Connect the generator cord to the transfer switch or inlet box. Alternatively, the generator can be connected to different load circuits through a power line making the activity very time-consuming and risky every time. For example, you might be using utility power before that. Take a standard 4-wire generator cord and remove its socket. Using a waterproof box on the outside of the wall will protect your end plug from any possible damage. Place the generator as far away from your home as 2. How Do You Connect a Backup Power Generator to Your Home?. Connect the Generator: Connect the cable laying on top of the generator to the house outlet (mounted west of the generator on a beam on the bottom of the deck) Connect. A good rule of thumb is to choose a generator that is twice as powerful as the total wattage of the appliances you want to connect. Make a list of the items you want to power with a portable generator. Because the transfer switch is connected with both generator and utility power, we have to avoid unwanted power flow from any of the two sides. 19 hours ago · Determine Your Power Needs. Step 1: You Need an Outlet Utility Box Cut out the space in your wall where you want to install the outlet utility box for your generator outlet. When the power goes out, you simply flip the switch to Generator Power, connect your generator, and start the generator. How To Hook Up A Generator To Your House (7 Steps). Step 2: Run Generator Cables to the Outlet. Plug the cord into the generator receptacle. In contrast, an online double-conversion topology UPS system will limit the need to go to battery backup power and ensure seamless operation of your connected equipment. Connecting a generator to your home - Honda Generators Honda 560K subscribers Subscribe 341K views 8 years ago Your Honda Generator is an excellent source of back up. An inlet box is usually installed to your home’s exterior to connect the generator. Consider the refrigerator, lights, media devices and important chargers. The opposite end is divided into various household outlets, allowing you to begin attaching extra extension cables around your home safely. Exceptional Value 12Kw Generator. 2 Redirect critical circuits from main panel to sub-panel. The first step in selecting a backup generator is to determine your power needs. You can use as much as you need to connect the generator, but it also requires a sizable waterproof storage box. The type that would be accepted by your local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction / Electrical Inspector) varies from state-to-state and county-to-county. Connecting a Generator to Your Home When powering your home, the generator is only half of the equation. gl/JeHCT7 Interlock and Portable Generators (affiliate link). Connect generator to indoor appliances by one of the following ways: Run one gen cord from the generator and connect multiple appliances. Step 7: Wire the Generator Inlet Plug Once the glue is dry we can start to work on the wiring. It must be installed in advance by a licensed electrician and according to the local building codes. Any time solar production exceeds loads in the building, solar inverters attempt to. Generac generator - Installation method, the connection of the gas generator / TheBatteryStation. You’ll want to make sure the generator is a safe distance from your home, and of course, keep all doors and windows closed. The generator-to-house connection must use all four wires (both hots, neutral, and ground) The generator must plug into an inlet (not a receptacle outlet) on the outside of the house (live mains on exposed metal is a recipe for waking up wearing a halo and wings, and so is running a generator anywhere where the CO-laden exhaust can get inside). Remember to seal the exterior and interior of the hole to ensure it’s waterproof. When the power goes out, you simply flip the switch to “Generator Power,” connect your generator, and start the generator. You’ll want to choose a generator that can supply enough electricity to keep your most important appliances running during an outage. A transfer switch makes it easy and convenient to power your home. To connect a portable generator to a house without a transfer switch, make sure that your portable generator has a round plug. Most generators can be plugged into a power inlet. Connect the generator cord to the transfer switch or inlet box. In the most elegant scenario, youd run a cable from the 30-amp, 240-volt outlet in the bed to a 30-amp transfer. The first step in selecting a backup generator is to determine your power needs. The Best Way to Connect a Portable Generator to Your Home. The most popular way to hook up a generator to your house is via a transfer switch. Dont glue it until you know it fits. In order to connect a generator output to the home wiring via an existing 3-hole outlet you’ll have to make your own cable. When the generator starts working, it sends power to the power inlet box. How To Connect Portable Generator To A House Without A …. How to Install an Automatic Standby Generator / Ask This Old House This Old House 1. This method works fine for appliances such as refrigerators and freezers, or a sump pump that is keeping the basement dry during a storm. The most popular way to hook up a generator to your house is via a transfer switch. Step 2: Place the Portable Generator Step 3: Plug In the