If you have a generator

[Echo2]

When needed....how do you utilize it?

I use a main disconnect and a exterior plug...ran with my Miller 225 Bobcat 8kw welder/generator.

What method are you using to hook power to your house?

transfer switch?

Extension cords?

Magic?

Candles and oil lamps?

[bacpacker]

I have a genny, but it will only be used to keep our freezers and fridge cold until we can get the frozen food canned. No real plans for it beyond that. I just got it (used $200) to do some work around the property where power isn't available

[rentprop1]

I back feed, cause I can, its easy and it works well in my situation, and yes I kill the main

[Stormfeather]

I have a genny, but it will only be used to keep our freezers and fridge cold until we can get the frozen food canned. No real plans for it beyond that. I just got it (used $200) to do some work around the property where power isn't available

Same plan here. We actually have a ton of Oil Lamps and gallons upon gallons of lamp oil!

[Katrina]

I have standby we installed in 2010. Have used it 3-4 times over the last 2 years. Am working on solar panels /shingles for roof for sump pump, Furnace fan (after we install add on fire burner). Trying to convince DH to put in electric water heater and hook that to solar for when natural gas goes out.

[The Stig]

I have a genny but have never had to use it thus far.

The plan is to kill the mains and backfeed the house. We'll only run the fridge/freezer and one room. Have a couple of box fans we bought to move air and the Mrs is on the lookout for an old windown unit AC so we can at least cool one room.

[realist]

I have a generator but only have used it when we were towing a fifth wheel. However now that has all changed since I got rid of the trailer. I am now starting to build a cabin, it is no longer a BOL, the correct term that does not raise eyebrows is vacation cabin. Sooooooo the cabin will be off the grid since I do not have a million dollars to pay to the local utility company to run the lines. It will be wired just like a house only the feed will be the generator and solar. All it takes is money.........

[Evolver]

Same here as most of the above. We have a genny for temporary usage only... for the frig, freezer and some fans and will be using an extension cord and splitters. We are only stocking a two weeks worth of gas so after it runs we are set up to go back to the basics just like they did back in the good old days.

[Evolver]

I should say... Thanks to now days technology... Back to the basics but a little easer then the old ways.

[Sniper-T]

Yep, back feed the house, although I need to grab a 220V line. The genny has it, I may as well use it. I have a couple few weeks of gas, more once I get my new tank in the air, but I would be running the fridge freezers only as long as it looked like power was gone for good. then it'll be pushing the dehydrators and smokers, Then it will be incidental, as we really wont need power for much after that.

I am tossing around the idea of picking up a small bar fridge, that I could use intermittingly to keep things like my milk cold.