Generators are the most popular options for the secondary power source. Installing a generator system is essential to get an uninterrupted power supply. When you run out of the main power supply, a generator can help you bring back power to your appliances.
No matter what generator you get, you must do the installation correctly. You should hire an electrician for that. But if you are pretty sure you can do this on your own with some guidance, you are at the right place.
Besides, if you want to avoid using a transfer switch, you can also do that. Many people prefer not to buy a transfer switch as they are a little expensive. The transfer switch prevents back-feeding power to the electric grid and overloads as well. But still, you can choose not to use it, and you can use an interlock kit instead.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the details of connecting a generator to a house without a transfer switch.
Things you need to get:
`To connect the generator to your house, you need some equipment. An interlock kit, a weatherproof outdoor outlet/plug, an extension cord/generator cable, and a breaker are majors. As the secondary tools, you will need screws, a screwdriver, Extra wirings of 3 color sets and a hammer drill to make holes on the wall.
How to connect a generator to a house without a transfer switch (Step-by-step guide):
Let’s check out the step-by-step guide on how to connect a generator to a house without a transfer switch.
Step 1: First of all, you need to add the breaker to the breaker box. Mount the breaker at the correct top position in the box. When you start to work, the foremost thing is to turn off the main breaker switch. Unless you may face unwanted shock, always turn off all the electrical connections when working with electrical components and wires.
Step 2: After installing the breaker, the next thing is to attach the outdoor outlet to the outdoor side of the wall. For that, you have to drill through the wall. You can use a hammer drill for that.
Make sure you attach the outlet near the electric panel. That means you can set up the outlet right under the electric panel on the outside wall. The power will flow through the wirings to the outdoor plug.
Now, how to connect the plug with the power box? Well, we will get into that in detail after some while.
Step 3: After you do the plug installation appropriately, it is time to put the connection on. Take the extension cord and plug in one end to the outdoor outlet and the other to the generator.
Step 4: Get back to the breaker box and install the interlock kit. It is a template that creates a barrier and safety in the whole connection system. We will also get some idea on how to install the interlock kit.
Step 5: Make sure again the main breaker switch is off. Turn off all the other circuit breakers of the house now. Slide up the interlock kit and turn on the breaker you installed for the generator connection. At this point, your generator will start to work.
Now turn on the breaker switch for the appliance you want to run with generator power. Don’t turn on all the switches. Because your generator may not be able to handle the load of the whole house.
Every time you face a power cut, come to the electric panel. Turn off the main switch first. Turn off all others as well. Then, slide the interlock to lock the main switch turned off. Turn on the generator breaker switch. And switch on the breakers for specific applications. And it is done.
How to install an interlock kit?
Installing an interlock switch is super easy yet something to do correctly. You need to make three holes on the template measuring the distances in your panel. Attach the template with the panel beside the main switch using some screws. Remember, the interlock template should be slide-able upwards and downwards.
How to install an outdoor outlet?
Now moving on to install the outdoor inlet. You are attaching the outlet/plug outside the wall, but the wirings are inside. So, you must do the wirings so carefully. Let’s know how to do it right.
Step 1: Take the thick wire, a combination of red, black, white, and a ground wire. Measure the wire as you need and attach it nicely and tight with the outdoor outlet. Make sure the wire is stable and adjoined with the outlet.
Step 2: Next step is to strip the wire. When you strip the wire, the coating or the cover will come out. Now cut off the cover first. After that, neatly strip the ends of each wire a little bit. You can use a stripping tool or a plus to do it.
Step 3: Now install the ground wire from the box with another ground wire you bought at the screw point. Do this real tight and properly.
Step 4: Connect the white neutral wire right behind the plug of the outlet. Then connect the red and black wire with the plug accordingly. Now you are all done attaching the outlet with the wall.
Step 5: Set the outlet against the wall and take the extension of the wire through the hole you did in the wall. Mount the outlet with some screws. You have to do it nicely but not too tight. Make sure it is stable enough and sticks against the wall. Use some more screws to do the mounting properly.
Step 6: Get back to the breaker box at this point. Take out one knockout of the panel. Slide the wire through it. Staple the wire with the sides of the panel in the wooden case. After you staple it perfectly, measure the wire you need and cut off the excess.
Step 7: Strip the wire-like before. Attach the ground wire with the panel using the screws tightly. Then install the neutral wire as the same as the ground wire. After that, install the red and black wire into the breaker.
Step 8: Adjusting the wires put on the cover of the panel box, and you are done.
Safety and Protection:
Before you start to work, select a dedicated space to keep the generator. Make sure you do it outside the house. Not in the basement or garage either. Installing an immense power source like a generator inside the house may lead you to a severe accident someday.
You can keep your generator in a separate storeroom. Along with giving you protection, it will also keep the generator free from outside dust and rain. Besides, it will also give the generator shade to keep it cool.
While you are working, be sure that you are not in touch with water. Sam about the equipment and tools as well. Do not choose to work on connecting the generator to your house on a rainy day. Because water is something highly detrimental when you work with electricity and power.
For your safety, wear safety glasses, working gloves and boots. They are the best companion for sure in doing jobs like this.
Final Words:
This was all about how to connect a generator to a house without a transfer switch. Hope that you can do the installation now. If you are still doubtful about it, seek some professional electrician’s help.
For the prolonged life span of your generator, always give it a check often. Use good quality fuel. And operate the system nicely.
