If you live in an area with frequent electricity loss, it's probably a good idea to have a generator at home. You can rely on a generator as backup electricity and not get too stressed when the power goes out.

You may be aware of a generator with a transfer switch, which is a safety device. It is a type of circuit breaker which is usually located in the electric panel.

However, in this article, we will learn how to connect the generator to the house without a transfer switch.

5 Ways to Connect Generator to House Without Transfer Switch

  1. Through Breaker Box: You can connect the generator with the breaker box. Use a separate breaker with a wire to connect the generator. When needed, the main breaker will cut off the power supply to the generator.
  2. To the Main Electrical Panel: You can also wire the generator to the main electric panel. Use a subpanel instead of wiring the generator to the panel.
  3. Through a Transfer Switch: Using a transfer switch is another option. This is a device that connects the generator with the main electrical panel. The transfer switch will interrupt the power supply when needed and transfer it to the main panel instead.
  4. Through Relay: Relay can interrupt the power supply from any appliance in the house when there is a power surge or electrical issue. You can connect the generator using a relay. When you connect the relay to the generator, the device switch can turn on and off automatically.
  5. Through a Power Inverter: This is the easiest way to connect through a power inverter, which is a device that turns the generator's DC power into AC power. Your home appliances can then utilize this power.

Remember to follow necessary precautions while following any of these methods. If you are not confident, bring in a professional to help you out.

What Tools Do You Need?

Here are some of the tools you need to keep handy while connecting the generator without a transfer switch.

  1. Double outlet receptacle kit
  2. Three-pronged round plug and wire
  3. Power consumption watt tester
  4. Extension cord
  5. Hand drill
  6. Oscillating tools
  7. Philip screw
  8. Safety gear
  9. Metal waterproof box
  10. Sealant
  11. Generator set

Step-by-Step Process on how to Connect a Generator to House Without Transfer Switch

  1. Shut off the circuit breaker as this will let you work on the generator safely. Doing this will eliminate the risk of shocking yourself. If needed, you can even shut off the power at the primary source.
  2. Next, switch off the main breaker. It will have the words 'MAIN' written on it. If you see the breakers inside the box and you aren't familiar with the main one, turn off all the breakers to be on the safer side.
  3. Find the mainline coming into your house and disconnect the copper wire. Unscrew the wire clamp on the side of the wire to disconnect.
  4. Next, unscrew the connector from the wire using a common screw. If you aren't sure how the connector looks, look for a square metal object connected to a wire.
  5. Now, take the copper wire from the mainline and connect it to the black wire that will come out of the generator. You need to power the device for the transfer switch to work.
  6. Once done, you need to connect the white wire from the mainline and connect to a white line from the generator.
  7. Now, take the ground wire from the mainline and connect it to the ground wire from the generator.
  8. Finally, look for a red wire and it from the generator to the circuit breaker. You need to leave the main breaker off.

That's it. The generator is connected to your house. All you need to do is flip the main breaker on. If the lights don't turn on, they're probably a loose wire. Check for the same and fix the loose wires.