Hooking up a Generator?

Here's a link to ESA's page of instructions for generator connection;
http://www.esasafe.com/GeneralPublic/sgi_003.php?s=24

I'm amazed at how many people still think a generator can be connected to a home's electrical system during a power failure by simple backfeeding a dryer receptacle, for example. As ESA says, you must use a manual or automatic transfer switch for a permanent installation. In you are using a portable generator a manual transfer switch can be used or a dedicated generator panel where certain essential circuits are re-routed from the main service, and the feed from the generator (which can be made on the outside of the building)can be made safely.

Any other "temporary" connection has the potential to seriously injure a lineman and or damage other service equipment served by the same power lines. As always, it is best to hire a qualified contractor and have the work inspected by ESA.

Here's a couple more sites with good information on portable generator connection:
http://www.oru.com/energyandsafety/storms/portablegenerators.html
http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_Hurricane_Facts/grounding_port_generator.pdf
http://www.generatorsolutions.ca/generlink/

Armishaw Electric
davearmishaw@live.ca