Generator wiring, outlet to outlet

I've recently purchased a generator. I want to power some things in my house but I want it do it strictly by the generator. I do not want to touch my house electrical panel or wiring.

The questions I have is. Would I be able to install a twist lock outlet on the outside of my house. I would connect the generator to this twist lock. Then on the inside of my house I would connect through the wall the twist lock wiring to regular outlets that I install. These outlets would only be powered when the generator is running and connected to the twist lock connection. I can then just plug stuff into these outlets inside my house.

Not sure if this is possible. I would still have an electrician come in and install this for me but I am just wondering if it is possible.

Thanks,
CLE

 

Close, you would put a twistlock inlet on the outside wall of your house, then extend wiring from that to receptacles in critical locations around the house. Note that you cannot power a central furnace using this method as cord-and-plug connections are not permitted on HVAC equipment.

Your plan feels more complicated than just installing a small generator transfer panel next to the main panel. This utilizes all of the existing wiring an receptacles in the house and allows you to switch over individual circuits to the generator. Any electrician should be very familiar with installing these as they are very common.

 

Ibooks,is there an article in the NEC that prevents a cord and plug connection for HVAC equipment?
Geo

 

I would suggest either blue or red receptacles for the generator circuits. That makes it obvious which is which and may let others know they are not regular receptacles.

 

There would be a couple that apply -- 422.16 covers the conditions in which flexible cords are allowed for fixed appliances, none of which apply for furnaces. Also general article 110 stuff -- all electrical installations must be installed per manufacturer's instructions and in accordance with the UL listing. I've never seen a central furnace that specifies cords are permitted. A compelling argument can also be made for 422.12 which requires a dedicated circuit for the furnace.

 

A local code amendment could allow for cord-and-plug connected furnaces. I have read (but never seen) that cord-and-plug is common in some areas, I think it was somewhere in either New Mexico or Arizona.

 

Of course he could connect his separately derived system via single circuit transfer switch to a furnace if need.

 

If he went to the expense and trouble of installing a single circuit transfer switch for just the furnace it would only be a bit more to install a multi-circuit transfer panel, something he has already stated he does not want to do.

Heck, he didn't even mention wanting to power the heating system, maybe he has an alternate source of heat that doesn't require electric power.