How to Install a Manual Transfer Switch for a Portable Generator | Ask This Old House
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- Опубликовано: 6 май 2017
- Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron visits Alaska to install a portable generator with a manual transfer switch to power hardwired appliances like a well pump and heating system using unleaded gasoline.
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Cost: $3,000
Skill Level: Moderate
Tools List for Installing a Manual Transfer Switch for a Portable Generator:
Drill
Lineman’s pliers
Wire strippers
Shopping List:
Portable gas generator
10-circuit manual transfer switch
Power inlet
10-3 non-metallic wiring
Wire nuts
Steps:
1. Mount the manual transfer switch near the main electric panel.
2. Select up to 10 circuits to be powered by the generator (240 volt circuits require two spots on the transfer switch).
3. Turn off power to the house at the main electric shut off.
4. Remove the cover on the main electric panel (work inside the electric panel is only recommended for licensed electricians).
5. Locate an available knockout hole on the electric panel and remove the plug. Attach the armored cable from the transfer switch to the electric panel.
6. Connect the ground and neutral wires from the transfer switch to the appropriate bus bars on the main panel.
7. Locate the first circuit to be powered by the generator and remove the power wire on the existing circuit breaker. Replace that wire with the red wire from the transfer switch marked “A.” Splice the black wire marked “A” from the transfer switch to the removed power wire using a wire nut. Repeat this process for all 10 circuits, ensuring the red and black wires from the transfer switch are a matched pair.
8. Use 10-3 non-metallic wiring to connect the transfer switch to a power inlet outside.
9. Use the provided generator cord to connect the power inlet to the generator (or make your own cable if a longer one is desired using bulk wire and connectors).
10. Ensure the generator has unleaded fuel and oil inside, then start the generator.
11. To test the wiring connections, flip the switches on the transfer switch from “Line” to “Gen.” The generator should power the selected circuits.
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How to Install a Manual Transfer Switch for a Portable Generator | Ask This Old House
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I like how he introduced him to the utility room 😂😂😂😂
Just completed the break-in period and so far the unit is operating perfectly ruclips.net/user/postUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y . I was amazed by just how quiet this little guy is. I kept having to walk down the driveway to the generator to make sure it was still running. In fact, the most annoying noise coming from the set-up is a high-pitched chirping coming from the pressure regulator on the propane line. I suppose it's possible my other propane-powered generator's pressure regulator is making the same noise, but the generator itself is so loud I've never noticed it. Build quality so far is excellent. My only nit is the service panel is a little tricky to remove. I feel like I might break off one of the plastic tabs when bending it back. I probably just need to work out the technique, so will not hold it against Champion.Next week I intend to fully load the unit to charge a large battery pack and will update this review if there's any problem (3000W continuous load vs a rated 3100W capacity while using propane). Absent any trouble there, I'm 100% pleased with this purchase.
Every new house should have a mandatory transfer switch!
You need a license electrician to install a transfer switch
Only in that dump California.
These things are at least 5 years outdated already. They make manual brackets now that only allow your generator or utility power that feed your whole panel and any sub panels.
@@KitchenerLeslie2 Hi, do you have a link to a video or site with this info. Thanks
@@wx4sno maybe if that panel has such hard to find breakers it would be worth it to switch to a panel you can easily feed entirely by a generator and transfer bracket.
5:14 best animation I've seen. Thank you!
I'm embarrassed to admit this, but sometimes when someone is just jabbering out instructions, I may get a little distracted - - so no matter how corny in appearance, if they have a simple animation like that - - it really brings the project (& end-product) into focus for me. So yes, I do appreciate their animation as well. Thank YOU for adding that time-stamp there!
I disagree. It's really basic.
Walt Disney tops
@@samsngdevice5103 You wanted anime?
It doesn't include neutral and ground wiring, not exactly a good diagram.
@@LEO1WOLF I think they used it in "Money For Nothing" video.