Emergency Generator Step 4: Start the Generator Step 5: Plug In the Devices and Appliances Step 6: Refuel the Portable Generator Related Tags: Electrical Tools. Installing a backup generator is an invaluable way to prepare your family for emergencies. It runs on natural gas or liquid propane (LP) fuel, and sits outside just like a central air conditioning unit. If the generator does not accept a male plug connection, youll want to make up a double female cord. Step 2: Install the Transfer Switch. They are either Separately Derived Systems or Nonseparately Derived Systems. Run several extension cords from outside to connect to appliances. Once you’ve chosen the correct type of transfer switch, the next step is to install it. To connect your generator, you’ll run extension cords from the appliances you want to power to the generator. In order to connect a generator output to the home wiring via an existing 3-hole outlet you’ll have to make your own cable. in this video Im gonna show you how I back feed my generator to my house Im the events of power outages in the freezing -40c winters that we get so I can. This is the ideal way that weve outlined below. Step 1: You Need an Outlet Utility Box Cut out the space in your wall where you want to install the outlet utility box for your generator outlet. How To Connect A Generator To Your House? To do this, put the gen wire into a 20 or 30-amp circuit on your generator. How to hook up a generator to your house without a transfer switch. When the power goes out, you connect the generator to the outside wall socket and start the generator, you then go inside and use the transfer switch to switch over the house wiring to the generator. I believe the 3 wires of 12v are for the generator to supply a relay on the transfer switch in between the time the main power goes out and the transfer switch changes over to generator power. Make a list of all the appliances you want to keep running during an outage, including. Step 1: Choose the Right Generator. The first thing you need to do is to connect the generator and the outdoor port with a special cable thats meant for the job. It basically prevents the generator. Standby generators are hardwired to your home. Installation of a generator transfer switch to connect a power generator to the house is the safest and reliable way for creating such a backup system. First of all, pull all circuit breakers in the transfer switch to the off position. The perfect length for the line to connect your generator is at least 25 feet. Resources for installing a transfer switch device, packages to consider, and more. How to safely connect portable generator power to your home: 1) Turn OFF all the circuit breakers in your breaker panel. You can use the F-150s generator as your personal electric utility in two ways. Connecting a generator to your home - Honda Generators Honda 560K subscribers Subscribe 341K views 8 years ago Your Honda Generator is an excellent source of back up power for your home in. This would allow the generator to feed everything in the home, but it will de-rate the 400 amp servicethis could work since the service is oversized basedbut I need a professional engineer to perform a load calculation to go that route. generator>Installing an outdoor inlet for a portable generator. Generac uses six communication wires. You go out and start up the generator. The bottom line is you cannot allow solar panels and a generator to work in parallel. Without one, you’ll only be able to plug appliances directly into the generator’s inputs. Generator for 400 Amp service install. The first step is to choose the right generator. They are turned on, started manually, and connect to your home via an extension cord. The instructions simply say to install one if codes require it. Start the generator outside. Connect generator to indoor appliances by one of the following ways: Run one gen cord from the generator and connect multiple appliances. How to connect a backup generator to your house. A lot of buildings with Con Edison steam heat dont have the proper infrastructure for venting, so youd want to create one. Steps: 1 Install electrical sub-panel with transfer switch beside the main electrical panel. Plug an appliance into the extension cord. To connect a portable generator to a house without a transfer switch, make sure that your portable generator has a round plug. gl/JeHCT7 Interlock and Portable Generators (affiliate. When the generator starts working, it sends power to the power inlet box. Basics of Connecting to Your Home. BACKUP POWER: Easiest Way to Connect Generator to House Bailey Line Road 107K subscribers Subscribe 4. Sizing Make sure all wiring and devices are sized properly. 1K 607K views 6 years ago #ThisOldHouse #AskTOH This Old House host Kevin. You’ll want to make sure the generator is a safe distance from your home, and of course, keep all doors and windows closed. Create the opening through which you can run the generator cables. You must monitor the generator’s fuel level and refill it if you need to use it for an extended time. Remove the cover on the conduit body. Without one, youll only be able to plug appliances directly into the generators inputs. 