Back-up power is a must for any household.
Power outage often happens and sometimes may last for several weeks. Living without electricity in the modern day is inconvenient and uncomfortable. Therefore, getting a generator is a great idea.
The problem here is: some generators’ owners have no transfer switch so that they can’t use the engine when the main power goes out.
How to connect generator to house without transfer switch?
If you’re wondering the same thing, it’s time to read this article and get the answer yourself.
Table of Contents
Is Transfer Switch for a Generator Needed?
According to experts, there’s a simple way to connect your portable generator to your home with the need of using a transfer switch. Today, I’m going to show you a step-by-step guide for the matter you want to know.
Before that, let’s answer this question first.
Do we have to have a transfer switch for a generator?
In general, it’s not really a necessary item. However, professionals come up with some reasons explaining why you should install one when connecting the power-supplied engine to your home, and this is also supported by National Electrical Code as well.
For those who’ve just bought a generator for the first time, having a transfer switch makes the process of connecting the generator to a house safely. Extension wires are not recommended as they may cause some dangerous issues, like fire or electrocution.
When using a generator for backup power, it’s essential to prepare a well-installed transfer switch beforehand.
Also read: How does an inverter generator work?
But, what if we don’t have a transfer switch?
Keep reading to get the question answered…
A Guide to Connect a Generator to Your House Using NO Transfer Switch
Since you don’t have any transfer switch, it’s impossible to do a straightforward method to connect the device to your house. But again, for your safety as well as for the generation to function properly, it’s better to use a transfer switch.
It’s okay not to use that; nevertheless, the operation process won’t be safe and effective as you expect. In case you’re in an emergency, then you can make use of the following guide.
One more thing, when it comes to working with electricity, you need to equip yourself with correct tools and items. Having a good preparation means you already finish half of the process.
What you’ll need:
Interlock kit
Without a transfer switch, you should have an interlock kit to connect your generator to the house. Click here for more details about this item. If having the interlock kit, you can connect with the transfer witch. Nonetheless, before getting one, make sure to choose the type compatible with your generator.
It’s useless if the kit is not made for the version you are possessing. Interlock kits are affordable and you can buy one anywhere.
Wires
For this job to be done, electrical wires are significant and you need at least 3 sets.
Be careful and serious when working with wires. Plus, remember to buy wires in different colors (red, blue, yellow, etc.) so that later you can identify each one correctly when dealing with them.
Breaker
The last thing you must have is a breaker matching your generator. Most importantly, it needs to work compatibly with specifications of your house. If you make any mistake in choosing ingredients, then you better go get new ones instead of continue proceeding.
Connect a generator to your house:
Check out the safety measures here when connection your generator to the home.
Many think it’s not a big deal, but lots of accidents occurred when people work with electricity. Therefore, safety has to be your top priority. Never ignore or skip any part of the instructions, especially if it’s about electrical elements. In addition, I highly advise you to equip a pair of protective gloves, eyewear, and work boots to prevent yourself from being electrocuted.
It’s never superfluous to keep you safe.
Other common tools you need to progress smoothly till the end are screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, chisels, and electrical take.
Step 1:
The first step is to find out amperage and plug type.
To start working with the generator, you need a big round plug that fit well with both sides of the breaker. As for the amperage, it’s usually next to the plug and you can easily spot the codes there. Now, by following what the codes say, your job is to adjust all the materials.
Step 2:
Next is to drill a hole.
The purpose for this is to connect the generator to your home. Put it simply, you have to place the electrical wires prepared to the hole. You need to estimate carefully and make sure that those wires can fit perfectly.
Keep in mind that the hole has to be big enough so that you can attach the wires. In case you have thick walls, why don’t you think of using a hammer drill?
Step 3:
It’s time to collect some other different ingredients.
Here comes the real task! You have to mount the power inlet box, and I highly suggest that you should mount it somewhere far away from your house. From my experience, the hole I drilled was a couple of feet away the home’s outside walls; moreover, it has to be watertight.
Then, move to assembling the conduit. Attach them properly with glue and this is a must step to keep everything safe, so you shouldn’t skip it. The next thing is to move the inlet plug of your generator and wire it. Pull out the wires from the conduit body at once and place them on the plug.
Tighten them with a screwdriver.
After that, prepare your breaker box. Turn off the main breakers and push all the wires inside; then, install them at the same time with the breaker retainer. Cover the back once finished.
Find out how to connect a generator to your house via this video:
Summary
That’s all for how to connect generator to house without transfer switch.
When connecting your engine to the house but you have no transfer switch, then interlock kit can replace it. This is a simple way to solve the situation. In case you already have the switch, don’t use the kit, remember?
Hope this guide can help you perform this task with ease.
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