Generator Generator transfer switch wiring diagram

[Ford850]

Doesn't the transfer switch just "idiot proof" what could really be a simple solution?
That being:
1. Turn the power off at the main breaker entering the house. Plug the generator in and turn it on.
2. Here's the key... After the emergency outage, Remember to turn the generator off and disconnect it BEFORE turning the main switch back on.

Forgetting to do step 2 could blow everything in your house and electrocute someone.

That sums it up. It's all about risk. How much insurance do you have in case you electrocute a lineman? In my case, I am out of town occasionally and I'm looking for a fool proof solution that my wife can do in the middle of the night when it's 2 degrees outside.

 

[RobS]

That sums it up. It's all about risk. How much insurance do you have in case you electrocute a lineman? In my case, I am out of town occasionally and I'm looking for a fool proof solution that my wife can do in the middle of the night when it's 2 degrees outside.

I think you're in the same boat as me Ford, and the transfer switch really is a safe, easy way to do it. Now you need to decide if you want an automatic or manual transfer switch and a permanent or portable genny. The easiest to use solution is a permanently installed generator with auto start and an automatic transfer switch. Unfortunately, this is also the most expensive alternative. Scaling down from there you eventually get to where I ended up which is a portable genny with electric start and a manual transfer switch. There are more steps involved in bringing it up to power, but it's still relatively easy and very safe.

 

[JB4310]

That sums it up. It's all about risk. How much insurance do you have in case you electrocute a lineman? In my case, I am out of town occasionally and I'm looking for a fool proof solution that my wife can do in the middle of the night when it's 2 degrees outside.

I think you summed it up in regards to widmn's comment, you said fool proof, i was gonna say fail safe but idiot proof works to, My system is still a work in progress, I just got a 10 kw pto genny that I wanted to be able to use any circuit in the house (selectively) with, as opposed to just the fridge and boiler with the 3 kw portable. The only choice for me is a 200 amp 2 pole switch, which switches between 2 sources utility or gen (no chance of back feed) I still may do this regardless of the amount of work involved to install such a switch. I can not use the interlock device because my panel is "remote" and doesn't have the main in it, other wise I would choose that as the simplest and equally safe way to go, Cost shouldn't be considered when safety is involved, in the perfect world but is in the real world.

For now I have made up a "suicide cord" which IMO is a fitting name, in case I need to repower in an emergency, in the interim before my system is complete. One can not make an argument against safety, but just a couple of points, the risks of doing the "old fashioned" way can be mitigated when only one mechanically adept person is responsible for all phases of the operation, but once anyone else is involved, like you guys are talking about wives or other family members, then a fail safe system is required for obvious reasons.

No one would care if we were only putting our self's at risk, but once you involve innocent people like the linemen, that's where most people draw the line, that said, I'm sure they handle every wire like a loaded gun and are highly suspect that that line could be energized by any source, be it grid or generator.

I think those male to male (as unnatural as that sounds) cord sets are a serious problem when left accessible to others that may be unfamiliar with their inherent risks, especially the smaller 120 volt sets that look like a standard extension cord, being a contractor, I'm in other's houses every day and have seen them lying around peoples basements where children are present, I have 3 kids and made mine inaccessible and heavily taped one end with a female end over it also. My heavy 240 set I made is only 3 ft long so I can always see both ends and I painted it bright safety orange so I pay extra attention to it myself, that along with lockable outlet box and main breaker box will help reduce, but I know not completely eliminate the danger until I can finish it properly.

 

[Barneyhunts]

Doesn't the transfer switch just "idiot proof" what could really be a simple solution?
That being:
1. Turn the power off at the main breaker entering the house. Plug the generator in and turn it on.
2. Here's the key... After the emergency outage, Remember to turn the generator off and disconnect it BEFORE turning the main switch back on.

Forgetting to do step 2 could blow everything in your house and electrocute someone.

Yep! I think you're right, its purpose is to protect equipment & people.

 

[Travelover]

I've been doing some research on adding a transfer switch to my house and thought I'd post this in case it has not been posted before.

I found the most economical solution is a transfer switch sold as a Gen Tran or Pro Tran (by Reliance). The prices are lower on the Gen Tran site. In order to wire this switch in, you don't need to disconnect power from the meter, you wire it in like you are adding another circuit. For a 5000 watt generator the whole deal is $150 including shipping. The cord to the generator is extra.