5 Dig trench from generator to new high-pressure gas meter. If you have home wiring experience, you can DIY install the generator. Generac generator - Installation method, the connection of the gas generator / TheBatteryStation. An interlock kit is the least expensive way to safely backfeed a generator into your home. Plug your attachment cable into your. Transfer Switches Connect the generator to the transfer switch using a gen cord. The first step in selecting a backup generator is to determine your power needs. 1) Turn OFF all the circuit breakers in your breaker panel. Step 2: Place the Portable Generator Step 3: Plug In the Emergency Generator Step 4: Start the Generator Step 5: Plug In the Devices and Appliances Step 6: Refuel the Portable Generator Related Tags: Electrical Tools. How to safely connect portable generator power to your home: 1) Turn OFF all the circuit breakers in your breaker panel. I use a generator power with 3500 watts and 30 amp breakers with 120 volts electrical supply for this application. Flip the main breakers in the transfer switch to the Generator position. You can permanently connect the generator to your homes electrical system. The inlet box sends the power to the automatic. To connect a portable generator to a house without a transfer switch, make sure that your portable generator has a round plug. You’ll want to choose a generator that can supply enough electricity to keep your most important appliances running during an outage. Run several extension cords from outside to connect to appliances. Step-by-Step Guide on How to Use a Generator Without Needing Any Transfer Switch Step 1: Create a Place for the Outlet Utility Box Step 2: Drill a Hole for Running Your Generator Cables to the Outlet Step 3: Install the Waterproof Box Outside Your Wall Step 4: Connect the Wire Into the Outlet Step 5: Connect Generator to Outlet and Test it. Step 2: Install the Transfer Switch. Best way to connect a generator to your house is a generator interlock. Car and Driver. Connecting a Generator to Your Home When powering your home, the generator is only half of the equation. How Can I Connect a Generator to my House Without a Transfer …. Powerwall can be added to a system with a backup generator connected with an external Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) or a Manual Transfer Switch (MTS). Using a Transfer Switch to Connect a Backup Generator to Your Home Transfer switches allow the home’s electrical circuit to automatically or manually switch to the backup generator for its power source. Facts About Portable Generator to House Connections. 4K Share 922K views 6 years ago #generator. An inlet box is usually installed to your homes exterior to connect the generator. Installing a home backup generator is an exciting time. You can permanently connect the generator to your homes electrical system. The most popular way to hook up a generator to your house is via a transfer switch. to Use a Portable Generator. 8K views 7 years ago When there’s a utility power outage the EVOLVE ATS. After that you can start up the generator. Turn Off Circuit Breakers. An inlet box is usually installed to your home’s exterior to connect the generator. Ground Rod at Standby Generator. To understand why this is important, lets take this example. Your Easy & Safe Way To Hook Generator To House. Step 1: Estimate Your Home’s Power Needs. in this video Im gonna show you how I back feed my generator to my house Im the events of power outages in the freezing -40c winters that we get so I can heat my homelessND keep the family. Options to Connect Your Home Lets start with the basics: the pros and cons of using a transfer switch or using extension cords. More Generator Transfer Switch vids: https://goo. To connect your generator, you’ll run extension cords from the appliances you want to power to the generator. Connect generator to indoor appliances by one of the following ways: Run one gen cord from the generator and connect multiple appliances. 4K Share 922K views 6 years ago #generator #backuppower #homesteadlife See the. amp breaker at each house panel and sized the wire accordingly and the incoming feed went to ground before the 100 amp breaker, the grounded conductor returning to source is undersized. How Can I Connect a Generator to my House Without a Transfer. When the power goes out, you connect the generator to the outside wall socket and start the generator, you then go inside and use the transfer switch to switch over the house wiring to the generator. Step 4 – You can then connect your generator to the power inlet box with a cable. Step 4 - You can then connect your generator to the power inlet box with a cable. What is the normal price for plumber to connect gas line?. HOW to CONNECT a Portable Generator to a HOUSE with a. 1) Turn OFF all the circuit breakers in your breaker panel. Once you are good glue it down. You dont ever want to have exposed energized parts, as they are a serious shock hazard. Step 1: You Need an Outlet Utility Box Cut out the space in your wall where you want to install the outlet utility box for your generator outlet. Step 2: Run Generator Cables to the Outlet. Step 1: Choose the Right Generator. Plug in your generator to the hookup. Step 1: Estimate Your Home’s Power Needs. Power from the generator will run into the transfer switch, and the transfer switch will then feed this power into your home’s electrical panel. To connect your generator, you’ll run extension cords from the appliances you want to power to the generator. Drill a hole into a wall