How To Connect Generator To House Without Transfer Switch?

Jan 27, 2023 15 Min Read

BestGeneratorReview.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We independently research, review and recommend the best products. We may receive commissions on qualifying purchases made from our chosen links to maintain the quality of the website with no extra cost to you.

How To Connect Generator To House Without Transfer Switch? Every homeowner needs backup power in their house from time-to-time depending on where they live.

As we know having a generator allows you to handle power in an emergency and keep the necessary devices or appliances running your home.

This can include anything from overhead lights, the fridge, oven, to even medical equipment.

Some homeowners need a generator more than others. For instance, if you live in a hurricane-prone area, you will often need a high-quality portable generator to manage power and keep your family safe.

A generator provides a sense of safety and wellbeing, especially in an emergency like storm or hurricane.

Standby and portable generators are two broad categories for homeowners. Each type of generator follows a different set of rules in terms of installation and usage.

You can connect a generator to your house with or without a transfer switch. however many homeowners want to know how to connect a generator to the house without a transfer switch?

As mentioned above, you can use a standby or portable generator to handle power in emergencies.

However, we think a portable generator comes in handy in situations like power outages because you can move it quickly from one place to another in your house.

A portable generator provides electric power by running an engine powered by gas. It turns an on-board alternator to produce electricity.

A portable generator has power outlets that enable you to plug electric-powered tools, extension cords, and appliances. If you want to power up more devices, you will need a powerful portable generator with more watts.

We have done extensive research on the best generator that can be connected to a house without a transfer switch.

While there are numerous options, we do recommend the Westinghouse iGen4500 Portable Inverter Generator. It delivers 4,500 watts, and the convenient ports keep all of your appliances running.

Why We Recommend This Generator?

The Westinghouse IGen4500 is a portable inverter generator. It has a compact design with wheels and a retractable handle, making it easy for homeowners to drag the product anywhere in the house.

The best thing is you can use this product in your house’s outdoor and indoor areas without worrying about problems like flat tires.

This portable generator also has a four-gallon fuel tank and unlike other portable generators, the four-gallon fuel tank of IGen4500 is much bigger, allowing you to run the generator for a long time.

Besides the large fuel tank, IGen4500 has longer run times due to its powerful engine. You can even add an automatic voltage device to provide maximum fuel efficiency.

The reason is that you can control wattage output with the voltage regulation device. The generator will work efficiently even if you use it without an automatic voltage regulator.

Some electronic devices in your home require uninterrupted electricity. For example, if you have sensitive electronics like plasma TV, you will need a stable power to charge the device safely.

However, the IGen4500 has less than 3% total harmonic distortion that protects your sensitive devices, such as TVs, laptops, smartphones, etc.

Because it is an inverter generator, it does not produce noise like other portable generators, and this is a plus point when it comes to running your unit without a transfer switch.

Besides having a power of up to 4500 watts, the super quiet operation is what you need for your family’s comfort.

The low noise levels of 52 dB, which is perfect for your house. You can even use the generator on your lawn without disturbing the neighbors.

Therefore, if you want a safe and reliable generator for your house, we strongly recommend the IGen4500.

Things you need to connect generator to A house without transfer switch

Connecting your generator safely without any issues or hazards is the ultimate goal of any homeowner. Safety becomes more critical when you want to connect generator to house without transfer switch.

Before you do that, you will need essential gear and tools to get the job done efficiently.

Interlock Kit

You need a high-quality interlock kit to connect your generator to the service panel. Make sure the interlock kit you choose is compatible with your generator. Otherwise, you will experience problems.

Because transfer switches are relatively expensive, the best way to use your generator without a switch is getting an interlock kit.

Breaker

It is crucial to use the right type of breaker that aligns with your generator. The choice of breaker depends on the type of generator you use. At the same time, choose a breaker compatible with your power requirements.

Read the generator specifications to determine the kilowatt (KW), current, and lag factor.

Wires

If you want to make secure the connection, make sure you choose high-quality electrical wires. Inexperienced homeowners often make a mistake when connecting wires with their generators.

Experts recommend selecting wires in different colors so you can organize everything smoothly.

Tools

How to connect generator to house without transfer switch? Well, you can’t complete the process if you don’t have the right gear or tools. So, you will need screwdrivers, drills, pliers, wrenches, etc.

Make sure you use high-quality gloves to protect yourself from electrical hazards when assembling the generator.

How to connect A generator to house without A transfer switch (installation)

Once you have all the necessary tools and equipment, it is time to start the installation process. In this section, we will explain how to connect a generator to the house without a transfer switch.

Make sure you accurately follow the steps given below to avoid complications. Keep reading!

Step 1: Check Your Home Appliances or Devices

Most portable generators have tanks and require gasoline to produce power. A generator with a tank full of petrol has a run time of up to 12 hours. That’s why it is crucial to determine the type of appliances or electrical devices you want to run.

For example, if you use IGen4500 generator, you can power as many devices as you want, such as overhead lights, TVs, refrigerators, ovens, etc.

A 4500-watt generator can run a portable electric heater, water pump, fan, lamp, and hairdryer.

Step 2: Figure out the Power Requirements for Appliances

Before you connect generator to house without a transfer switch, you must determine the required power for the appliances or device you want to run.

There are different appliances in your home, and each requires a specific input power to run efficiently. Not knowing power requirements can increase the risk of appliance damage.

