Is there a way to hook up an emergency generator when the lights go out?

Many homeowners have the urge to fire-up a portable generator if the power goes out. But, if used incorrectly, a portable generator can cause a deadly accident or could be damaged when power is restored. To operate safely, a portable generator must be separated from your home’s electrical system. If it’s not, the generator will backfeed electricity out through the circuit breaker panel and into the neighborhood.

If you use a portable generator, do not plug it into the household circuit unless you have a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician. Or, when you use a portable generator, make sure that the things you power are plugged directly into the machine.

Learn more about portable generators.