leading inside that is far away from the generator so that you can pass wires through it. in this video Im gonna show you how I back feed my generator to my house Im the events of power outages in the freezing -40c winters that we get so I can heat my homelessND keep the family. Best way to connect a generator to your house is a generator interlock. There are 3 different types of transfer switches to choose from, which are; automatic transfer switch, manual transfer sub panel and a breaker interlock panel. If you have a loose mating 3-prong plug NEMA 10-30P, attach its X and Y terminals to two. This will help to prevent the generator from being overloaded. When a power outage occurs, safest, easiest way to provide backup emergency power to a home is with standby generator system. The most popular way to hook up a generator to your house is via a transfer switch. Powerwall is installed between the utility meter and the transfer switch and can charge from solar while the grid is operational. Match the holes at the end of the generators cord to the prongs on your hookup. It can handle all the power the generator. Plugging It In 1. If the generator does not accept a male plug connection, youll want to make up a double female cord. Current would travel to each service bond and back to source at. Youll also want to consider how to connect the generator to your home safely. BACKUP POWER: Easiest Way to Connect Generator to House Bailey Line Road 107K subscribers Subscribe 4. Can I Hook Up a Generator Directly to My House?. Step 1: Buy an Interlock Kit to Properly Shut Off the Main Power before Turning on the Generator Power. BACKUP POWER: Easiest Way to Connect Generator to House Bailey Line Road 107K subscribers Subscribe 4. 95K subscribers Subscribe Like Share 3. Step 4 – You can then connect your generator to the power inlet box with a cable. However, permanently wired appliances won’t receive power this way. They are turned on, started manually, and connect to your home via an extension cord. There are 3 different types of transfer switches to choose from, which are; automatic transfer switch, manual. You plug one end of a double male ended cord into the generator, and drag. How to Hook Up a Generator. The generator-to-house connection must use all four wires (both hots, neutral, and ground) The generator must plug into an inlet (not a receptacle outlet) on the outside of the house (live mains on exposed metal is a recipe for waking up wearing a halo and wings, and so is running a generator anywhere where the CO-laden exhaust can get inside). Start the generator and let it warm up. Steps for Hooking Up a Portable Generator: Heath explains some of the ways that a portable generator can be professionally wired to a house. A home backup generator delivers power directly to your home’s electrical system, backing up your entire home or just the most essential items. One easy way to provide the generator/interlock solution is to put a subpanel right next to your main panel, with one of the Siemens/Murray style interlocks on the top 2 breakers. You can use the F-150s generator as your personal electric utility in two ways. Best way to connect a generator to your house is a generator interlock. An automatic transfer switch controls the home’s source of power by switching it between the utility supply and the standby generator supply as. Youll need to consider the size of your home and the number of appliances. Youll likely have to turn the plug (usually about 15 degrees) to complete the connection to your hookup. Capacity The UPS system must have the capacity to support the power load of the connected devices plugged into it. Power from the generator will run into the transfer switch, and the transfer switch will then feed this power into your home’s electrical panel. There’s no need to mess with multiple extension cords. To connect a portable generator to the home electric supply system by manual changeover switch, follow the steps below: Install a changeover switch (rated for 63-100A depending on the load) near the main distribution board in the home. Installation of a generator transfer switch to connect a power generator to the house is the safest and reliable way for creating such a backup system. Generator Backfeeding to a house for dummies 101. Generator To Your House (7 Steps)>How To Hook Up A Generator To Your House (7 Steps). Best way to connect a generator to your house is a generator interlock. 3 Plug your attachment cable into your generator. 19 hours ago · The first step in selecting a backup generator is to determine your power needs. Match the holes at the end of the generators cord to the prongs on your hookup. Place the generator at least 10 feet (3 m) away from your home. Always place it just on the outside of the house. Connect generator to indoor appliances by one of the following ways: Run one gen cord from the generator and connect multiple appliances. What Kind of Wire Do You Use for a Generator?. One generator feeding two automatic transfer switches. It can handle all the power the generator puts out and it has the appropriate ends, first on the generator side and then the port side so that it can all connect together. The first step is to choose the right generator. How to Connect Generator to House without Transfer Switch>How to Connect Generator to House without Transfer Switch. Choosing a Backup