portable Generator Run My HVAC System?
An operational HVAC system during a power outage is a luxury that most portable generators cannot accommodate.
Yours may, however, be able to power smaller appliances, such as a window unit or a gas furnace blower, allowing you to maintain some degree of comfort. Meanwhile, the most essential appliances are fully operational.
What Upgrades Are Typically Needed for a Portable Generator To Power a House?
There’s no need to run extension cords all over the place to connect your appliances to the generator. Usually, all that’s needed is an upgrade to your electrical system. PDX Electric can install an inlet and interlock kit, which establishes a connection between your portable generator and your breaker panel.
How Do I Maintain a Portable Generator?
Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for how to keep your portable generator in safe working condition. General tips for maintenance include:
- Changing the spark plug and air filter seasonally
- Draining fuel before storage
- Plugging the battery into a trickle charger
- Running it every month for a few minutes to lubricate the parts
- Ensuring it has fresh oil seasonally or after about 100 hours of use, following an initial oil change after 30 hours of use
While PDX Electric doesn’t offer maintenance on portable generators, if your electrical panel is acting up, we can help!tions or concerns about your generators or whether they need any upgrades, contact us, and we can help.
Let the Professionals at PDX Electric Ensure Your Home Is Ready for a Portable Generator
Whether you need a repair, upgrade, or replacement, PDX Electric is here to provide you with a reliable and timely solution. Besides an upgrade to your electric panel to accommodate a portable generator, we also offer the following professional services:
- Switch and outlet installation
- Electrical panel repair
- Lighting installation
- Hot tub wiring installation
- Home electrical inspections
- Remodeling electrical work
- EV charger installation
Having served the greater Portland area for the last two decades, we promise to provide honest, upfront estimates, flexible scheduling, and close communication with our customers.
Call us today to schedule a visit by one of our insured, licensed professional technicians.
