Obtaining Electricity from the Generator

OBTAINING ELECTRICITY FROM THE GENERATOR

There are basically 2 ways to obtain electricity from a generator:

1.Use of extension cords directly from the generator to the appliance, lights, tools, etc.

2.Use of a double-throw transfer switch installed directly to the main electrical supply outside of house.

EXTENSION CORDS

When using an appliance or tool at a considerable distance from the generator, a 3-wire extension cord that has a 3- blade grounding plug and a 3-slot recep- tacle that accepts the tool's plug MUST be used in order to reduce the risk of electrical shock. A cord of adequate size must be used. Using the following chart to determine the minimum wire size re- quired.

An extension cord that is hot to the touch is

overloaded. Repair or replace damaged extension cords immediately.

Extension Cord Wire Gauge Chart

Cord	Wire		Amperage
Length	Gauge		Amperage
Length	Gauge
	Size
0 to 100 ft.	12 ga.	1	Up to 20 amp draw

0 to 100 ft.	10 ga.	2	Up to 30 amp draw

0 to 100 ft.	8 ga.		Up to 40 amp draw

1.When amperage exceeds 20 amp; a 12 gauge extension cord should not be used for long distances.

2.When amperage exceeds 30 amp; a 10 gauge extension cord should not be used for long distances.

DOUBLE THROW TRANSFER SWITCH

Potential hazards exist when a portable electric generator is connected to the main electrical supply coming into the house.

It is at that point that the electrical generator could feed back into the utility company's system causing possible electrocution of workers who are repairing the electrical lines.

To avoid back feeding of electricity into utility systems, a double-throw transfer switch must be installed between the generator and utility power. The Double- Throw Transfer Switch should be installed by a licensed electrician and in com- pliance with all state and local electrical codes. (When installing a Double-

Throw Transfer Switch, a minimum of 10 gauge wiring must be used.)

The electrician should also install a sub-panel to isolate the circuits you would want to use during an emergency or electrical power outage. Your generator will not be large enough to handle the load of all the lights, appliances, TV, etc. at one time. To select which items to run during the electrical power outage, see Wattage Calculation section in this manual.

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