how does a house generator operate?

You should install a transfer panel to power selected circuits from within your house or plan to run extension cords as required.

Never use a double male cord to back feed the dryer or stove outlet!

I have pictures and other information on my generator web page. Read through and visit the links...

http://members.rennlist.org/warren/generator.html

USA DO NOT locate the generator inside the house; the fumes will kill you. There are different ways to hook them to the house power. You can install a transfer switch, and terminate the cables from the utility supply and the generator to the transfer switch. You will need to install a cable from the transfer switch to the circuit breaker panel. That way, when the power goes out, you start the generator, and flip the transfer switch to emergency. When the utility power comes back on, you shut the generator down, and flip the switch back to normal. An alternative idea (and quite common) is to have a small panel with a switch and breakers to be used only from the generator, but also interlocked with your normal circuit breaker panel so you do not send power back out on the utility line. There are several manufacturers who make a combination transfer switch / circuit breaker panel. You decide what circuits to energize from the generator. The manufacturer provides instructions for hooking them up. Make sure you follow all the directions, and be careful with the grounding and bonding. If you are not sure how to do it, call a licensed electrician.

You have to use a transfer switch which is a device that allows you to transfer a certain number of house circuits from the breaker box to the generator. This assures that the generator will not feed back into the utility companies power grid.

The transfer switch box is hard-wired into your house wiring. It is usually located right next to your breaker box and has a heavy cable running to a connector outside the house that the generator plugs into. Since it is unlikely that the generator will be large enough to power the whole house, you will select the house circuits you want to activate in the event of a power outage. These would probably be those supplying power to a furnace, refrigerators, freezers, lighting, sump pump, TV, etc.

they are wired thru a transfer switchs