Installation / Initial Set-Up
25
In addition to isolating your generator from the utility system, the transfer switch connects
your generator to a limited set of circuits in your building that have been chosen as critical
to operate during a power outage.
The generator may not power your entire home -- you must work with the installing
electrician to determine which devices/appliances you wish to power during an outage.
The electrician can help you determine which circuits and devices can be powered
simultaneously without overloading the generator.
Note: See Power Load Planning &
Management
in the previous section for more
information on load application and selection.
Using as a Portable
Power Source
When using the generator as a portable power source, you can plug electric devices
and appliances directly into the generator’s electrical outlets
.
There are different kinds of electrical outlets on your generator:
1.
120 Volt, 20 Amp duplex straight-blade receptacles GFCI (NEMA 5-20R duplex
receptacle compatible with NEMA 5-20P or 5-15P mating plugs).
2.
120 Volt, 30 Amp locking receptacle (NEMA L5-30R receptacle compatible with
NEMA L5-30P mating plug).
3.
120/240 Volt, 30 Amp locking receptacle (NEMA L14-30R receptacle compatible
with NEMA L14-30P mating plug).
4.
120/240 Volt, 50 Amp receptacle (NEMA 14-50R receptacle compatible with
NEMA 14-50P mating plug).
5.
Make sure you plug each electrical device/appliance into the correct generator
outlet based on the device’s plug configuration and voltage/amperage rating.
Never exceed the amperage rating of an outlet.
6.
Extension cords may be used to power devices that are located at a distance from
the generator. However, use only UL-listed, outdoor-rated, grounded extension
cords of the proper size. Use Table 2 below to choose an adequately sized
extension cord according to the amperage of the device being used and the length
of the cord.
Table 2
Current/Power
Maximum Extension Cord
Length and Size (AWG)
Current at Full Load
(Amps)
0-25 ft.
25-50 ft.
50-100 ft.
100-150 ft.
6
18 ga.
16 ga.
14 ga.
12 ga.
8
18 ga.
16 ga.
12 ga.
10 ga.
10
18 ga.
14 ga.
12 ga.
10 ga.
12
16 ga.
14 ga.
10 ga.
8 ga.
14
16 ga.
12 ga.
10 ga.
8 ga.
16
16 ga.
12 ga.
10 ga.
8 ga.
18
14 ga.
12 ga.
8 ga.
8 ga.
WARNING:
Use of under sized extension cords can cause electric shock, fire,
or damage to connected devices.
