How To Install a Portable Generator to Power Your House

I live in the Houston metro area, and we get hammered with horrific storms that seem to be taking out power once or twice a year at this point, sometimes for a week or more. Well, we moved to a house where we didn’t want to spend $20,000 for an automated generator, but we do need a backup solution. So I turned to the manual generator solution as a happy compromise.

I added a 10,000 watt tri-fuel generator, which connects to a plug at our home’s electrical panel. When the power goes out I still have to physically go hook it up and start it. But that’s something I’m happy to do as opposed to going for days without power.

If you own a house and want to be prepared for power outages I put this together for you because it’s easier than you might think.

The BASICS!

Ok, before you get flustered by all the stuff that is below, there are really only three things to make this happen!!!

• You need a Generator. I’ve got more on picking a generator below.
• You’re going to have a plug installed going to your house’s electric box.
• You’re going to get a port plumbed into your house natural gas (if you have it). If not, just get propane tanks!

So as you’re reading along, just remember… it’s only 3 main things that need to happen!!!

Choosing the Right Generator

Determine Your Power Needs

Before purchasing a generator you need to figure out your household’s basic power requirements. Speaking super generally, here’s a quick guide:

• Basic Needs (3,000 watts): Suitable for essential lighting, charging devices, and running small appliances like a microwave.
  • I like this WEN 3600-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter Generator (DF360iX) for $500 on Amazon. It offers 3500 surge watts, 2600 rated watts on propane. (And $10 this magnetic oil dipstick to catch metal shavings and protect the engine.)
  • This ERAYAK 4500W Tri-Fuel Portable Inverter Generator for $999 puts out 4050 peak watts and 3150 continuous. But it can run directly off your home’s natural gas.
• Moderate Needs (5,000–6,000 watts): Can handle additional loads such as small window air conditioning units, space heaters, and larger appliances.
  • This Champion 8125-Watt Electric Start Tri-Fuel Generator for $1,029 will put out 7500 starting watts / 6000 running watts on propane, or 6875 starting watts / 5500 running watts on natural gas. It is NOT an inverter so it will be LOUD! But saves a lot of money.
  • For $2,000 this Pulsar 9500W Tri Fuel Inverter Generator (GS95TiSCO) supplies 8550w / 6850w with propane and 7700w / 6100w with natural gas. It will be MUCH, MUCH quieter, and also generates a clean sine wave with <5% Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), ensuring minimal electrical noise and fluctuations.
• Larger Homes (8,000 watts+): A 5ton HVAC unit, along with lights and other things, is going to generally require at least 6,000-7,000 watts. So generators rated in the 10kw+ range are often needed if you want to have as normal of a life as possible during a power outage.
  • For a non-inverter generator, the $1,500 Westinghouse WGen11500TFc is the ONLY way to go. It is the only non-inverter generator with less than 5% THD, and the one I use personally. It is however, VERY hard to get. But be patient, and get it.
  • At nearly $3,000 you can get the GENMAX Tri Fuel Generator, which again is MUCH quieter, and has only 3% THD while putting out 9,500 / 8,000 watts on propane, and 8,400 / 6,800 watts on Natural Gas.

To calculate your total wattage needs:

1. List Essential Appliances: Identify the devices you can’t do without during a power outage.
2. Check Wattage Ratings: Find the starting and running watts for each appliance (usually listed on the device or in the manual). I like to plug the device into a watt meter to see exactly what it’s using.
3. Sum the Wattage: Add up the total starting watts and ensure your generator can handle this load.

PS – HVAC units MUST have a soft start kit added to them so they don’t pull HUGE power when starting. It lets you use a much smaller generator than you would otherwise need. This is what I use, and they work great.

PRO TIP: If you are having difficulty sizing your generator, make a list of everything you want to power and then ask ChatGPT, Claude, or Microsoft Copilot to calculate it for you.

Fuel Type Considerations

First be aware that generators come in single (gas or diesel), dual-fuel (gas and propane), or tri-fuel (gas, propane and natural gas) variants. And when they list the power output it will have different numbers for each fuel based on energy density.

Gasoline generators are not ideal for emergency backup due to fuel storage and availability issues:

• Fuel Availability: Gas stations are often closed during emergencies. They need electricity to pump gas!
• Shelf Life: Gasoline degrades over time, making long-term storage impractical.

Propane and natural gas generators offer better reliability:

• Propane:
  • Long Shelf Life: Propane doesn’t degrade, allowing indefinite storage.
  • Versatile Storage Options: Use portable tanks or install a large stationary tank.
  • Automatic Switchover Devices: Products like the Flame King KT12ACR6a Automatic Changeover Regulator allow seamless switching between tanks without interrupting power.
• Natural Gas:
  • Continuous Supply: Tied directly to your home’s gas line, eliminating the need for fuel storage.
  • Professional Installation: Contact your gas company, or a plumber, to add an external connection point for your generator. They can install a quick connect so you can add a gas line by just snapping it into place when needed.

