Electrical Backup

Since we have a generator we could use this as an electrical backup when the power goes out. It looks like doing this correctly to run the whole house would require some work to set up. Kits like the one below costs between about $150 and $400 and basically ensures that you don't backfeed the grid and basically works as shown in the figure below.

Alternatively we could use to it run something via an extension cord to power a rather than the house wiring.

Another possibility is to use a backfeed cable from the generator to energize an entire circuit. However, I don't think that a cable like the one below would work to power the well pump, dryer, or oven/range since and we would need to backfeed a 220 volt outlet from the generator to do this. Also, using a backfeed cable like this is illegal in the United States since by doing this you could forget to open the breaker and by leaving it closed you would energize the grid beyond the house and injure or kill a lineman working on the grid since the transformer on the grid would step up the voltage on the grid from the generator.

You can use specialized, long-handled crimpers to crimp service entrance conductors (SEC) and you can't use lugs or split-bolt clamps (p. 22-23)