I have a permanently installed 8 kW genset, propane fuel from 2 100 gal cylinders, and an automatic transfer switch. It's saved the day a number of times since utilities were "deregulated". If you're going with a portable genset there are three things I'd recommend: (1) Document every circuit breaker at your service entrance. Make sure you have a list of every load that every circuit breaker serves. With a 200 A service, you can't power up every circuit with a 7 or 8 kW generator. You can buy a kit to help you do that at Lowe's, Home Depot, or Harbor Freight for $20-25 (or so). (2) Get a "dual fuel" generator - gas or propane, for example. Long term storage of a 20 or 30 # propane tank is much safer than long term storage of 5, 10, or 15 gallons of gasoline in a can in your garage or pole barn. (3) If you go with gas, use ONLY non-ethanol (and do this religiously) - like in your lawn mower or boat.
Great advice. All small engines.. no ethanol. Only way it would be ok is if you are running your generator non stop. You can not store Ethanol blended fuel long term....unless you like cleaning fuel systems.
I've been using regular pump gas in all the equipment I've accumulated since I bought my house 13 years ago. It keeps for up to two years if you stabilize it properly. I'm up to about 20 pieces of equipment and they all still have the original carbs, etc. Haven't had a single fuel issue in anything. The real key is to always shut off the fuel and run the carburetor dry, if you do the equipment will be fine. Buying ethanol-free is expensive, difficult and totally unnecessary.
@@nodak81 You are right on point!!!
@@nodak81same, I put stabilizer in my ethanol gas in the equipment throughout the winter with 0 issues
@@nodak81 Ethanol gas doesn't even last a year with stabilizer. Have you actually tried using gas that old, or are you quoting something?
Vin Diesel is a pretty good electrician.
Wesley Young lol
Wesley Young it's his younger brother who hasn't hit puberty yet
Ryan
O
Wesley Young
Dude. It's Johnny Sins!
Now I'm gonna show you how to put a blower on the generator so you can power the whole neighborhood!
Another nice thing about these manual transfer switches is that you leave one circuit not desired on genset power to alert you when line power is back with a radio and/or light plugged in. I keep my main HVAC breaker off until I know power from the grid has stabilized anyway and this is the way to go for alerting you safely.
Very smart thank you
Great video. Loved the power flow animation.
Eye Heart Sushi It’s good for basic explanation but not accurate, since electricity does not just flow one way, but needs a circuit
Agreed
@@mintheman7 Bruh it's a "power flow" animation, not a current flow animation. Power does flow one way.
I liked how they both agreed that the driveway was not the ideal location for the generator, but they both walked off camera at 2:00 and left it in the driveway.
Elvis inNY - Dude, it's a video filmed by This Old House....It is not a movie... I'm pretty sure they either had people in and around this entire set up and they could have easily moved the generator into the garage if they felt they needed to..
From what I could see in that wide shot out front, these people do not live in the Hood, so it's pretty safe there even if just for a while..
@@frandanco6289 r/wooosh
@@frandanco6289 the Hood?
@@frandanco6289 I think Elvis was more referring to the point that they didn't take the generator with them to the backyard even though they both agreed to take it there. Theft was not the point of his comment.
When commercial line power is restored, it is better to FIRST flip all the transfer switches to LINE before shutting down the generator. If you shut down the generator while powering your household circuits, the power fluctuations may damage sensitive electronics or your AC.
Or flipping off the breaker on the generator itself before shutting it down. That’s what it is there for. Just like how they didn’t turn it on until the generator was on.
@@joeythefoxxo Not a good idea if you have TVs or really sensitive electronics on line. An abrupt shut down of the breaker may still allow/cause a large voltage fluctuation. better to shut off via the transfer switch for the sensitive circuit.
Truthfully, you should switch each circuit to GEN or Line, one at a time, allowing a few seconds before moving the switch. This will allow the generator to stabilize and minimize power fluctuations.
Certainly a better explanation for we the curious. I just have to understand how it works. I probably won’t be the one doing the work but at least I’m certain at how the power flow continues. Great graphics to detail what you were actually doing. Concise and directly to the point always staying on task.
This is the best instructional video I have watch to date, very thorough and informative!
Agreed!!!!
Interesting episode. We lived for a week and a half after a bad storm on a 4500 watt gen. Had lights, refrigerator and ran our gas fired furnace. When we cooked on an electric skillet I made sure the furnace wasn't going to kick on. All done with extension cords. I need to look into a manual transfer.
