Here are some basic recommended parts. You can click the links and buy them on Amazon, or try Home Depot. The prices are usually the same. Check with the part number on HomeDepot.com before you go. Usually the interlock kits are hard to find there.
Generator Interlock Kits:
If you have a Square D homeline panel: Model # HOMCGK2C
For all other panels, GenInterlock.com is trustworthy
UPDATED: National Ram Electronics
Square D Generator Interlock Kit
This simple kits is mounted on your electrical panel cover and allows you to safe
An inlet box allows you to safely plug a cord in reversed
ly feed your generator power to you house.
To plug it in you need a power inlet plug, this one works great: 30 Amp reliance power inlet box
Then of course a generator is needed.
GENERATORS
Highly recommended:
Honda Generators 5000W or up. The Honda’s just work, and they provide the full wattage they promise. I’ve found a 5000W generator can usually power all necessary electrical items in a house that has gas for the heating and cooking.
USED WITH SUCCESS by many electricians:
If you do not have a generator interlock switch and just want something reliable and efficient, get this, often called a portable extention cord.
Best choice generator
Honda EU2000I 2000 Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator
The beautiful thing about this generator is, it will use about a gallon of gas a day. That is not much. Also, it is quiet. If you want power but don’t want to be kept awake, or don’t want to disturb the neighbors, or draw attention to your cozy home, this is
Special Honda cords
the choice. It is low wattage, but very efficient. It produces the full 2000 Watts while some other that claim too don’t. If you need more wattage, the beauty of this product is you buy another and use one of these cord sets to double your power.
WHAT SIZE GENERATOR WILL WORK FOR YOU?
It just depends on your house and how much load you have. To determine this, find the large items you need to run and look up their wattage. Remember, start up wattage is usually more, then the item usually settles down. You can also buy a watt stopper from Amazon and plug in you appliances, it will tell you how much electricity they use. With light bulbs, just calculate 60 watts each (as that is the average).
As a reminder, you need to calculate how much power you will be using regularly when choosing the generator that is best for you. However, with the generator interlock kit, you do have flexibility to move things around.
Also, with most of these solutions, some items would usually not be usable at your home, for instance, large HVAC systems if they were not gas, large ovens or clothes dryers. However, even then there are workarounds.
