- 1). Fasten the transfer switch box to a partition next to the existing breaker panel. The breaker panel is usually located in a garage or utility room of the home. Use a power drill to attach the box to the wall by drilling screws through the pre-made holes. If the box does not have pre-drilled holes, make sure the box is secured to the wall at each corner by drilling holes into the box yourself.
- 2). Take the power cables from the generator and insert them up through the transfer box from the large hole in the bottom of the box. Use wire strippers to remove about 1 inch of insulation from the wire ends if necessary. Place the black wires under the transfer box lugs, usually located on the bottom of the box. Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws over where the wires are connected.
- 3). Turn off any power that is coming into your home. Flipping a switch at the electric meter can do this. Use a screwdriver to remove any screws in the breaker panel cover. Take the cover off the breaker panel as well. With the wire and wire cutters, cut two pieces of electrical wire long enough to reach from the breaker panel main breaker all the to the transfer box. You should cut the wire 8 inches too long in case you need any extra wire. Use the wire strippers to remove 1 inch of insulation from each wire end.
- 4). Place one end of each cut wire under the lugs in the middle of the switch box. Use the screwdriver to tighten the screws so the wires are secure as in Step 2. Take the black and white wires from the generator and insert them through the side holes on each box, beginning with the transfer box.
- 5). Use the screwdriver to slightly loosen the main breaker screws. Pull the black wires up through the breaker box and out the top. Take the ends of the black wires from the switch box and place them though the opening under the main breaker. Put the wires on the lugs and tighten the screws so the wires are secure.
- 6). Loosen the screw that secures the white wire leading from the meter. Place the end of the white wire from the generator under the lug and use a screwdriver to tighten the screw so the wire is secure. Pull the black wires from the electric meter through the top of the switch box. Place the wire ends under the lugs at the switch box top. Use a screwdriver to tighten the screw so the wires are secure.
- 7). Place the breaker panel cover back on the wall and screw it in place. Make sure the panel is secure then close the door on the panel. Turn the power back on at the electric meter. Push the lever located in the transfer switch box so it is in the up position. This will allow the breaker box power to be in use. If you want to use the generator power, simply push the lever down. If the lever rests in the middle, the transfer box is switched off.
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