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

Table Of Content

• Wiring the System
• Introduction: Easy Generator to Home Hook Up
• Install the Outdoor Generator Plug and Connect to the Power Box
• Extension Cords
• Understanding Home Electrical Systems
• Woods Woods 12-Gauge Extra Heavy-Duty 100-Foot Extension Cord
• Is It Necessary To Have A Transfer Switch?
• Step 2: Determine Your Generator Plug Type and Amperage

Except they don't allow you to use the full power of a large generator. It's like paying for something, but only being able to use half of it. Once you identify a good place to keep it, ensure that your extension cords are long enough. Whether you use a propane generator or it's powered by gasoline, ensure you store enough fuel.

Wiring the System

You can easily turn on and off various circuits to accommodate changing power needs. My retaining bolt was located between the main breakers and the 30 amp breaker. Remove the front cover from the power inlet box.Remove a knock out and attach the PVC fitting. You will want a generator that’s rated at about 5,000 to 7,500 watts in order to run the most critical household appliances and equipment. This includes things such as your lighting circuits, fridge, and your well pump. Additionally, you’ll be able to charge your cell phone and still be able to use your stove as well.

Introduction: Easy Generator to Home Hook Up

Wear rubber-soled shoes and use non-conductive tools when working near electrical systems. Never operate a generator in wet conditions; water conducts electricity and increases shock risk. Each wire is like a different path, ensuring electricity gets where it needs to go safely. It’s important to keep the generator dry to prevent electrocution. If the generator gets wet, disconnect it from the power source and allow it to dry completely before using it again.

Install the Outdoor Generator Plug and Connect to the Power Box

So you got a new generator; here's how to use it - Tallahassee Democrat

So you got a new generator; here's how to use it.

Posted: Wed, 27 Sep 2017 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Generators produce greater voltage than what the receptacle, electrical wire, and breaker can handle. Therefore, if you use a double male plug, you can easily start a fire. Because a portable generator can be moved, you can use it for many different applications. For example, the same Honda generator can power your home, tailgate party, and camping trip.

Extension Cords

This compact generator with a one-gallon tank and variety of outlets is safe to use to charge electronics. With 12,000 starting watts, this dual fuel generator can run on propane or electric and has an electric start and low-oil shut off. Finally, many generators are equipped with CO detectors that will shut the machine down before CO builds up to the point where it becomes deadly. Although a generator thus equipped is a little more expensive than one without the technology, it’s still a good idea.

Understanding Home Electrical Systems

This involves determining where you'll place it and where the cords will run through. Portable generators are an invaluable asset during emergencies. However, setting it up during a crisis is a hassle and adds to the risk. Chad and Rick are the father son team behind Generator Hero.

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. Another limitation is noise pollution; standby generators tend to be louder than portable options.

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.

At this stage, you have a whole house generator and know where it'll be powering your house from. All that's left is setting the stage, so you won't have a lot of work to do when you need emergency power. We’d recommend contacting a certified electrician to help you with wiring and installing the interlock kit to your home correctly. When this happens, you don't have to stay in the dark without heating or cooling.

It also ensures that when utility power comes back on, the power won’t feed into your generator – which could damage the generator and start a fire. To connect your generator, you’ll run extension cords from the appliances you want to power to the generator. You’ll want to make sure the generator is a safe distance from your home, and of course, keep all doors and windows closed.

An interlock kit is another way to wire a generator to a house. It is a bit more complicated than an MTS but it has some advantages. 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.

If you’ve found yourself without power for long periods of time, having a reliable power back-up source via a portable generator is your best option. While there are many ways to power up your home while off-grid, you have to be sure you connect your portable generator safely and correctly. This can be done with a transfer switch or a Generlink meter mounted transfer switch. While both can be costly to purchase and install, they are both relatively easy to install. Which one you choose it totally up to you, depending on your geographic location, budget and approval from your electrical service provider.

Once you have determined the plug type and amperage, you can get started. 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.

Instead, you’ll need a device known as a transfer switch to safely hook your generator up to your home. You will want to communicate with your electrician about your priorities for what you want to power. The electrician will assign those loads to the various circuits in the transfer switch. The “Automatic” transfer switch is also called a Universal Transfer Switch or UTS. The UTS will manage available power to whichever applications you set as a priority. This allows a smaller generator to power more critical appliances in your home.

Keep in mind that the hole that you drill must be able to fit the electrical wires. With its remote key fob and easy push-button start, you can safely run this generator up to 260 feet away from your home on gas or propane. When the lights go out, your planning and practice will pay off with safely generated home power.

Buying an emergency generator is a great first step in protecting your family from power failure. But, even the most diehard prepper cannot predict the next power outage. The first thing a homeowner must do to run a generator safely is to move it away from the home. Running a generator inside a garage or even close to a window can allow exhaust fumes containing carbon monoxide into the home, creating very dangerous conditions. Keep in mind that each of the supplies you buy to help with plugging the generator should match your generator and breaker's amperage. Hooking up a portable home generator is not the same as plugging other devices into sockets.