How To Connect Portable Generator To House Without Transfer Switch?

Due to faults, floods, hurricanes, and storms, sudden electricity breakouts will cut the power off for days or even weeks.

In this frustrating situation, people in various parts of the world install a backup generator and connect it to the power utility of their house using an automatic transfer switch. 

A transfer switch is greatly in use as it links the portable generator safely to the wiring of homes or business places.

This is an excellent device as it will make a secure connection with the generator and, surprisingly, without harming the electrical warning. What else do you want?

Although it is not recommended to use a generator transfer switch need to connect a generator to a house without a transfer switch, when there is no option, you have to get a quick solution in time of emergency or find it costly.

Then you can go for a connecting generator with a transfer switch. Is it safe? Can you run the generator without this? or can you plug a generator? How to connect the best portable generator to a house without a transfer switch? How to use generators?

This article covers this and a lot more. So stay along and read carefully!

This is not a difficult method, but still needs attention and some of the necessary tools mentioned later in this article. 

What Are Some Of The Vital Equipment You Need To Make A Connection? A Quick Glance 

Before moving to the connection process, Some of the necessary tools you need are mentioned below. Let’s have a look! 

You Need Safety Tools:

Don’t forget to use safety equipment whenever starting any electrical work.

For connecting a portable generator to a house without a transfer switch, you have to buy gloves, a voltage stick, and protective glasses. Without all of them, your eyes and hands may suffer.  

Don’t Forget To Keep Wires With You:

You have to buy a maximum of three electrical wires. It is not a piece of cake; you have to be careful. Any wrong connection can ruin the whole work.

So, ensure to get wires of different colors. Choosing different colored wires will make it easier to identify them during work. 

A Compatible Breaker:

You must pick a breaker that can comfortably handle your portable generator’s power requirements. 

Other Important Tools:

This is a tricky process, so it would be better to keep all the necessary equipment with you, no matter small or big.

It would help if you carried a screwdriver, drills, pliers, electrical tape, wrench, chisels, etc. 

How To Connect Portable Generator To House Without Transfer Switch: Step-By-Step Process

Let’s come to our main concern and have a look at how we can do this.

Shut The Main Circuit Breaker:

Go to your house circuit breaker and hit it off. Doing this will be safe for you to work securely on the generator without facing any shock. 

Find A Space For The Utility Box:

Always try to choose a safe place for installing an outlet box. To start the process, create a hole in a square or rectangular shape that is big enough to have an outlet comfortably.

If the wall is made of wood or drywall, go for a specialized tool. On the other hand, always pick a good quality drill to make holes safely in cement walls.

Now Make A Small Hole Inside This Rectangular Hole:

Take a drill in your hands and make a small hole in the center. You will use this hole to pass wires. Make sure to make the same size hole as per the thickness of the wire to hold wires tightly.

Hence, you will keep the electrical wires safe from future damage when installing them in the outlet kit. 

Take A Waterproof Box And Install It Outside The Wall:

On the wall, attach a box, and it should be water-resistant. It would be a good quality large-size electric box. Larger boxes always fit the wires comfortably. 

Now Connect The Wires Inside The Outlet (Best Way To Connect):

To connect the wires to the outlet kit, insert the wires into the plug outside the house. After this, seal the box and holes using a sealant. 

Run A Test: In the last step, turn the generator on, hook up the inlet plug, and connect the extension to the inlet plug of the generator.

Now connect the power consumption just for testing, and run some appliances. Try to run those that show compatibility with your portable generator. 

This is a tricky process, so you have to do all steps with proper care. If you are not an expert, it is suggested to hire a technician. 

What Are Safety Tips To Follow? Let’s Find Out

While connecting the portable to the house without a transfer switch, always follow some essential tips. These are necessary because the system will disturb you without following them, and you might harm too. 

Avoid Using Male To Male Plugs:

Don’t ever try to use male plugs with other male plugs, as it is not a good idea. If you mistakenly connect two, it will be dangerous for the whole system. 

Wear Safety Equipment:

Try to wear goggles, gloves, and other safety equipment to keep you safe and secure. 

Do Not Connect Generator To A Circuit Breaker:

Ensure not to connect the generator with the circuit breaker present inside the fuse panel as it will immediately catch fire. Also, don’t try to connect the portable generator to the circuit breaker straightaway. 

Make Sure To Know The Power Requirement Of Appliances:

Every home has different appliances that run using different wattages. Normally, a microwave runs using 15000 watts of power, and a light bulb uses 150 watts.

It is necessary to check how much total power your home & appliances need. 

Check The Wirings Of Your Home:

Every home is built with a different and sometimes unique system of wiring.

Different states and towns are built in developed countries with unique wiring systems, so it would be great to check the details and know the details.

If you don’t know about the wiring, try to call the local authorities and ask them about the system. 

Try To Check The Plug Type And Amperage:

Once you examine the system of wiring in your area, the next stage is to examine the type of plug and the amperage of the generator. The plug delivers electricity to the generator’s breakers on both sides.

Additionally, manufacturers mentioned the amperage rating on the plugs and where you plug a generator into your house. These amperage ratings will assist you in how you would adjust the tools in need. 

See Also:

How To Quiet A Portable Generator
How To Secure A Portable Generator

Video Help:

For complete guidelines, watch the full video.