How to connect generator to house without transfer switch: Want to know how to connect generator to house without transfer switch? Transfer switches are one of the most useful components of a generator without which it is difficult to run a generator. However, these transfer switches are expensive as hell and even give only a limited number of circuits.
Skipping the transfer switch is actually not a good idea. With a transfer switch connected to a generator, you can rest assured of any voltage issues and breaker problems. However, an interlock kit can easily replace the transfer switch for this purpose.
If you are in an emergency situation and can’t go buy the transfer switch at the moment, then you can use this method that we are going to share here. In this post, you will get to know how to connect generator to house without transfer switch.
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Required Things to Connect Generator Without Transfer Switch
Before you know how to connect generator to house without transfer switch, make sure to gather all the things which are going to be needed in the process. You don’t want to run to the mart every time you remember something, right? So, go through the list of items needed for connecting generator to house.
Interlock Kit
An interlock kit is the most essential thing to connect your generator without any transfer switch. This is the main alternative to the Transfer switch that we are going to use. An interlock kit is much cheaper than a transfer switch and can be easily found in electric and hardware shops.
This interlock kit ensures the safe powering of your generator and acts as a switch between utility power and generator power. Make sure to get the suitable one for your generator and ensure that its power is between 12000-watt to 15000-watt.
Circuit Breaker
A circuit breaker is one of the most essential components of the generator. This will ensure the safety of your generator from overloading current issues. Get a 30 Amp double switch circuit breaker with at least 8000-watt power.
Power Inlet Box
Also, get a power inlet box with a 30-50 Amp current so that your power outlet can’t get in contact with water. Make sure to get a suitable plug with good quality for this power inlet box.
Tools
Now, you will need a lot of opening and fitting tools. The must-have tools for connecting the generator are a breaker retainer, drilling machine, electrical tape, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, and drill bits.
Connecting Wires
Depending on the size and distance of the generator installment from your house, you will need the cables. Get wires of ten gauge and the length of the wires should be at least ten feet. If you think, you are going to need more, then get more.
Safety Wear
There will be drilling, assembling, and you are dealing with some big electricity circuits, so it is better to get a safety wear suit for yourself. Make sure to wear rubber gloves, glasses, and wear current-resistance boots.
How To Connect Generator To House Without Transfer Switch
Now that you know what are the things required for this, let us move to the next step which is how to hook up the generator to the house without using any transfer switch. We warn you again, that using a transfer switch is the best idea to avoid any future issues. An interlock kit is safe, but you never know, when a hazardous event may happen. So, try to get a transfer switch as soon as possible even if you use an interlock.
Let’s start the procedure that tells how to connect generator to house without transfer switch.
Keep Everything In Reach
So, the first step for how to connect generator to house without transfer switch, what you have to do is gather all the required items within your reach and find a good spot to install the generator. Make sure you keep it outdoors and a little far from your home so that you can avoid the heavy noise of the generator. Also, make sure you are wearing current-resistant items such as gloves, glasses, and boots.
Check The Amperage Compatibility
Now, you have to check the amperage compatibility of your plug and the generator. The amperage code will be written on the plug itself, so read it carefully and connect the plug into the generator ampere panel. Remember, that the current is supplied through here, so it is compulsory to connect the plug to the right one.
Start Drilling
Next, make a hole by drilling into the wall of your house. This drilled space is the passage of the cables between your house appliances and the generator. Make sure you make a spacious hole enough to let the wires pass through it. Also, you should keep the generator far from your home so that the loud noises can be reduced. You can also use a sound-proof box to cover the generator. This can make the noises reduce to a great extent.
Assemble Everything
Everything is ready now. It is time to know how to connect generator to house without transfer switch. For that, start assembling the generator and the components.
- Firstly, place the power inlet box on a wall. Make sure the electric cord you are using will be long enough to connect the generator to the power inlet. Keep the power inlet away from the drilled hole.
- Now, glue a conduit into the drilled hole carefully. Pass all the wires from the conduit one by one carefully.
- Next, fix the wires on the plug tightly using a screwdriver.
- Install the interlock kit and the circuit breaker you have with you on the breaker box carefully using the breaker retainer. Make sure to turn off the main breaker while doing this.
- Then, it is time to install the wires. Firstly push one wire followed by the others that come from the conduit.
- Turn off the main breaker, and stall the Breaker retainer. Cover the box and its’ done.
- This is how to connect generator to house without transfer switch easily.
Safety Measures
How to connect generator to house without transfer switch is given above. However, you must follow some of the safety tips to avoid danger.
- Do no connect male to male wires.
- Make sure you are wearing current-resistant items.
- Turn the main breaker off when you are installing the wires, kit, etc.
- Check the amperage code before connecting the plug.
- If possible, just use a transfer switch.
Conclusion
That was how to connect generator to house without transfer switch. Even if you don’t have a transfer switch or don’t want to use it due to high product and installation expenses, you can use an interlock kit to connect the generator. Please ensure your safety while doing this, and we suggest watching a video on YouTube or Google to get a better idea about how to connect generator to house without transfer switch. For more interesting and useful guides, visit Techly Fire.