A transfer switch prevents electricity from flowing simultaneously between your portable generator and the utility grid. It is mounted next to your home circuit breaker box and can operate manually or automatically.

In the event of a blackout, you can power several appliances to include the refrigerator, television, lights and even your sump pump. However, you must first position the generator into place no less than 15 feet from your home to prevent carbon monoxide consumption.

One way to provide power is to run extension cords from the generator to your lights and appliances. This can be inconvenient and unwieldy while making it difficult to operate some critical circuits like the furnace fan or well pump.

Another way is to connect the portable generator directly to your household wiring by installing a manual transfer switch. This will permit the use of only one cord to provide electricity to several or all of your most important household circuits, including the furnace fan and well pump. Bear in mind the National Electrical Code mandates that a transfer switch be properly installed for safety precautions.

By way of comparison, permanently installed standby generators come with transfer switches that automatically kick in when the utility power goes down. Conversely, the transfer switch for portable generators is an additional cost item that can average $200 to $500 depending on the total circuitry and wattage requirements.

It is highly recommended that you engage the services of a licensed electrician to install the transfer switch and connect it with the main breaker box. Although most transfer kits come with excellent instructions for the do-it-yourself person, you always run the risk of creating a back-feed through the utility lines should you innocently make an error while wiring. This can cause severe damage to equipment, as well as death to those who might be working to restore power in your vicinity.

The transfer switch contains several circuits and the electrician can assign each circuit to a different load. This provides efficient management of usage and extends the effectiveness of the portable generator. When the utility power goes out, you simply plug your generator into the transfer switch, start it up, and flip the transfer switch from the Utility position to the Generator position.

For convenience, you might wish to purchase a remote power inlet box to be installed in a location away from the actual transfer switch unit itself. This would permit plugging into a separate receptacle that is positioned closer to the operating generator. You can then have a shorter and less cumbersome master cord running from the generator all the way to the switch panel inside the house.

In summary, the procedure works like this:

When the utility company power goes out:

1. Plug the generator cord into the transfer switch or optional power inlet box.
   
2. Turn all circuit breakers in the transfer unit to the off position.
   
3. Start the generator and give it time to warm up.
   
4. Flip the main breakers in the transfer unit to the Generator position.
   
5. Turn on the desired circuits individually to prevent overloading the generator.

Once power is restored:

1. Turn the main breakers in the transfer unit back to Utility Power.
   
2. Turn on any other circuits that were turned off.
   
3. Turn off the generator.
   
4. Disconnect the cords.

For more information about home generator systems and ways to ensure maximum power during a utility blackout, visit: http://www.homegeneratorsite.com/emergency-power.php

When emergencies arise, even a used portable generator will mean the whole world for you. There are many situations that can cause power failure. Emergencies seem to be more frequent, and more often than not thousands of people are left without power for extended lengths of time. Preparedness is the key in managing these situations.

Having electric power apart from food, water and blankets is a major benefit. Although electricity might not be on the top of your basic needs, you will find that with it, you are still able to take care of most everyday things in your life. Even a used portable generator will not leave you in an empty hole without light and means of communication. A used portable generator is just the solution when you are in a tight budget.

Besides in cases of emergency, a used portable generator is practical for occasional and intermittent use like for camping, on a boat or in situations when you might be at a remote location without access to electricity. The generator will allow you to live with many of the same luxuries you enjoy at home.

Electric generators are pricey, even the portable ones. When looking into purchasing a generator, you will find that they can be quite costly. If your budget is tight, instead of looking at the lower quality models, it is worthwhile to look into buying a used portable generator. You might find just what you are looking for: a good quality generator at a relatively low price.

You can find online sites dedicated to user reviews of generators. It is a great forum for learning what people love and hate about their model. You will find useful information that will help you in determining the right generator for your needs and what brand or model will best suit your requirements. You might also find reviews on some older models that can be useful if you want to buy a used portable generator.

These online sites will be full of information about the details you might want to know about portable generators. You can look into what wattage you might need, and find out about fuel consumption, noise level, and other important considerations when choosing a used portable generator.

The Internet is an invaluable resource if you want to search for a used portable generator. You can read from reviews and information about different models, you will also be able to locate people who are selling their generator. So many people advertise and deal online that you are likely to find one close enough so you can go and have a look at it. Of course you need to be sure that the generator is not too old since aside from it might be loud and inefficient, it will most likely not be worth having it. The potential for great savings in money might also be a potential for big headaches.

When you decide to buy a used portable generator, make sure to look for any damage that may have been caused by fungus or corrosion, especially if you live in a coastal location. Note the sound of the generator and whether or not it is the right size for you. Ask any necessary questions of the owner such as how long he has had the generator and what it has been used for. Ask what he likes about it and what he doesn’t. If the seller is honest, you will have a good understanding of whether this is the generator for you, or not.

Even with a used portable generator, when emergencies occur you will be ready for any unexpected power outage and you will feel safer and more secure.

The last couple of years many portable electric generators are sold. Many of these generators are user as a backup for the household electricity. But these small generators are also used for outdoor activities like camping or hunting. And because of the electrical power they generate, safety is a very important issue. It is a fact that generators made by well known manufacturers, are built conform strict safety rules. But if not properly installed or operated even the safest generator can become a lethal hazard! In this article I will give you some tips to avoid the most common mistakes.

My first tip is: read the Instruction Manual that you received when buying your generator. It is important that you know the basics of operating the generator. If you have to read the manual during an emergency for the first time you will loose too much time that is needed elsewhere. So read the manual NOW. If you lost your manual, then you can always download a copy of it at the website of the manufacturer of your generator. Be sure to have the type or serial code of your generator at hand (in case of doubt check the identification data on your generator), so you can be sure to download the right manual.

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) offer a checklist for portable generator owners. First of all they recommend that a qualified, licensed electrician should install portable electric generators to ensure that they meet local electrical codes. Because power from incorrectly installed generators can backfeed along power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including line workers making repairs.

• Make sure your generator is properly grounded.
• Keep the generator dry.
• Make sure extension cords used with generators are rated for the load, and are free of cuts and worn insulation and have three-pronged plugs.
• Do not overload the generator. A portable generator should be used only when necessary and only to power essential equipment or appliances.
• Never operate the generator in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. Use carbon monoxide detectors in nearby enclosed spaces to monitor levels. Generators can produce high levels of carbon monoxide very quickly, which can be deadly.
• Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to help prevent electrocutions and electrical shock injuries. Portable GFCIs require no tools to install and are available at prices ranging from $12 to $30.
• Make sure fuel for the generator is stored safely, away from living areas, in properly labeled containers and away from fuel-burning appliances. Before re-fueling, always turn the generator off and let it cool down.
• Turn off all appliances powered by the generator before shutting down the generator.
• Keep children away from portable generators at all times.

I hope you find these tips useful and help you use your generator in the most safe way.