Connecting your portable generator to your house without a transfer switch can be a bit complicated. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to do so. If you experience a power blackout in your place and don’t have a transfer switch, you can connect a generator to your house using “shortcut” means. In this technique, all you need is a breaker, interlocking kit, electrical wires, and safety tools among others.
Connecting a generator to your house without a transfer switch is not recommended by the electrical national because the risk is higher. Using this means will limit the appliance you can power since most of the home appliances are hardwired to the main power supply.
Moreover, if you intend to sell your property, the national electric codes need you to have a switch connected, or otherwise, you risk code violation. So, I will only suggest this technique in an emergency or onetime act before you hire professional personnel to connect a transfer switch for you.
Things You Need For Connecting Generator Without Transfer Switch
| Things You Need | Purpose |
| Breaker | Essential for the whole technique to complete |
| Interlocking kit | Help in connecting the generator to the service panel |
| Wires | It helps in getting the work done |
| Gear and tools | Protect you from electricity and help you perform some tasks. |
Steps To Connect The Generator To Your House Without A Transfer Switch
Step 1: Ensure You Have The Necessary Materials And Tools To Start The Connection
Breaker- you require to concentrate on what kind of generator you are utilizing. Get yourself a breaker that can meet your home requirement as well. A two-pole double breaker with 30-amp power can be the option given that it nearly meets most of the generator specifications.
Interlocking Kit– you require to get an interlocking kit. This will assist you to connect the generator to the service board. Ensure to get the one that matches the model of your generator. It requires to be precisely made for your type. Otherwise, you might experience some problems during the process and afterward. The good news is these kits are cheap, and you can reach them easily.
Electrical Wires– you will require some cable for this connection to occur. Get three sets of electrical wires. This ought to be 10 feet of 10-gauge wires. Getting along with electric wires is no joke, especially if you are a novice. Ensure you select wires of a different color for a better connection.
Gears And Other Tools – The entire process can’t be completed without the correct gear and tools. It would be best if you had them by your side. Some of the tools are wrenches, drills, pliers, and screwdrivers. Asides from those tools, you will need a pair of work gloves and protective eyewear to protect you from electricity and possible looming from it.
Step 2: Observe Safety
It is important to observe safety while connecting a generator without a transfer switch. In some states, doing so is illegal. This shows how it can be dangerous to connect without a transfer switch.
Given that you already have protective gears, such as gloves and eyewear. It’s good to use them properly. Also, ensure you don’t connect your Genset direct to the circuit breaker or use a male to male plug. This is because it’s a dangerous act and cause fire breakout.
Step 3: Figure Out Amperage
Now that you know the safety measures, it’s important to figure out your generator plug type and its amperage.
The plug will aid in bringing power on both sides of the generator breaker. You can locate the amperage close to the plug. You are going to locate some codes as well. Read while adjusting the materials depending on these codes.
Step 3: Hole Drilling
Drill a hole that will serve as an entrance of cables from the Genset to your place. The hole should be large enough to ensure the wires pass and fit properly. Ensure to locate a spot far from your generator.
Drilling the hole near your bedroom might not be a good idea because noises from the generator may give you sleepless nights.
Step 4: Assemble The Materials
This is the last step where real work is done. Begin by mounting the power inlet far away from your home.
Ensure that the power inlet is at least a few feet away from the hole you drilled on the wall. Check the hole to ensure it is watertight. Get the conduit and bring it together. Use glue to attach them properly. This is vital to keep things safe.
Next, wire your generator inlet plug. At this stage, pull the wire one at a time from the conduit and push all the remaining wires.
The last thing for this step is to prepare the breaker box to receive the wires conduit body. Once you are done doing so, cover the breaker box.
Do You Need A Transfer Switch?
If your generator is above 500 watts, you will always require a transfer switch for safety purposes and ease of use.
Can You Plug A Generator Into A Wall Socket?
At no time generators should be connected to a home electrical outlet or directly connected to the circuit breaker panel. If you do so, then the wiring in your house is no longer protected by a fuse in your power panel or a circuit breaker.
Final Word
From this article, it is evident that it is possible to connect a generator to your house without a transfer switch. Adhere to the steps given, and you will be able to connect. However, don’t try this technique if you find that it’s illegal to do so in your state.