Generator, Transfer Switch & More. Options to Connect Your Home Let’s start with the basics: the pros and cons of using a transfer switch or using extension cords. Step 1: Buy an Interlock Kit to Properly Shut Off the Main Power before Turning on the Generator Power An interlock kit helps to connect the generator without a transfer switch. To top it off, to use any kind of generator to power your house you would first need to add some sort of generator interlock or transfer switch. Check the owner’s manuals or data plate attached to each device to determine the running/rated wattage, or how much it takes to run the item. 3) Turn the circuit breaker of the generator OFF then power on the portable generator by following the procedures stated in the generators owners manual. The most popular way to hook up a generator to your house is via a transfer switch. Using a Transfer Switch to Connect a Backup Generator to Your Home Transfer switches allow the home’s electrical circuit to automatically or manually switch to the backup generator for its power source. How a UPS System Works with a Backup Generator. Start the generator and let it warm up. When the power goes out, you simply flip the switch. If the generator went to ground /frame the equipment ground is sized for 100 amp. If you have home wiring experience, you can DIY install the generator. BACKUP POWER: Easiest Way to Connect Generator to House Bailey Line Road 107K subscribers Subscribe 4. Your installer will prepare the installation site outside your home, place the generator, run the natural gas or LP fuel line, install the transfer switch, and make all of the necessary electrical connections. An interlock kit helps to connect the Step 2: Buy a Circuit Breaker to Allow Power from your Generator to Enter your Box. Using a Transfer Switch to Connect a Backup Generator to Your Home Transfer switches allow the homes electrical circuit to automatically or manually switch to the backup generator for its power source. If solar inverters “see” voltage from a generator, they will attempt to sync with the generator and backfeed power to it. 2) Connect the female end of your GenerLok cord to the GenerLink and the male end to your generator. in this video Im gonna show you how I back feed my generator to my house Im the events of power outages in the freezing -40c winters that we get so I can. First, never place the generator indoors or in a garage, as it generates carbon monoxide and is fatal. 4 Set generator on base. You’ll also want to consider how to connect the generator to your home safely. Run several extension cords from. When connecting appliances to the generator using an extension cord, follow these steps: Use heavy-duty extension cords that are specifically designed for. When the generator starts working, it sends power to the power inlet box. Installing an outdoor inlet for a portable generator. Generac uses six communication wires. Learn how to properly connect a generator to your home for backup power. Place the generator at least 10 feet (3 m) away from your home. 35 Permanently Installed Generators. The way an interlock kit works is very straightforward. An interlock kit is the least expensive way to safely backfeed a generator into your home. To top it off, to use any kind of generator to power your house you would first need to add some sort of generator interlock or transfer switch. When choosing a home backup generator, youll want to consider the pros and cons of a portable or home standby generator. The most popular way to hook up a generator to your house is via a transfer switch. Take a standard 4-wire generator cord and remove its socket. How To Connect A Generator To Your House? To do this, put the gen wire into a 20 or 30-amp circuit on your generator. Backup generators supply power to a manual transfer switch, which disconnects the house from the main service wires and routes power from the generator through selected household circuits. More Generator Transfer Switch vids: https://goo. It basically prevents the generator from powering the box without first turning off the main breaker. How To Connect Generator To House With Manual Transfer Switch. Step-by-Step Guide on How to Use a Generator Without Needing Any Transfer Switch Step 1: Create a Place for the Outlet Utility Box Step 2: Drill a Hole for Running Your Generator Cables to the Outlet Step 3: Install the Waterproof Box Outside Your Wall Step 4: Connect the Wire Into the Outlet Step 5: Connect Generator to Outlet and Test it. Step 1: Choose the Right Generator The first step is to choose the right generator. Because the transfer switch is connected with both generator and utility power, we have to avoid unwanted power flow from any of the two sides. Installing a home backup generator is an exciting time. com TheBatteryStation 47 subscribers Subscribe 20 Share 13K views 4 years ago #GeneracGenerator. How To Connect Portable Generator To A House Without A Transfer Switch. Gather an interlock kit that is compatible with your. It is usually installed next to the electric panel in your home. You can permanently connect the generator to your homes electrical system. How to Install an Automatic Standby Generator. The most popular way to hook up a generator to your house is via a transfer switch. How to Connect a Portable Generator to Your House. Powerwall can be added to a system with a backup generator connected with an external Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) or a Manual Transfer Switch (MTS). gl/JeHCT7 Interlock and Portable Generators (affiliate link). Step 2: Run Generator Cables to the Outlet. amp breaker at each house panel and sized the wire accordingly and the incoming feed went to ground before the 100 amp breaker, the grounded conductor returning to source is undersized. 