Kevin N y
Kevin N thanks, that helped out alot because im currently looking to purchase one living WA. Dont need to much to get use through a bad storm or what not. Was looking to get a 7000 watt, but sounds like 4500 does the job.
Kevin N look into the generac meter you plug it right into the meter when you have it plugged in it automatically has a safety inside for when power goes back on it's just way easier and no extra fuse boxes
A cheaper option would be an interlock kit. This option also allows you to choose any circuit you want. The transfer switch limits you to 8 or 10 circuits...depending on the transfer switch you purchase. Search RUclips for videos about interlock kits.
Love this video, I have a ton of great generator videos myself and this is very helpful.
Great presentation. Thanks! I saw one on clearance. ...hope it's still there
This is great! Best explanation (with animated diagraming) of how a typical transfer switch works. Just what I was looking for. Thanks. 👍
Great video. Very good job explaining how it all works!
Thank you for showing folks how to safely use a generator. Linemen appreciate when you use a transfer switch, those switches save lives while they are out restoring power.
I thought a auto transfer switch was mandatory everywhere in the US?
Richard Neal not really. You can use the panel kit that prevents main on with genset breaker on
Do people sometimes wire their systems so that they can feed mains power with the generator.
Some people unplug their dryer or electric range and backfeed the house through the plug. It's very unsafe since doing that can send power back through the mains and exposes high voltage on the male prongs of a power cord.
This is an excellent step-by-step video presentation of the process from A to Z. Thank you!
Awesome video. Very clear and great pacing.
20$ says hes going to wheel it under the deck right next to the vents 😂
And he will build a "protective decorative box" around it
@john probst if they went back to holms on homes shows it will be........ Exactly the same because that dude is Overkill on everything
@@mikekristin7201 He has to pay for the boat.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@darrenjones9180 Code is clear on this matter though: You must be 5 feet from all openings in the home - the NFPA doesn't give an exception for dryer vents. The reason for this is that a home can become negatively pressured - you turn on two bath vents, a vent hood or you have a water heater or furnace which draws its combustion air from inside the home and then vents it outside the home. In all of these cases, there will be a chance for ANY opening in the home to suddenly become an air inlet.
Thank you! I was wondering how that all worked for years! And thinking about doing the same thing!
gary glackin don’t do it. Get the bracket that allows you to feed your whole panel.
This Old House And Staff Are Always AWESOME
Very nice explanation, well done 👍🏼
Great video, thanks for suggesting to build our own 4 prong extension cord, should be much cheaper than the ready to use cords that ive seen
What size wire?
You should flip your transfer switch back to Utility(Normal everyday mode) before shutting down your generator. Shutting down your generator while your house is trying to pull electricity is very bad for the generator head and can permanently damage it.
Exactly
Isn't it also bad for your generator to run out of gas while it is supplying power to the house? I stumbled onto that bit of info on the web. I then checked the manual and it did not make too big a deal of it.
@@miked6335 Yes, this is also bad. The same thing occurs when the generator runs out of fuel. Most owner manuals state to not let your generator run out of fuel while under load (UL). It's happened to me with my 8k Generac a few times, nothing has been destroyed yet. Doing it enough times or under enough load will definitely reduce the lifetime of your machine.
Not just the generator head. As the generator stops the voltage can drop, current can spike and electronics can fry. Not good. (A high $$ generator will drop the power cleanly, a cheap generator will not).
I scrolled through the comments looking for this exact statement! It is not mentioned in the video like it should be. Otherwise an excellent, easy to understand video!
August 5th 2020, NJ Hurricane, I'm watching and learn. Thank you!
It was over my head. I'll just run an extension cord to the refrigerator.
Great video. The graphics were nice too. Not as complicated as i thought. Thanks for sharing! 👍😊
Prefers not to have it out front where everybody can see it.
**walks out back**
**leaves the generator out front**
I was like wth
For real. In NJ, you can't leave your garage door open and not be in your garage or the vultures will loot it.
Jack Myhre you must have garbage
I was thinking the same thing while rolling my eyes and chuckling to myself...
@Jack Myhre Me too, I was too lazy to clean it.