Fuel Storage Solutions

Propane Tank Size Matters

Using tanks that are too small can lead to issues like gas freeze-up due to rapid fuel consumption. Also, if you’re going to use propane you might want to invest in a propane tank heater blanket. Once the temps drop to freezing the pressure in a propane tank decreases precipitously.

Opt for larger tanks:

• Minimum Recommended Size: 40-pound (lb) tanks. (Bigger is MUCH better!)
  • Example: Manchester Tank 40 lb Steel DOT Vertical LP Cylinder.
  • Runtime Estimate: A 40 lb propane tank can typically run a small to medium generator for about two days. It will run a large generator for about one day.
• Fuel Reserve: Having 3–4 tanks provides approximately a week’s worth of power for smaller generators.
• Dual Use: These tanks can also fuel grills or other propane devices when not used for backup power.

Connecting Your Generator to Your Home

Power Inlet Box

A power inlet box allows you to plug your generator directly to your home’s electrical system:

I very specifically recommend an inlet box that has a downward sloping, or downward facing plug!!! When they stick straight out its a recipe for disaster because your cable can get bumped and break something. The kind I’m linking to here will keep your connection SAFE. The last thing you need during an emergency is your plug breaking!!!

• For 30 Amp Generators (small to medium):
  • Use a GE 30 Amp Temporary Power Inlet.
• For 50 Amp Generators (medium to large):
  • Use a GE 50 Amp Twist Lock Power Inlet.

Ensure the inlet matches your generator’s output receptacle. You’ll also need to get a power cable that will reach from your generator to your power inlet once it’s installed.

PRO TIP: I would recommend installing the 50 amp power inlet no matter what. You can always adapt a smaller generator to it by using a 30amp to 50amp adapter. Then if you ever upgrade your generator you’re already set!

Circuit Breaker Installation

You’ll need a dedicated circuit breaker in your main panel. Make sure you get one that is compatible with your panel brand!

• Breaker Type: Double-pole breaker matching your generator’s amperage (e.g., 50 Amp).
• Example: Siemens QP 50 Amp 2-Pole Circuit Breaker.
• Panel Space: If your panel lacks space, an electrician can often consolidate circuits to accommodate the new breaker.

Manual Transfer Switch or Interlock Kit

To prevent dangerous backfeeding into the grid:

• Interlock Kit:
  • Function: Mechanically interlocks the main breaker with the generator breaker, preventing both from being on simultaneously.
  • Panel Specific: Must match your electrical panel model.
  • Example: Generator Interlock Kits.
• Installation:
  • Safety First: Must comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC).
  • Professional Required: Hire a licensed electrician for installation.

Additional Tips

• Noise Levels: If noise is a concern, look for generators labeled as “quiet” or install sound-dampening enclosure or a ZombieBox. Inverter style generators are MUCH, MUCH, MUCH quieter and longer lasting. But cost about twice as much.
• Regular Maintenance: Start and test your generator periodically. Also, with most generators you need to change the oil about every 100 hours of operation. So make sure you have the right oil on hand to perform this during extended outages.
• Distortion: Electricity can be measured for how “clean” it is. A typical generator puts out relatively dirty power, with a Total Harmonic Distortion level often in the range of 15%. Inverter type generators generally have low THD in the >5% range. This is much safer for sensitive electronics. If you are running a dirty generator, it’s wise to put power filtering devices such as UPS batteries in front of sensitive equipment.
• Budgeting:
  • Generator Cost: Small to medium generators will generally run in the $500-1,000 range, which larger ones will run in the $1,200-1800 range. Inverter generators will basically double the price.
  • Installation Fees: Include costs for professional electrician services.
  • Accessories: Factor in the cost of power inlet boxes, cables, and interlock kits.
• Local Regulations: Check with local authorities or a professional electrician about permits and codes in your area.
• Generator Add-ons:
  • I HIGHLY recommend that you purchase a magnetic tipped dipstick for your generator. It will capture any microscopic steel floating in your oil and dramatically extend your generator’s life.
  • I also HIGHLY recommend installing a quick connect drain for your oil, so that you can do super fast, clean, easy oil changes. I recommend something like the ValvoMax, EZ Oil Drain, or Votex. But before you order one, make sure you get the right size. They are sized in metric thread sizes like M12x1.25mm or M14x1.5mm. As long as you get the right thread size, it will work.

Conclusion

One last super important thing to mention!! Wherever you put your generator, make sure you have a way to LOCK IT DOWN when it’s in use! MANY people have gone to sleep with a generator running, only to wake up and find it was stolen. These machines are loud and invite a lot of attention. So get a seriously strong lock and chain, or something, and secure it. Even if it’s on your property.

Ok, hopefully I’ve shared everything you need to know! If you have questions you can drop a comment below or hit me up on X.

Also… Resources:

• Home Generator Safety Tips – U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
• National Electrical Code (NEC) Guidelines – NFPA 70

Always consult with professionals and adhere to local codes and regulations when installing electrical equipment.