Breaker interlock: Most homeowners prefer this option since it is the least expensive and most flexible to set up.It is ideal when you are using a portable generator for backup power to your house. Manual transfer sub– panel switch: This is the less expensive option to the automatic switch.It is also more suited to a fulltime standby generator than a portable generator. This switch is very efficient, so it has an expensive price tag. It also turns off the generator and switches back to utility power automatically when the grid power comes back on. Automatic transfer switch: The switch recognize a power outage and automatically starts the standby generator.You have three options for connecting your portable generator to your house’s electrical panel. Effective power management maximizes your generator’s performance. The switch makes power management easy since it enables control of the various circuits to accommodate changing power needs. In essence, it shuts off one supply and switches to the other. The transfer switch alternates the power supply between utility power and generated power. This device is a safety feature required by the National Electric Code to eliminate the risk of back-feed, which may cause injury or death. It is connected to all circuits in the panel that need power during an outage separating them from the power lines to prevent back-feed.
This electrical device is installed adjacent to the electrical panel, and is crucial for how to connect portable generator to electrical panel. Using a generator transfer switch is the safest way to connect an emergency generator to your home.
Thus far for the year 2021, our most highly recommended portable generator is the Champion 3400 Inverter, and our glowing enclosure endorsement is the GenTent 10K.
NOTE FROM THE GENERATOR EXPERT: We review a lot of generators and accessories over the course of a year.