Here is the Gen Tran site:

Gentran Corporation: Generator Transfer switches for home & business

Reliance site with installation video and installation manual links:

http://www.reliancecontrols.com/ProductDetail.aspx?20216A

I'm sure this isn't for everyone, but I think it is a pretty economical solution, considering that stamped sheet metal circuit breaker interlocks are the same price (below).

Generator InterLock Kit

 

[RonMar]

I've been doing some research on adding a transfer switch to my house and thought I'd post this in case it has not been posted before.

I found the most economical solution is a transfer switch sold as a Gen Tran or Pro Tran (by Reliance). The prices are lower on the Gen Tran site. In order to wire this switch in, you don't need to disconnect power from the meter, you wire it in like you are adding another circuit. For a 5000 watt generator the whole deal is $150 including shipping. The cord to the generator is extra.

Here is the Gen Tran site:

Gentran Corporation: Generator Transfer switches for home & business

Reliance site with installation video and installation manual links:

http://www.reliancecontrols.com/ProductDetail.aspx?20216A

I'm sure this isn't for everyone, but I think it is a pretty economical solution, considering that stamped sheet metal circuit breaker interlocks are the same price (below).

Generator InterLock Kit

That is the cheapest price I have seen for the Gentran panels. Both methods work, but the interlock is easier to install(less wire shuffeling) and more versatile IMO. The Gentran panels you linked to limit you to applying power to just those 6 circuits wired thru the add-on panel, while the interlock setup allows you to power anything on your house panel within the limits of your generator. The interlock does take a little more operator skill as you need to shut off loads that the generator may not be able to handle. Some colored stickers on the panel face beside the breakers that must be shut off make this a simple affair even when using a flashlight to get the backup power on line.

 

[RobS]

That Gentran 30A 10 circuit model looks exactly like the unit I installed. Mine came from Home Depot, EmerGen brand I think. Tom, are you sure you can wire this in without disconnecting the power? Or are you only talking about bringing the genny online once the power goes out? To install mine, I certainly had to disconnect the power.

 

[Travelover]

That Gentran 30A 10 circuit model looks exactly like the unit I installed. Mine came from Home Depot, EmerGen brand I think. Tom, are you sure you can wire this in without disconnecting the power? Or are you only talking about bringing the genny online once the power goes out? To install mine, I certainly had to disconnect the power.

Rob, you need to turn off the main breaker, but you don't have to disconnect power from the house / meter to install it or to use it.. The second link has an installation and usage video, if you want to see the nitty gritty.

 

[Travelover]

That is the cheapest price I have seen for the Gentran panels. Both methods work, but the interlock is easier to install(less wire shuffeling) and more versatile IMO. The Gentran panels you linked to limit you to applying power to just those 6 circuits wired thru the add-on panel, while the interlock setup allows you to power anything on your house panel within the limits of your generator. The interlock does take a little more operator skill as you need to shut off loads that the generator may not be able to handle. Some colored stickers on the panel face beside the breakers that must be shut off make this a simple affair even when using a flashlight to get the backup power on line.

Ron, I agree, if there was an interlock available for my breaker box, I would have considered it, though as I said, charging $150 for this little metal stamping takes a lot of brass. I even considered making my own interlock, but figured if a legal issue ever came up, it would still be a home made device.

I think this transfer switch will be simple for my wife to operate, which is a concern for me.

 

[AndyMA]

My power company does a pretty good job, so I don't need the generator enough to bother with a transfer switch. I just shut down my main breaker and anything else that I don't need so I can keep the load below what my generator can provide. I have a cord that I can hook to the generator and back feed through a welder outlet in my garage. Guess I better add that the garage is NOT attached to the house!!! I leave the garage door cracked a few feet but keep the generator out of the weather.

Just have to keep an eye on the neighbors house to see when power is restored.

Ken

DON'T DO THIS!!! Not only is it illegal. It is very dangerous. All somebody has to do is flip the main back on accidentially (or have it fail) and the guys fixing the lines can be killed. You'll loose everything.

Obviously it works, but is is just plain wrong!!!

Andy ( EE in Power Engineering)