In this video, This Old House master electrician Heath Eastman helps a homeowner install a generator transfer switch in his home.

SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: http://bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse.

While extension cords might do the trick, there’s a better, safer way to run a generator when the power is out; transfer switches Master electrician Heath Eastman helps a homeowner install a set in his home.

There's nothing quite as handy as a backup generator when the power goes out. These devices can keep the house warm, keep the lights on, and ensure everyone stays safe. But they’re not quite as safe as they can be if they’re hooked up to extension cords and running inside an attached garage. There are better options and master electrician Heath Eastman helps a homeowner set theirs up correctly.

Where to find it?
For the generator hookup, the homeowner chooses to have Heath install a transfer switch.

Heath mounts a piece of plywood to the wall studs to provide a secure and safe area for
the transfer switch to be installed.

Heath uses a hole saw to cut through the shelves to run the conduit from the transfer
switch to the exterior receptacle.

All materials used can be found at most home centers.

Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercialfree: https://bit.ly/2GPiYbH

Plus, download our FREE app for fullepisode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pages/st...

About Ask This Old House TV:
From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. ASK This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.

Follow This Old House:
Facebook: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB
Twitter: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest
Instagram: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG

Simple Guide to Installing a Generator HookUp | Ask This Old House
   / thisoldhouse