This is a mock-up demonstration of how one could theoretically hook an entire house's electrical system up to an extension cord, very much in the style of rural Guatemala. For educational purposes only.

HOW TO: Power a house from an extension cord

1. Take the cover off your dryer outlet (it has to be an outlet that is supplied both hots as well as neutral, otherwise only half your circuits will be energised — the range would work too).
2. Cut the end off your extension cord, hook up the hot cable to both dryer hots, neutral to neutral, ground to ground, ashes to ashes and dust to dust.
3. Make sure the dryer breaker is installed and on.
4. Rip out the GFCI outlet, if there is one, in your temporary box and replace with a standard outlet — otherwise it'll be tripped by the neutral-ground connection in your service panel.
5. Insert fire extinguisher into toolbelt, go to amber firefighting alert.
6. Plug in, switch on and pray.