Ron (Cen. IL.) - 1/28/2014 11:40



I have a couple of 12-2 lines to connect my generator to 3 duplex outlets in my basement (all 3 are together about 5 feet from my breaker box and are not hooked into it, only used with the generator).

I use extension cords from these outlets to power the basement deep freeze and refrigerator.

I also have a 12-2 a that comes from the breaker box to these outlets with a plug on the end. The neutral and ground wires are hooked into the breaker box but the "hot" wire is "capped off" inside the box with a wire nut.

If the power goes out and you need the furnace, you take the cover off the box, take the wire out of the funace breaker and tie it into the "hot" wire of the outgoing 12-2 with the wire nut. Then you plug the wire into the outlet box.

I don't know if this is a good way to do it but this might be a good time to find out.

need to remove the ,hot,neutral,and the ground going to the furnace
then hook them to the power from the generator

I've only had to use it once but it seems like the easier something is set up, the less often it needs to be used.