![]() ![]() If a receptacle has a 20-amp circuit breaker, then it could supply 20 amps of current, and a 12-gauge extension cord is the minimum size.Ī common mistake is to size the cord by the appliance requirement. Size extension cords based on the current that the generator receptacle is capable of supplying. Only use outdoor extension cords with the correct gauge wire. Tip: After disconnecting power from the generator, turn the fuel valve to off and let it burn the remaining gasoline. Finally, the generator is turned off, allowed to cool, and put away. The generator main breaker is turned off, which removes power from the cable and receptacle panel. The manual transfer switch is returned to utility mode to restore power to the home. When the utility restores power, the process is reversed. Individual circuits in the transfer switch are ready to receive power. After it warms up, the generator’s main breaker is turned to on. With the manual transfer switch in the generator position and the generator main breaker turned OFF, the homeowner starts the generator. The dedicated power cable plugs into the generator panel and into the inlet box. When a power outage occurs, the homeowner moves the portable outside for placement in a safe location that won’t gather standing water or allow deadly exhaust to enter the home. Returning the switch to the utility reverses the action and reconnects utility power. ![]() When that happens, the circuits supplied by the generator are isolated from the utility lines and connected to the generator lines. It is a manual device that requires a human to throw the switch from utility to generator. During an outage, the portable generator supplies electricity through a dedicated generator cable that connects the generator to an inlet box which feeds power to the switch.Ī manual transfer switch is exactly what its name states. Circuit breakers in a dedicated panel controlled by the switch distribute electricity to the circuits chosen at installation. Backfeeding is Dangerous and Illegal. Never Backfeed Your House With a Generator.Ī manual transfer switch is the best way to connect your essential circuits to the generator. Never connect a generator to a home through an appliance outlet. Buy an extension cord that matches your generator outlet. Tip: A 30-Amp Cord will have a different plug than a 50-Amp Cord. It’s also possible to power a 120/240-volt Appliance like an electric dryer. Appliances without a cord and plug like furnaces, central air conditioners, electric ranges, electric water heaters, and most well pumps fall into this category.ġ20/240-Volt Extension Cords: These extension cords may have multiple outlets on one end and a single, 120/240-Volt outlet on the other. However, permanently wired appliances won’t receive power this way. This method works fine for appliances such as refrigerators and freezers, or a sump pump that is keeping the basement dry during a storm. Plug an appliance into the extension cord. Plug the cord into the generator receptacle. The appliance power ratings suggested are indicative only.120-Volt Extension Cords: Connecting appliances to a portable generator with extension cords is the most basic option. Here’s our guide to the current ratings of commonly-used domestic appliances. Alternating current (AC) is used to supply things like houses, buildings and mains connected appliances. However, in alternating current (AC) the electric current changes direction at 50 times per second (50 Hz or hertz) in the UK supply.Īn example of direct current would be a battery powered torch. For direct current (DC) the electric current flows only in one direction. The labels ‘AC’ and ‘DC’ are used to describe the types of current flow in a circuit. In terms of the hosepipe example, this would refer to the amount of water being released. The higher the wattage is, the more power and output from the appliance. WattsĪmps multiplied by Volts equals Watts, which is the measurement used to determine the amount of energy. In keeping with the earlier example, you could think of volts as the water pressure in the hosepipe, which makes the water flow. Volts are the measurement used to determine how much force is needed to cause the electric current to flow. The more water flowing through the hosepipe, the stronger the current is. You should think of electric current as the flow of water through a hosepipe. Amps x Volts = WattsĪmps measure the flow of electricity as an electric current. Amps to Watts FormulaĪlternatively to using the calculator, here are some basic equations which allow you to calculate the missing information on your own. Find out how to convert Watts to Amps here or how to calculate Ohm's Law here. ![]()
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