Steps on Connecting a Generator to a House Without Transfer Switch
Unexpected power outages are common. Interested in learning how to connect a generator to your home without a transfer switch?
If you experience regular power outages, you may want to consider using generators as a form of emergency backup power. The generator plug for the house that you’ll learn how to install in this post is one of the best ways to keep it clean and easily accessible.
Old extensions can be used if the line and end plugs are in good condition. Your generator’s connection cable should be at least 25 feet long. If you need to consume a lot of electricity, you’ll need a large waterproof storage box.
In addition, if you have a larger and more powerful generator, you should use an automatic transfer switch to link the generator to the house.
Steps on How to Use a Generator without a Transfer Switch
Step #1 Provide a Space for the Utility Box Outlet
Decide where you want to put a generator outlet. It’s easy to do when you use your oscillating tool for wood and drywall to cut out a rectangle large enough to fit your outlet. Additionally, you can use your drill to make holes in a concrete cement wall.
Step #2 Drill a Hole for your Generator Cables to the Outlet
Make a hole outside your house using your drill and thread your cables through it. Make sure it’s larger than the diameter of your wires. This way, you can avoid harming the wires in your outlet kit when installing them.
Step #3 Mount the Waterproof Box Outside the House Wall
Install a watertight box on the outside wall. This box aims to safeguard your end plug from any possible harm. To conceal the end plug, any safety box will do. Depending on the size of your cables, you may require a more substantial safety box.
Step #4 Connecting the Wire into the Outlet
After installing the waterproof box, connect the wire by inserting the other end into the outlet. Then assemble the outlet kit. Once you are done assembling the wire and the outlet, you can now seal the interior and exterior holes using a sealant. The primary function of the sealant is to make sure no water will enter the installation.
Step #5 Attach the Generator to the Outlet and Test
Turn on the generator’s electricity, hook up the inlet plug, then connect the extension to the generator’s inlet plug to test this plug-type connection. To determine how many watts your generator produces, connect your power consumption tester and a few small appliances with ratings compatible with yours.
Why Do You Need a Transfer Switch?
The transfer switch acts as a small circuit breaker panel that gets electricity from the generator instead of the commercial power supply. Some use outdoor-rated extension cords from the generator to the house if they prefer to install the generator without a switch. However, if you plan to power your air conditioner compressor, dryer, electric range, and others that use 220-volt, you need to use a transfer switch to provide the required power.
If you are not sure whether you need a transfer switch or not, you can consult a professional and let the expert hadle the installation of your portable generator.