3 Prepare a level stone or concrete base for the generator. How to connect a generator to a house at Batteries Plus. RVelectricity – Can I use my RV generator for. In the most elegant scenario, youd run a cable from the 30-amp, 240-volt outlet in the bed to a 30. Each of these has their pros and cons, but all essentially work the same. Using tapcons mount the power inlet box to the wall. Then relocate each of your loads you. Connecting Portable Generator To Home Wiring: 4. Flip the main breakers in the transfer switch to the. This would allow the generator to feed everything in the home, but it will de-rate the 400 amp servicethis could work since the service is oversized basedbut I need a professional engineer to perform a load calculation to go that route. Gather an interlock kit that is compatible with your generator, 3 sets of wires, and a drill. Plugging It In 1. How to connect a backup generator to your house Bernini Design 1. How to Connect a Portable Generator to the Home? NEC and IEC. To connect a portable generator to the home electric supply system by manual changeover switch, follow the steps below: Install a changeover switch (rated for 63-100A depending on the load) near the main. I would say that your installation should begin with 250. How to connect a backup generator to a house Welling & Crossley 210 subscribers Subscribe 41K views 5 years ago Australians will be experiencing power shortages this. The decision needs to be made whether to run the generator on natural gas or No. The inlet box sends the power to the automatic transfer switch and the switch sends it to the load center that powers your entire home. The perfect length for the line to connect your generator is at least 25 feet. 2 wires to send 240V to generator for sensing purposes. Easy Generator to Home Hook Up : 14 Steps (with Pictures. Step 1: Choose the Right Generator. The first thing you need to do is to connect the generator and the outdoor port with a special cable that’s meant for the job. Whole House Generator Cost A whole house or standby generator ranges from $2,000 to $20,000 on average. Connecting a generator to your home - Honda Generators Honda 560K subscribers Subscribe 341K views 8 years ago Your Honda Generator is an excellent source of back up power for your home in. Using a Transfer Switch to Connect a Backup Generator to Your Home Transfer switches allow the home’s electrical circuit to automatically or manually switch. Turn on the circuits you wish to power, one at a time. Turn Off Circuit Breakers; Connecting Generator to Transfer Switch; Generator Startup; Flipping the. How to hook up a generator to your house without a transfer switch. Full Panel > 50 Amp : DuroMax XP12000EH : 12Kw Max / 9. An interlock kit is the least expensive way to safely backfeed a generator into your home. Now, flipping the rocker switches on the manual transfer switch panel from line to gen would disconnect the chosen circuit from the main panel power (wherever that power is coming from, the line or the other generator plug) and connect it to the second 120v generator output. The Best Way To Get A Backup Generator. Youll need to consider the size of your home and the number of appliances you want to power. How To Connect Backup Generator To HouseYoull notice in the above diagram, that an inlet is used, and that the female end of the gen. Once you pass the cables through the hole into your house, use the wires to assemble an outlet kit. Proper ventilation for your back-up generator. A permanently installed Generac home backup generator protects your home automatically. Transfer Switches Connect the generator to the transfer switch using a gen cord. How to Connect Generator to House without Transfer Switch. A good rule of thumb is to choose a generator that is twice as powerful as the total wattage of the appliances you want to connect. The instructions simply say to install one if codes require it. That way youll plug a female end into the generator, and a female end into the inlet. Plug in your generator to the hookup. A Generator To Your House Easily>How To Hook Up A Generator To Your House Easily. Step 6: Test Fit and Glue Conduit Use a hack saw and cut the conduit to length. They must be electrically isolated at all times. Turn Off Circuit Breakers; Connecting Generator to Transfer Switch; Generator Startup; Flipping the Circuit Breakers in Transfer Switch; Loading the Generator; Flipping Circuit Breaker; Load Adjustment; Turn your Generator Off; Removing Power Cord. Step 1: Buy an Interlock Kit to Properly Shut Off the Main Power before Turning on the Generator Power An interlock kit helps to connect the generator without a transfer switch. Backup generators supply power to a manual transfer switch, which disconnects the house from the main service wires and routes power from the generator through selected household circuits. transfer switch for a backup system >How to install a manual transfer switch for a backup system.