Q&A for How to Use a Generator

There are two main factors to consider when choosing a generator for your home: 1) Do you want to be able to operate all of the circuits in your home or just a few emergency circuits? 2) Do you want the generator to come on automatically (natural gas or propane) or have a manual hook up (portable gas generator)? If you want to run your entire house on the generator, the generator may need to be 24,000 watts or larger—these are automatic start generators that require an assessment of your natural gas or propane usage in the house.

You will need to have a proper inlet installed and use a transfer switch if you want to do it safely and up to code (to avoid killing yourself or someone else and/or burning your house down).

When you no longer need the generator's power, or when you need to refuel the generator, you should turn the machine off. First, flip the circuit breaker to the “OFF” position. Then, turn off the machine using the generator's power switch or key. Finally, set the generator's fuel valve to the “OFF” position.

Yes, you can. 120 volts is the operating voltage of the electricity; think of it as the "size" of the electricity tube, and the tubes need to match the size to work. Amperage/amps (draw) are what you need to watch for. If the amp draw exceeds what the generator can create, you'll likely trip the circuit on the generator or have other issues. Think of amps like the pressure in the tube. Like a garden hose, you can experience a trickle (low amps), or a full blast (higher amps).

You can, but be sure to add a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) to the run to prevent the various dangers associated with electricity. Be sure the cord is located where it will not be subject to routine traffic, foot or vehicular. If it has to pass through such an area, make sure it is visible to prevent trip hazards. There are rubber cord protectors that create a small tunnel under them (resembling a tiny speed bump) that will protect the cord from foot traffic, and protect the foot traffic from the cord's trip hazard.

It depends on the size and power of the generator.

Let it run five to 10 minutes, depending on the temp and type of generator. Wait longer for one that runs on diesel.

It's only okay if it's ethanol-free gas. Gas with ethanol will ruin fuel lines and gum up your engine.

It is not recommended.

It is a good idea to check the oil level manually and not rely on the LOS (low oil shut down) to protect the generator. That being said, the oil level should be checked daily and shut off for that reason.

Try building a small ventilated shed made of metal or non-flammable materials that can withstand bad weather. If the shed is properly ventilated and waterproofed, and won't flood, then it should be fine.

Yes, if the power strip has a plug that is compatible with the receptacle of the generator, you can plug it in and then run several additional items from the power strip. Not all jurisdictions have fire codes that permit plugging a power strip into anything but a "wall receptacle".

The specific answer would depend upon your particular model and how the switch is wired and how it is mechanically connected or shielded. It would be similar to how you might "hot-wire" the ignition switch on an old car: connect the proper two "run" wires together and spark the "starter" wire to the battery wire.

Yes, it is possible to get a generator that works indoors. However, they are usually designed specifically for commercial installations, not residential use, and may not be locally permissible. It would need to be permanently installed by competent technicians and inspected for compliance with all local codes (fire, building, health, environmental, etc.). It could turn out to be much more expensive than an exterior installation, assuming it is even allowed in your jurisdiction.

Depending upon how much "load" you are going to plug in, it may be easier on the generator's engine if you start it without any load connected to the generator. Once the unit is up and running, and has had a minute to stabilize, you may then plug in your cord.

It might, but only if you disconnect the main breaker. Never back-feed! This is extremely dangerous because the main breaker becomes the only thing preventing you from electrocuting people miles away, down the line, if someone turns it back on while the generator is still illegally connected and running.

You need to add up the "power budget" of the appliances you need to connect, and only plug in or operate the number of watts that is safe for your generator. Some appliances may take over 1000 watts all by themselves (e.g., heaters or hair dryers). Others may be only a few watts.

You might start by checking for obvious problems, such as being out of fuel, not switched on, low oil, missing or flat starter battery, worn out spark plug, etc. Your unit has a user manual that may have specific maintenance and diagnostic suggestions beyond that. If you haven't run it for quite awhile, you might want to drain and replace the gasoline with fresh stuff.

Yes, all modern generators have circuit breakers that provide over-current protection to limit overload on the generator and overload on the circuits being fed.

Those things do not mean anything without knowing the context with respect to generators.