How To Connect Portable Generator To A House Without A Transfer Switch

A portable generator can come in handy in countless ways. However, connecting a portable generator to your house without a transfer switch can present its challenges. A transfer switch can divide an electrical load between sources and is often used for backup generators in the event of power outages.

To connect a portable generator to a house without a transfer switch, make sure that your portable generator has a round plug. Gather an interlock kit that is compatible with your generator, 3 sets of wires, and a drill. Drill a hole into a wall leading inside that is far away from the generator so that you can pass wires through it.

Now, you place an inlet box on the outside wall and assemble your conduit. Finally, you can connect the wires from the conduit to the inlet plug one at a time. After that, all that’s left to do is assemble the breaker box, run the wires to it, and place a cover over the breaker box.

Let’s get into the step by step process of connecting a portable generator to a house without a transfer switch.

Yes, you can, however, using a transfer switch is highly recommended for portable generators. That is because transfer switches can automatically switch on during power outages. Transfer switches are recommended in general, but there are many homeowners that use the interlock device alternative method.

An interlock device is an alternative to transfer switches that make it possible to plug into a service panel directly. Interlock devices are actually somewhat safer than transfer switches in some ways because there is no direct connection at play. It may take some time and work but foregoing a transfer switch in favor of an interlock kit is an excellent choice for connecting your generator.

Before you get started, look into your local codes. Depending on where you are located, you may not even be allowed to connect a generator without a transfer switch. Not every state or municipality allows for it, and you should by no means bypass a transfer switch if it is illegal where you live.

Assuming that it is legal where you live, look at the plug on your portable generator. On the plug, you will see the amperage of the plug along with some codes. They will help you later on when it comes time to make connections.

The amperage refers to how strong an electric current is. Once you have determined the plug type and amperage, you can get started.

Once your conduit is secure, run the wires through it. In order to connect power to the generator, you’ll need to neatly run wires through the conduit towards the inlet box. Be careful and try to pull one wire through the conduit at a time to make the best use of the tiny space.

You’ll only need to pull one wire all the way through the conduit to connect to the inlet box. The rest of the wires will sit in the conduit. Now, simply make sure that the breaker box has room for wires, attach them to the box, and close it when you are done.

That is all there is to it, and while transfer switches are quite useful, you can still connect a generator to your house without one.

Having a transfer switch is mandatory in most states and jurisdictions. You will need to check with your local authorities regarding this matter to see if it’s necessary for you to have one. You are essentially choosing between a manual switch and an automatic one. If you choose manual, you will have to turn the power off to your home before starting the generator to ensure that they don’t start together or run on the same circuit.

By having a transfer switch, this will protect your generator from being able to keep running when the main power comes back on. This can save your generator as well as your appliances that are hooked up to the circuits throughout your home. Also, it will help prevent a possible fire.

It is relatively safe to forego a transfer switch for your generator, but it is not recommended, for the most part. However, there is a great risk of electrocution than with using a transfer switch. Also, there is a higher chance for electrical feedback when using extension wires without a transfer switch.

No, you will not be able to power all of the same things, such as the air conditioner and kitchen appliances, as you would with a transfer switch. Foregoing a transfer switch means that you rely on extension wires which simply are not possible to use with air conditioners and other electrical household devices.

Unfortunately, no there is not. Without a transfer switch, your portable generator will not be able to restore power to your house immediately.