How to Hook Up a Generator to My House: Step-by-Step
It can be stressful when a power outage hits, because we’re often left in the dark, literally. Whether caused by bad weather conditions or equipment failure, a power outage leads to significant disruption. That’s why you need a generator standby—to keep your essentials running during an outage. But how to hook up a generator to my house in Australia? This guide will introduce 3 safe methods and walk you through the specific steps for easy generator-to-house hookup. Just read on.
3 Safe Generator Hookup Solutions for Your Home Electrical System
A generator not only allows you to reduce reliance on the grid but also bridges the gap during outages. Properly hooking up a generator to your house ensures that you can have a reliable backup power source for essential appliances and systems. How to wire a generator to your house? Here are 3 safe methods.
Method 1: Using Extension Cords for Direct Appliance Connection
The simplest method to hook up a generator to your house is to use extension cords. So how do you hook a generator up to a house with extension cords? It’s easy. Just plug heavy-duty extension cords directly into the generator and connect them to individual appliances like your refrigerator, TV, or lights.
However, cords must be qualified for outdoor use and the power draw of your appliances. Using the wrong cords or overloading the cord might result in overheating, damage, and potential fire hazards. Meanwhile, cords should never be run through windows or doors, as they can be easily damaged.
Please note that the method does not provide power for hardwired systems such as HVAC units or water heaters. Overall, the method is cost-effective, which is suitable for short-term or emergency use.
Method 2: Installing a Transfer Switch
How to hook up a generator to my house safely? A transfer switch is considered the most reliable method. By wiring into your home’s main electrical panel, a transfer switch allows you to efficiently switch between grid power and generator power during an outage. You can feed generator power to selected circuits, such as your kitchen, lights, or heating system.
As the most legally compliant method for generator hookup in Australia, installing a transfer switch requires careful planning and execution. You will need to hire a licensed electrician to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Compared to extension cords, a transfer switch often requires a higher upfront cost.
Method 3: Utilizing an Interlock Kit
An interlock kit is another safe alternative to a manual switch. By installing on the existing breaker panel, an interlock kit allows your generator to back-feed your home's panel through a designated inlet. The mechanism prevents the generator and grid power from being active at the same time, avoiding damage to the generator or the home's electrical system.
However, unlike a transfer switch, an interlock kit requires manual effort to select circuits and monitor load. That means careful operation and understanding of load management are needed. While an interlock kit is more affordable than a transfer switch, it still requires a licensed installer to set it up with strict safety standards and regulations.
How to Connect a Generator to Your Home: Step-by-Step
The previous part has introduced 3 safe methods. In this part, we will walk you through the steps for hooking up a generator with an interlock kit (Method 3).
Before introducing the steps, here is a safety protocol to follow. That is, NEVER use a double male plug to power your house during an outage. It is considered an electrical code violation and fire hazard, which is not legal in most places in Australia. You might easily get shocked as the male plug prongs are exposed.
Here is a simplified guide to hooking up a generator with an interlock kit:
Step 1. Identify Generator Plug Type and Amperage
Check your generator’s outlet to find the plug type and amperage. Most home units use a 30-amp, 240V L14-30 outlet. This decides the required sizes for your breaker, wires, inlet box, and extension cord.
Step 2. Gather Required Materials
Collect a UL-listed interlock kit compatible with your breaker panel. For instance, a 30-amp double-pole breaker, 10-gauge wire, a 30-amp inlet box, PVC conduit with fittings, glue, and a 30-amp extension cord. Make sure all components match the generator’s amperage.
Step 3. Drill Wall Access and Mount Inlet Box
Drill a hole through an exterior wall close to the breaker panel. Mount the power inlet box securely outside and attach the conduit fitting.
Step 4. Install and Glue Conduit
Cut conduit to fit between the inlet box and the wall hole. After dry-fitting, glue the conduit with PVC cement to protect the wires.
Step 5. Wire the Inlet Plug
Connect the green/yellow (ground), blue (neutral), and brown (hot) wires to their terminals in the inlet box. Strip insulation as needed and tighten all connections.
Step 6. Feed Wires Into Breaker Panel
Push wires through the conduit and into the breaker box via a knockout opening. Use a conduit adapter and seal exterior gaps with silicone.
Step 7. Install Generator Breaker
Turn off all breakers. Snap in the new 30A breaker, connect brown to it, blue to the neutral bar, and green/yellow to the ground bar.
Step 8. Mount Interlock Kit
Install the interlock on the panel cover using the provided template. Ensure it blocks the generator and main breakers from being on at the same time.
Step 9. Test the Setup
Simulate an outage: shut off the main, start the generator, connect cords, and power up selected circuits gradually using the interlock.
Step 10. Restore Grid Power Safely
Turn off breakers, switch off the generator, reset the interlock, and restore main power and circuits one at a time.
That’s it. As you can see, hooking up a generator to your house requires professional installation. Whether you're using a transfer switch or an interlock kit, always have a licensed electrician handle the setup to ensure safety and compliance.
If all that sounds a bit too technical or labor-intensive, you’re not alone. Connecting a fuel-powered generator to your home requires drilling, wiring, and compliance with electrical codes—none of which is beginner-friendly. That’s why many households are now turning to the portable power station as a safer, quieter, and more convenient alternative.
One option worth considering is the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station. It delivers 230V and up to 4000W of output, which is enough to run most household appliances with ease. With a flexible 4–12kWh capacity, ultra-quiet operation (just 30 dB under 2000W), and rapid charging to 80% in only 50 minutes, it’s built for both convenience and performance. The plug-and-play design means there’s no need for complex setup, and with multiple ways to recharge, it fits right into everyday use or emergency backup without the hassle.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station
Conclusion
Hooking up a generator to your house is a smart way to stay prepared during unexpected outages. Now that you’ve learned how to hook up a generator to your house using safe and legal methods, it’s easier to choose a setup that fits your needs. Some systems require professional installation, while others offer a more hands-on approach. For a simpler and flexible solution without the wiring work, a portable power station from EcoFlow is worth considering.
FAQs
What do you need for a generator to power a house?
To power a house with a generator, you need a unit with enough wattage to support essential appliances, a transfer switch or interlock kit for safe connection, a power inlet box, heavy-duty extension cords (for direct appliance use), and fuel or a charged battery, depending on the type. If you’re using a battery-backed system, be sure your generator can both supply house loads and charge lithium battery packs efficiently. Proper wiring and installation by a licensed electrician are also required to ensure safety and compliance with local electrical standards.
How do you hook up a generator to a domestic supply?
In Australia, hooking up a generator to a domestic supply often uses 2 methods: a transfer switch or an interlock kit. Both allow you to connect a generator to your home's switchboard. Just make sure the procedure is performed by a licensed electrician for safety.
Do I need an electrician to connect a generator to my house?
Yes, in Australia, you need a licensed electrician to connect a generator to your house. They can ensure the setup meets electrical safety standards, prevents backfeeding into the grid, and properly installs a transfer switch or interlock system for safe operation.
What size generator do I need to run my house in Australia?
It depends on your energy needs and the size of your house. Generally, you will need a generator between 5kW and 10kW to run a house in Australia. While a 5kW unit handles essentials, 10kW+ can power more appliances such as heating, cooling, and other larger household loads.