Power transfer switch for homes.

[Diamondpilot]

I guess to each his own. I like having the full 200 amp transfer switch. It only took the switch ($300), 10' of wire and the box and plug ($60). I made the cord myself with 25' of 6/4 wire and the proper twist lock plugs. This handles my 8,550 watt genny I have now and if I upgrade the genny I just make up a larger pig tail from the genny to the transfer switch.

The way we did mine is the main came in from above the panel. We pulled the meter and mounted the transfer switch above the panel. We then took the wire from the meter to the panel and connected it to the pole side of the transfer switch. We then cut a piece of wire, aprox 3', and ran it form the load side of the transfer switch to the panel. We then mounted the box and plug to accept the genny input on the corner of the house and fished the wire, aprox 6', to the transfer switch genny side of the switch. Done. Took all of 2 hours.

Total cost $400 and can now run anything.

200 Amp Generator Manual Transfer Switch

When I got it the cost was $300 with 20% off coupon and the rest was purchased at Lowes.

At the end of the day there are 4 or 5 ways to skin this cat. Some safer than others and some more convenient. I picked the right solution for me.

Chris

 

[brin]

As long as the panel in in place you can't turn on the main and the gen breakers it will not back feed to the utility.

The load control is the only issue with these and if you can only run 1 or 2 things at a time hopefully the owner can keep track of it.
Then the only problem would be the breaker tripping on gen or in the panel for the gen.

tom

tommu56 - I agree with your set up...I had a well established licensed electrician who has been in business here in our country for over 30 yrs. install mine..he provided it and said it is within code and is just fine and it works great for us. It is pretty sad if someone cannot remember to throw a switch for the main power that is why you have this because until you throw the switch to cut off the main power you cannot throw the switch to have your generator provide power to your house...So they are stupid and idiot proof...:thumbsup:

 

[nwngunner]

While i am sure i will get blasted for this. I rarely loose power, how ever in the winters when it happens i drag the generator out to my pole and pull the fuses from the meter to the house. I have some 0 gauge cable that i hardwire directly in to the pole. Now before i start the generator i go in turn off all my circuts other then the main, and power up the genny.

Once done i turn on two circuts one for the fridge and one for electric blower for my wood furnace. Never have to worry about to much draw. Generator runs about 24hours on 5 gallons of gas.

 

[rjkobbeman]

While i am sure i will get blasted for this. I rarely loose power, how ever in the winters when it happens i drag the generator out to my pole and pull the fuses from the meter to the house. I have some 0 gauge cable that i hardwire directly in to the pole. Now before i start the generator i go in turn off all my circuts other then the main, and power up the genny.

Once done i turn on two circuts one for the fridge and one for electric blower for my wood furnace. Never have to worry about to much draw. Generator runs about 24hours on 5 gallons of gas.

Although I have a more "elegant" solution in my new home NOW, I am a "git 'er done" kind of guy. As long as you know what you are doing, you are fine.