Connecting Portable Generator to Steam Heating System

LKLK

We are without power, and I have a portable generator that I would like to connect to my steam heating system (which runs on natural gas).  I think the only electricity it needs are the switch that receives the signal from the thermostat, and the automatic low water filler (but I could be wrong on this, and I'm sure I am not naming these parts correcting).

Questions:  1) Is there a way to retrofit those two parts so that I can attach a power cord from the generator to them?  2) What are the names of the parts I would need to do this?  3)  How many hours of an electrician's time should this take?

I know that the best way to do this is to move the breakers that run the heating system to a new box, and then connect the generator that way -- but I would like to avoid doing that for now.  I am assuming that by adding some type of adapter to each of the 2 areas  of the heating system that require power and then connecting cords from the generator to those adapters, I should able to get the heat going more easily and for a lot less money.

Thanks for your help.  Me and my cold kids appreciate it.

SWEI

without seeing the existing conditions

it's really impossible to estimate the work effort required.  Disclaimer done.



Assuming both are fed from a single J-box, a competent electrician should be able to install an outlet and pigtail with a plug in about an hour.  This assumes that a plug-connected boiler does not violate any of the applicable codes.