# I'm a generator idiot.... **URL:** \ **Category:** NYSpeed Off Topic\ **Created:** [April 7, 2017, 3:20pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/im-a-generator-idiot/274616 "2017-04-07T15:20:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![1QIKZ](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/1qikz/32/6112_2.png) [@1QIKZ](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/1QIKZ)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 3:20pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/im-a-generator-idiot/274616/1 "2017-04-07T15:20:13Z")
OK, with the windstorm a few weeks ago I lost power. My own tree fell on the main line at the pole and I knocked out the whole neighborhood. (If my neighbors didn’t love me before…) I ran out to get a portable generator, which I had planned to do years ago but never got around to. The previous owner wired in a complete transfer switch, either in preparation for a power outage or to deal with frequent outages, so I figured this was going to be a half hour of generator prep and then full power. Not so much. Anyhow, here’s my dilemma. The generator basically came with a nifty little power cord / plug station which has a 4 prong from the generator to about 4 standard 110 3 prong outlets. Great for plugging in extension cords but nothing to hook into my transfer switch / box. I’ve looked around thinking I’ll just buy the cable to connect but I’m finding that a 4 prong to 3 prong setup just doesn’t seem to exist. I’m sure there’s a reason why. Here’s what I have in the garage: [ATTACH=CONFIG]37091[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]37092[/ATTACH] This appears to be the plug end I need to go into the box: ![http://www.bestmaterials.com/images/cs6364-large.jpg](http://www.bestmaterials.com/images/cs6364-large.jpg) So do I have to take the 4 prong cable I bought and chop off the end and buy the 3 prong plug to wire that in somehow? Help a noob out please. ---
**Author:** ![ultradriver10000](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/ultradriver10000/32/7397_2.png) [@ultradriver10000](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ultradriver10000)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2017, 4:55pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/im-a-generator-idiot/274616/2 "2017-04-07T16:55:20Z")
The 4 prong basically has two grounds, a ground that goes to the box and one that is local. You can buy a 3 program end and twist the two grounds together. That style end should just unscrew. Take out the two retainer screws and it’ll give you access to the wires. Buy a new end and wire it back up. ---
**Author:** ![1QIKZ](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/1qikz/32/6112_2.png) [@1QIKZ](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/1QIKZ)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2017, 7:47am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/im-a-generator-idiot/274616/3 "2017-04-08T07:47:59Z")
Yeah, kinda figured it was headed in this direction. ---
**Author:** ![KuntryQuestTSi](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/kuntryquesttsi/32/5010_2.png) [@KuntryQuestTSi](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/KuntryQuestTSi)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2017, 5:53pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/im-a-generator-idiot/274616/4 "2017-04-08T17:53:50Z")
I’ll enter noobie question here to. Whats an approximate cost to do a transfer switch set up? ---
**Author:** ![1QIKZ](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/1qikz/32/6112_2.png) [@1QIKZ](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/1QIKZ)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2017, 11:41am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/im-a-generator-idiot/274616/5 "2017-04-09T11:41:29Z")
I’m only a weekend electrician but I would think a day for an electrician to install x his (or her…or insert gender here:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_) hourly rate + cost of switch, which depends on number of circuits desired to power.