Genny Transfer Switches

[widefat]

What are you using?
I have an 8kw generator that I am going to use to power a well pump, oil furnace, and a couple of other things.
Reliance and Generac seem to be the major players.
Is one better than the other? Experiences?

TIA

 

[dickfoster]

I have an automatic now but had a manual switch that I think was made by Square D. It was 2 pole double throw with a safety interlock rated for the load. I gave the thing to my electrician because I didn't want it banging around and almost had to force it on him.

 

[techman]

Your cheapest solution is to install one of these: Manual Transfer Switch Kits | Generator Interlock Kit

and wire to an outdoor twist-loc box/plug to match your generator.

A regular transfer switch will need to be rated for your panel (200A ?) and cost $$$$$

The other alternative is to install one of these types: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...ontent=48469&gclid=COS2zdH02s8CFQKHaQodwAoE6w

or: Reliance Controls 3 Amp 25-Volt 75-Watt Non-Fuse 6-Circuit Transfer Switch Kit-36HDK - The Home Depot

The last option will require quite a bit of rewiring.

The first option usually makes the most sense for ease and cost.

Paul

 

[mapper]

I use a simple 6 circuit manual transfer switch, it did involve wiring it into the main panel. The wiring was pretty simple to do. It has worked well for twenty years now. As a matter of fact we are running on it as I write this. They used to make them in six and eight circuit versions. I have a 5KW generator so six circuits is about all it can safely handle.
Power just came back on so I need to go:cool2:

 

[Industrial Toys]

I like and use the commercial ASCO stuff (bought off E-Bay).

I saw that junky Generac stuff fail in spectacular fashion. Practically burned the house down. No thanks.

 

[cqaigy2]

Im using one of those interlocks right now too. What's nice is you can switch load off and on. The other nice is my wife knows how to do the whole works so can start things up if power goes out and im at work. Like yesterday and today, and yes it's still off mapper.

 

[buickanddeere]

Generlink has a unit that is fool proof , takes 5 minutes to install and powers everything . The four , six or 8 circuit generator panel is a goofy awkward thing.

 

[TomSeller]

Your cheapest solution is to install one of these: Manual Transfer Switch Kits | Generator Interlock Kit

Don't buy one of these !!

My house has one. When I bought the place the inspector and I noticed an electrician had a report posted where he replaced a "burned up panel". Both of us wondered why but could not find one thing wrong with the wiring in the house or incoming power, it was actually quite good in fact. Later when hooking up my generator I powered down my main as a matter of practice but noticed that this "interlock" did not fully prevent both PUD power and GEN power from feeding the circuits at the same time. Then I recalled when we looked at the house the previous owner had a brand spanking new generator. So power came back on and let the smoke out of his generator and electrical panel.

So unless you want to risk your generator, electrical panel and maybe A LOT more, I would not install this. It may not always be me that is at home when the power goes out and my wife or kids likely will not be able to make sure the breakers are in the correct positions. I will install a Square D (or other commercial brand) transfer switch at some point.

 

[TomSeller]

I like and use the commercial ASCO stuff (bought off E-Bay).

I saw that junky Generac stuff fail in spectacular fashion. Practically burned the house down. No thanks.

Ditto on the use of a commercial brand. Spend a few bucks on this purchase.

 

[daybreak1998]

Howdy,
Here is a thread with some information which might help.

Generator Transfer Switch Choices