Can I hook up two generators to my house?
When the power goes out, life grinds to a halt. For homeowners, a generator is a lifeline, but sometimes one just isn't enough. This brings up a common question: can you hook up two generators to your house? The short answer is yes, but doing it safely is a complex job that goes far beyond simply plugging things in. It demands a healthy respect for electricity and a solid grasp of the rules.
The Allure of a Two-Generator System
Why would anyone want to double up on generators? The reasons are usually about having more power, better reliability, and greater flexibility during an outage.
More Power for Your Home
The most straightforward reason is a need for more power. A standard portable generator might keep the fridge cold and a few lights on, but a larger home with a furnace, well pump, and other major appliances can easily demand more wattage. A second generator can provide the extra capacity to run more of your home's systems, making a long outage feel much less like an emergency.
A Backup for Your Backup
Like any machine, a generator can fail. It might run out of fuel, break down, or need maintenance at the worst possible time. For anyone who relies on electricity for medical equipment or to prevent costly problems like frozen pipes during a deep Canadian freeze, redundancy is key. Having a second generator ready to go means your backup has a backup, ensuring you're never left in the dark.
Smarter Fuel and Load Management
A two-generator setup can also be more efficient. You could run a smaller, quieter generator overnight for minimal needs, like the fridge and a few outlets. When your power demands increase during the day, you can fire up the larger unit to handle heavy loads like a sump pump or stove. This strategy saves fuel, reduces noise, and cuts down on wear and tear on your equipment.
The Real Dangers of an Improper Connection
Hooking up generators the wrong way is a recipe for disaster. The risks aren't just about damaging your gear; they include house fires and life-threatening hazards for utility workers.
The Deadly Risk of Backfeeding
The single most serious danger is backfeeding. This happens when electricity from your generator escapes your house and flows back onto the utility grid. A utility worker, believing the line is dead, could be severely injured or killed by your generator's power. It is illegal, and the consequences can be tragic.
Damaging Generators and Appliances
Connecting two generators to the same circuit without the right equipment is a guaranteed way to destroy them. AC power flows in waves, or phases. If the waves from two generators aren't perfectly synchronized, they clash violently. It’s like two people pushing a swing at completely different rhythms—instead of working together, they create chaos. This electrical conflict can fry the internal components of both generators, melt your home's wiring, and destroy any appliances plugged in.
Fire and Carbon Monoxide
Beyond the unique risks of a dual setup, the usual generator hazards are still present. Overloading circuits can easily start a fire, and the threat of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is always a concern. CO is a colorless, odorless gas produced by all fuel-burning engines. A generator must never be run in a garage, shed, or anywhere near windows and doors.
The Only Safe Way to Connect Two Generators
There is only one safe and legal way to power your home's circuits with a generator: a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician. This device is the gatekeeper between your house, the utility grid, and your generator.
A Professional Transfer Switch Installation
A transfer switch physically disconnects your house from the grid before it allows power in from the generator, making backfeeding impossible. For a two-generator system, an electrician wouldn't wire them to run together. Instead, they would install a system that lets you choose which generator is feeding the panel at any given time.
Separate Inlets for Each Power Source
The standard professional setup involves two separate generator inlets wired to the transfer switch. You might run Generator A until it needs refueling. You would then turn it off, disconnect it, connect Generator B to the second inlet, and flip the switch to draw power from the new source. The key is that the two generators are always isolated from each other and the grid.
The Misconception About Parallel Kits
A parallel kit is a device made to link two identical inverter generators to combine their wattage. While these kits are useful, the combined output must still be fed into your house through a proper transfer switch. A parallel kit does not replace the need for a safe connection to your home's electrical panel.
Following Canadian Electrical Codes
In Canada, electrical work is serious business, governed by codes designed to keep everyone safe. Cutting corners isn't just a bad idea—it's illegal.
Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) Compliance
All installations must follow the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) as well as any additional provincial and municipal rules. These codes are not suggestions; they are legal requirements for any permanent wiring.
The Necessity of a Licensed Electrician
This is not a DIY project. Any work on your home’s electrical panel, including installing a transfer switch, must be done by a licensed electrical contractor. They have the training to do the job safely and can pull the necessary permits.
Certified Equipment and Final Inspections
Every piece of equipment, from the switch to the wiring, must be certified for use in Canada by a body like the CSA Group. Using uncertified gear is a code violation that can void your home insurance. Once the work is done, it must be inspected by the local electrical safety authority to ensure it's up to code.
Simpler Alternatives to a Dual-Generator Setup
A complex dual-generator installation isn't the only solution for reliable backup power. Other options might fit your needs better.
A Single, Properly Sized Generator
Often, the best path is the simplest one. Instead of juggling two smaller generators, investing in a single unit that’s correctly sized for your home’s power needs is safer and more convenient. An electrician can perform a load calculation to determine exactly what size is right for you.
The Rise of Portable Power Stations
A modern and increasingly popular choice is the high-capacity portable power station. These battery-based systems, like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro, provide clean, silent, and emission-free power. They can be charged from a wall outlet, solar panels, or even a gas generator when needed. While a single unit might not power an entire house for days, a robust power station is a user-friendly solution for getting through most outages. Plus, you can safely use a device like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro indoors and even link multiple units together for more capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What Is A "Suicide Cord" And Why Should I Never Use One?
A "suicide cord" is a male-to-male extension cord, often homemade, used to plug a generator directly into a wall outlet. It's incredibly dangerous because it backfeeds the grid, creating a lethal risk for utility workers, and poses a severe electrocution and fire hazard in your home. Never use one.
Q2: Can I Install A Transfer Switch Myself?
No. In Canada, installing a transfer switch is complex electrical work that must be performed by a licensed electrician to ensure it's done safely and meets all code requirements.
Q3: If I Have A Parallel Kit For My Generators, Do I Still Need A Transfer Switch?
Yes, absolutely. A parallel kit combines the output of two generators, but a transfer switch is still required to safely connect that power to your home's electrical system without risking backfeeding.
Q4: Is It Possible To Run Two Generators At The Same Time To Power My House?
In a typical home setting, no. Running two generators simultaneously into one panel requires sophisticated and expensive synchronization equipment to prevent them from damaging each other and your home. The only safe residential method uses a transfer switch to select one generator at a time as the power source.
Powering Forward with Safety First
Hooking up two generators to your house is a job for a professional, plain and simple. The risks of doing it wrong are far too high. By hiring a licensed electrician and following the Canadian Electrical Code, you can build a safe and reliable backup power system. When it comes to electricity, protecting your home, your family, and the workers on the grid should always be the top priority.