Question on 120V Generator to Power My House

last year

last modified: last year

Hi Everybody, I just had a 200-amp 2-pole manual transfer switch installed that lets me safely power the house with my 240V portable generator. We had a 2-hour blackout this morning and all worked perfectly. I was up and running in 5 minutes.

But, it would be great to have a "backup to my backup" because I live in CA and our power is getting increasingly unreliable. I also have a 30 amp 120V generator, and was wondering if my main generator failed it would be safe to use this unit to power the 120V circuits in my house. I would use a NEMA TT-30P to L14-30R Adapter Cord that "bridges" the two hots in the breaker panel. (Example: https://www.amazon.com/Parkworld-885446-L14-30R-Generator-Receptacle/dp/B081GH11CQ?th=1). The transfer switch has dual grounding rods, FWIW. I realize that I would need to cut off all 240V breakers.

Again, this would just be a next-level emergency backup. Would this work, or not be advisable?

Thanks for any feedback!

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Comments (5)

HU-867564120
last year
Buy another 240v generator, please.
wdccruise
last year
Do you really need this?
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chesdin2
Original Author
last year
Thinking about it some more, I think for my extra layer of backup I can always just use extension cords with the 120V generator as I have in the past. Thanks for your comments.
Fannie Condina
last year
last modified: last year
The issues of backup power supply for the owners of a detached private house or cottage are still relevant. Our state is not yet able to fully provide them with high-quality electricity. Homeowners use propane generators. The generator runs on fuel, and you get rid of exhaust gases, giving them only to the installation from the house.
Such generators can function for long periods of time. They are not an emergency power source that will only run for 10-15 minutes. They are most often installed in containers for long-term uninterrupted operation in automatic mode with remote control and monitoring capabilities.
brileyhughes
last year
last modified: last year
Whoa, this post is ancient! I hope the person who wrote it and anyone who responded at the time found the answers they were looking for. For anyone coming across this post in the future, it's still a relevant question and a solid plan to have a backup generator ready in case of power outages. Just remember to shut off all the 240V breakers before switching over to the 120V generator and to always use electrical equipment safely. And if you're looking for some more options or upgrades, the Huttenberg H8500W generator might be worth checking out. It's a solid piece of machinery, and you can find it at https://www.truck1.eu/construction-machinery/generator-sets/huttenberg-h8500w-a3575442.html . Good luck, and stay powered up!