How to hook up power supply or generator to house?
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Question by joezen777: How to hook up power supply or generator to house?
If I wanted to hook up some solar power cells to my house, like miniature ones not the type that go on the roof, would I just plug them into an outlet to cut down on power to the house? Or where would you hook up a generator like device for powering your house? Thanks
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5 Responses to How to hook up power supply or generator to house?
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A backup generator needs a transfer switch that switches between utility power and the generator. A solar cell or other thing to provide power at the same time as utility power is a lot more complicated and would need the utility involved, unless you treat the solar cell a generator and use a transfer switch. Of course if you just plug directly into the generator or equivalent then no transfer switch or special wiring is involved. Hooking up any of these to the house wiring directly has complicated rules and you probably should get an electrician.
An electrical engineer
June 24, 2013 at 4:59 pm
Miniature solar cells do not produce enough AC voltage to work your home. They are primarily low voltage and amperage that can be used to charge batteries for use in the dark. Using a standby generator you are required to have a transfer switch to energize the home. A portable generator, can be used without it, just use extension cords to each appliance and DO NOT try to power the house wiring with it.
Jim W
June 24, 2013 at 5:33 pm
Single solar cells or small panels are not compatible with your household current and attempting to plug ANYTHING not designed for electrical outlet use is DANGEROUS and could be Deadly.The3 low amount of current generated by single cell or small panels would be negligible in any case.It takes dozens and dozens of cells or a large panel plus the connecting interface to have any real effect, Sorry.
As to a generator,you need to meet certain requirements,particularly an approved transfer switch to hook into your home wiring.I suspect the cost of the generator and fuel to run it would cost more than the energy saved.Generators also requires routine service and maintenance which also costs money.
yupperdoo
June 24, 2013 at 6:17 pm
They get hook to a generator that will distribute electric or return electric to the utility company if you have a surplus of electric. You can also do this with wind mills. You can reference this material at the site below
Nick the Tile Man
June 24, 2013 at 6:27 pm
Absolutely not! – Don’t even think about mixing home made and
Utility power together on the same wiring..
To plug into utility power you need to carefully match frequency and voltage.
You can’t do this without a complicated set up.
On a small scale, you can charge some batteries with your solar cells, and draw separate power circuits off an inverter.
Irv S
June 24, 2013 at 7:09 pm