For example, a typical microwave requires about 1,500 watts. Likewise, an overhead light would need no more than 150 watts. A standard TV requires a power of around 900 watts to run efficiently.

A refrigerator needs 1200-1500 watts, but the power requirement increases when the compressor turns “ON.”

Step 3: Install Hookups

You will need an inlet hook-up box to install hookups. Make sure you install the hookup outside your house. The hookup will have a recessed male connector that will connect to the panel system inside your home.

It is crucial to hire a professional for the installation to ensure your safety and keep the system efficient.

Step 4: Ensure your Family Safety

Your family’s safety is paramount when it comes to using a generator without a transfer switch. You will find instructions online that are unsafe and may lead to increased risk of electrocution, injury, or house fire.

That’s why I suggest seeking advice from a specialist before you do anything that can put your family at risk.

Avoid connecting your generator directly to the breaker box. Always use an interlock kit. Besides, do not connect the unit to a washing machine.

Hiring an expert or at least seeking advice from a professional will help you understand the safety precautions and how to minimize the hazards.

Step 5: Connect the Generator to the hook-up

Before connecting the generator to the hook-up, place it away from your home. The purpose is to prevent your house from catching fire and avoid carbon monoxide from the generator exhaust.

Do not ignore safety precautions at all. Otherwise, you can experience complications and put your house at risk.

Now, plug in your portable generator to the hookup. Check whether the holes at the generator’s cord match with prongs of the hookup. If they match, plug the generator into the hookup.

Turn the plug to complete the connection at about 15 degrees.

Step 6: Connect the attachment cable

After you have plugged in the generator to the hookup, it is time to connect the attachment cable to the generator. It is an essential step when it comes to connecting your generator to house without a transfer switch.

After plugging the attachment cable in your portable generator, select the voltage you need and then match the turn with the receptacle in the other end.

A standard 120 volts receptacle receive a three-prong grounded plug, each with blades of different sizes.

Step 7: Check and Start the Generator’s Engine

Check the throttle for your generator’s engine and make sure it is in the correct position. Likewise, check if the engine has enough fuel or oil. Do not forget to preheat the engine, and you can use the glow plug to do this.

Read the instructions or manual that comes from the manufacturing company.

Step 8: Switch the System and Flip the Breakers

After starting your generator, flip off the utility main by going to the breaker and then turn on the generator main. The next step is to flip the breakers on your installed system.

Make sure you turn on the load slowly and one-by-one. At the same time, keep an eye on the generator and notice any strange sound.

How to use a Generator without a Transfer Switch?

How to connect a generator to a house without a transfer switch? I have already answered this important question step-by-step in this article. Because many homeowners ask: how to use a generator without a transfer switch?

So we find it obligatory to answer this question.

A portable generator like the IGen4500 we recommend provides a convenient backup electric supply, especially when the grid goes down.

Research shows that using a generator without a transfer switch is risky. It can lead to electrical shocks, electrocution, carbon monoxide poisoning, and even fire.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, carbon monoxide exposure can lead to various respiratory problems, such as asthma and lung cancer.

The Safety Commission report states that over 900 people died from gas poisoning from generators between 2005 and 2017.

The report highlights that more than 15,400 people required medical treatment in emergency rooms.

That’s why it is crucial to use the generator safely in your house, especially if you connect it without a transfer switch.

Don’t Use the Generator Indoors

Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas and a silent killer. It is a colorless and odorless gas that can build up inside the indoor space without warning.

Because your portable generator can produce carbon monoxide as a byproduct, you should avoid using it indoors or in enclosed areas, such as crawl spaces, garages, and basements.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one should place the generator 20 feet away from his or her home. Make sure you place the generator away from all windows, doors, and vents.

According to OSHA, the generator must have 3-4 feet of clear spaces on all sides. That way, you can ensure adequate ventilation.

Use Quality Extension Cords

If you want to use the generator without a transfer switch, it is crucial to use quality extension cords. That way, you can safely connect an electrical appliance directly into your generator.

Make sure you use a heavy-duty extension cord specifically designed for outdoors.

Avoid using a cut, frayed, or damaged cord. Do not overload your generator as it can cause overheating and create a fire hazard. Use a stagger if you want to connect multiple appliances or devices to your generator.

Always Cool Your Generator before refueling it

No matter if you use a standby generator or a portable one, it will heat up while running for a long time. Spilling fuel accidentally on the generator or its engine can cause a fire.

Therefore, shut down your generator and allow it to cool down before refueling it.

Test Run the Generator before using it

A generator can come in handy during emergencies. However, running it without a transfer switch is extremely risky. That’s why try out the unit to ensure it’s in good working order.

Adjust or fix the generator if there are any problems. For example, some portable generators draw more power for a few seconds of the startup.

Conclusion

How to connect generator to house without transfer switch? Although experts recommend using a transfer switch for portable generators, you can use an interlock device, an excellent alternative to transfer switches.

This allows you to plug your generator directly into a service panel. We believe an interlock device is much safer than a transfer switch because of no direct connection at play.

Although it may take some time and effort to connect your generator using an interlock device, it an excellent alternative to transfer switches, especially during power outages.

Remember, when you connect a generator without a transfer switch, you won’t be able to power individual appliances like an air conditioner, washing machine, and kitchen appliances.

However, you can easily power overhead lights, lamps, fans, computers, laptops, phones, etc. Running your AC merely on extension cords can lead to electrocution. So, you need to be careful.