How To Connect a Generator to Your House Without a Transfer Switch
Keep your home powered during extreme weather with a generator
If you’ve ever found yourself curled up on the couch during a snowstorm, and zap—the power goes out—you’ve probably wished you had a generator to plug in. Luckily, there are several ways to connect a generator to your home. Our guide will show you how to connect a generator to your house without a transfer switch.
Why Should I Connect a Generator To My House Without a Transfer Switch?
Typically, most whole-house generators connect to your home through a transfer switch, which detects when you’ve lost electricity and seamlessly moves the power load from the electrical grid to your backup generator. Yet, not every generator requires a transfer switch to function properly—especially smaller, portable generators.
Transfer Switch Safety
It’s important to note that a transfer switch keeps electricity from back-feeding into the power grid. Back-feeding electricity into the power grid can cause utility workers harm, injury, or death. So, when connecting a generator to your house without a transfer switch, ensure there’s no direct connection between your generator’s power supply and the power grid’s supply.
How to Connect a Generator to My House Without a Transfer Switch
There are a few ways to connect a generator to your house without a transfer switch. These include using an interlocking device, a dedicated weatherproof outlet box, and an extension cord. Below, we’ll cover how to safely and effectively connect a generator to your home without a transfer switch. Keep in mind that the best way to connect a generator to your home is to hire a generator installation professional to tackle this complicated, hazardous task.
1. Interlocking Device Kit
An interlocking device kit includes metal hardware that attaches directly to your circuit breaker. The device locks into place and only allows one power source to run at a time, which prevents back-feeding. Here’s how to connect an interlocking device:
Turn off the main breaker and all breakers in the electrical panel.
Install an outdoor outlet using a hammer drill.
Install a dedicated 220 or 240-volt interlock circuit breaker at the top of your panel near the main circuit breaker panel.
Install the interlock device on the main circuit breaker panel.
When the power turns off, push the interlocking device up to prevent the main breaker from turning back on.
Turn on the interlock breaker.
Take a generator extension cord and plug it into the outdoor outlet until it clicks into place.
Ensure the generator is off, and plug the other side of the extension cord into the generator.
Turn the generator on.
Depending on the wattage of your generator, you can turn on select breakers, such as the AC unit and lighting.
2. Outside Outlet Box
This option works particularly well for small, portable generators. You’ll install an outlet box outside of your home, right near where you want to run the generator. For example, you’ll want to install an outlet box outside the kitchen to run your refrigerator during a power outage.
Turn off the main breaker.
Choose a spot to put the weatherproof outlet box on the outside and a corresponding outlet inside.
Cut through the drywall with a Dremel.
Use a hammer drill to cut through the wall from the inside to the outside.
Mount the outside weatherproof box. Ensure the box is rated correctly for the voltage and amperage your generator needs.
Purchase cables that match the generator’s amperage and voltage.
Place the cable wires through the box, going from the inside to the outside.
Connect the inlet plug and the outlet box.
Install the inside outlet.
Seal up the outside hole with silicone caulk.
Plug the generator into the cord on the external box using an extension cord.
Turn on the breaker for the generator.
Turn the generator on.
Plug your appliance into the outlet box.
3. Extension Cord
The extension cord is the least-used method because it can be dangerous—most extension cords cannot handle the amount of power from a generator. Follow these instructions and use caution:
Purchase a generator-grade extension cord with a high wattage allowance.
Connect the extension cord to the generator.
Bring the extension cord inside, ensuring not to run it through doors or windows.
Plug the cord in close to the appliance you want to power on.
Turn the main breaker off.
Switch the generator circuit on.
Turn the generator on.
Keep the generator dry and grounded, away from flammable leaves or grass.
Tips For Safely Connecting a Generator to Your House Without a Transfer Switch
Above, we covered ways to connect a generator to your house without a transfer switch. Here are a few tips to make the process safe, smooth, and effective:
Before purchasing a generator, calculate the total wattage needed and select one that can safely handle the power load.
Hire an electrician near you to install a generator breaker, interlocking device, and an outside outlet.
Never plug a generator directly into a wall socket. Always use a generator-grade extension cord.
Wear protective gear when powering up the generator.
Only flip breakers that you want to power with the generator, such as lights, air conditioning, kitchen appliances, to prevent overloading the system.
Monitor the generator and its power consumption.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
If you have prior electrical experience and knowledge, you can DIY some of these projects yourself. You’ll have to pay for an interlocking device kit (around $35), an outside outlet box (around $25), and a generator-grade extension cord (around $70).
However, we highly recommend hiring a generator installer near you. Generator professionals have the knowledge, equipment, tools, and safety gear to properly connect a generator to your house without a transfer switch. Not only that, but some electrical codes may only allow generators to connect to your home with a transfer switch. So, a generator professional will know all the ins and outs of national, local, and municipal electrical codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you cannot plug a generator directly into a wall outlet in your home. Plugging in a generator without an interlocking kit, extension cord, or wall outlet receptacle is incredibly dangerous and can cause back-feeding—power from the generator back-feeds into utility lines. Also, if the main power comes back on while your generator is on, it could damage the generator and cause a house fire.
As a safety measure, you should always turn off the main breaker while operating your generator’s backup breaker. In addition, you should also switch off all appliance breakers so you don't have a power surge when the main breaker turns back on. And finally, turning off the main breaker prevents back-feeding, which endangers utility workers with the risk of electrocution. Back-feeding could also destroy the electrical circuits of your neighbors if they use the same power network.