Generator Transfer Switch Installation

A generator transfer switch closes off the utility power line to your home s electrical system during a power outage and opens a line to a generator then reverses the process when grid power is restored this guide will explain the two different types of transfer switches so you can feel confident you re choosing the best switch to keep your essential appliances running during a power outage.

Generator transfer switch installation. This task requires experience with electrical wiring. The transfer switch is the device that transfers the power from the utilities power to the standby generators power as shown in figure 1. In addition to the transfer switch you may need additional accessories to complete your generator transfer switch installation such as a generator cord and power inlet box. Figure 1 generator transfer switch.

Follow these steps for. Refer to the illustrations below. Most generac automatic standby generators come with a pre wired automatic transfer switch. This means the only wiring necessary will be to connect the transfer switch to your home.

Because the amount of electricity created by a backup generator is not adequate to power all of the electrical circuits in your house you ll need to designate a few selected circuits to get backup. Mount the transfer switch to wall beside the existing main electrical panel. To set up an outlet for the portable generator to plug into the transfer switch you ll need a 10 4 cable running from the transfer switch panel to where you want your outlet to be outside the house and probably close to the generator. In this video this old house host kevin o connor shows how to keep the electricity flowing during outages by installing a transfer switch for a portable generator.

Mount the outlet box to the house and drill a hole through the side of the house to put the wiring through. If you are installing a standby generator in order to have some electrical power to your home in the event of a utility power outage it is important that you understand how to properly install a transfer switch. A generator cord sold separately is needed to connect your generator to the gentran transfer switch or power inlet box. Turn off the power to the house at the main electrical panel and connect the wires coming from the transfer switch to the breakers in the.

Manual transfer switches require an operator to change the power source while automatic switches detect the loss of power start the back up generator and switch over to the backup power feed. The two most popular residential transfer switches are the six circuit switch 250 to 300 which is designed for use with a 5000 watt generator 600 to 750 and the 10 circuit switch 350.