Zeitgeist wrote: > I have a 3700 watt generator, but don't quite know of a simple means to tie > into my home circuitry to run all my essentials (well, h2o heater, > dishwasher, etc.).
What I do (not NEC approved) is wire up a patch cord with a dryer plug on one end, and a plug that fits the 240v socket on the generator on the other end. Turn off all the breakers, especially the main. Plug the generator into your dryer outlet and turn on the dryer breaker. Then turn on your well pump. Once your tank is full, turn on the fridge, and maybe the coffee pot and some lights. I do not think you will want to turn on the electric water heater. I ended up cooking breakfast on the propane grill because I could not run a single burner on the stove to cook pancakes with a 5600w generator. I had two freezers and the fridge going, you might be able to run a stove burner or water heater if its the only thing you have on. The main breaker stays off until the generator is detached from the house, you don't want to light up the guy trying to fix your power line, and you don't want anybody else messing with your breakers, because they might turn the main on. Mitch.