Thanks for the info. Question - why not just put a transfer box in the main line ahead of the breaker box? Run the generator power into the transfer box that runs into the main line breaker box. Then turn the house breakers off or on depending on what circuits you want to use? That way you have access to all the circuits, albeit you wont be able to use all at once.
My thoughts exactly
I put the same transfer switch in my home , great video !
thanks have always wondered the best way to install that box
An option for this homeowner would have been to purchase a dual fuel generator. This type of generator can run on gasoline or propane. Gasoline will go bad over time, even with fuel stabilizers. Propane on the other hand will never go bad, and will not gum up the carburetor of the generator. During a widespread outage, gasoline might be hard to find, especially if fuel stations have no power to run their gas pumps.
Mowcowbell petrol is over 50 million years old. gasoline never goes bad, you get water in the gas container do to condensation and moisture created by H in gas and O in air. Read a book, it will not hurt you
While using normal gas it will run at a higher kw, while using propane it will run at a lower kw. So depending on what your house/situation requires, dual fuel may not be the best way to go.
Think before you speak, there isn't a single drop of gasoline that's anywhere near 50 million years old and gas most definitely goes bad especially if it is blended with ethanol.
phillijp question, gasoline comes from?
Petroleum.
Propane also comes from petroleum.
See they exist since they were captured in the bodies of prehistoric monsters and plants.
Read a book, it will help.
What makes gasoline go bad is condensation produces water and also H when mixed with O it makes? Water
Crude oil is millions of years old. Gasoline which is produced in a refinery from crude oil is not anywhere near as old as you assert. The process by which this occurs is called fractional distillation. Also gas is lighter than water, put them in a container, mix them for as long as you like and once you stop they will separate through a process known as phase separation. Condensation is the process of a gas turning back into a liquid. Condensation does not produce water nor does it produce hydrogen. Perhaps you should be the one reading books.
Man, talk about visual learning, nice video of how the power is going from the transfer switch.
what a good instructor you are. you rerally set it astraight for me... thank you.
Very good explanation....GOD bless U Bro.
Recently moved to a small farm out in the sticks. Lots of forests and trees around leads to quite a few outages in our area. Called an electrician and they were all 2-3 months out from being able to do this work, so my wife and I bought the same transfer switch and wired it in ourselves. I wouldnt recommend unless you know what youre doing but even for people with moderate knowledge of home electrical it was pretty easy to install ourselves. Saved us about $500 on a visit too.
great to hear. i can diy plumbing and other diy projects but always afraid of electricity projects. just got hit with a bad outage with this Frida storm so will need something like this.
Only $500? That's pretty cheap! I got quotes that ranged from $1300 to $1800...just for labor...no parts or materials included!
@@KhmerH20 Same here. I can do small electrical stuff like outlets, switches, and running wire, but anything with the panel I'm not touching.
@@mae2759As long as your main power switch in your panel is switched to off position, you can wire the transfer switch in yourself. It's a very simple hookup. Lots of videos online to assist you. I have done several for friends. It's nice to know if the power goes out you can power up appliances in your home and live comfortably for a period without power from the utility company.
@@edadanyou must live up north or in Cali where everything is twice as expensive 😂😂
Amazing under 30 seconds
Hello everyone thank you for sharing this video this is exactly what I needed I live off grand and I'm using a inverter to invert my power and I think this way would be a great way to run my generator in through my load Center thank you for sharing great video
Great video, thanks for showing us the correct installation method.
I think what you show in the video is a really good setup and probably the best way to go for most people. For those thinking of installing a whole house 20kW backup system, I would like to offer an alternative idea to consider. For the same/similar price, you could install a 4kW solar power system with an 8kW generator and battery backup. That way, instead of just sitting there waiting for an emergency, your "solar backup" system is helping to power your home all the time saving you money. When you run a 20kW backup generator, you end up wasting most of that power most of the time and it burns a lot of fuel. With a battery backup, you run the 8kW system, burn less fuel and use all the power to charge the batteries for about 2 hours and then shut if off for about 24 hrs while you run off the battery. Anyway, that's how I do it and it works great!
Too expensive. Install cheaper and safe "interlock switch" in panel and your done.
Just curious how much material cost? And how much installation cost? Or did you do that yourself? How many square feet solar panel going to cover? On roof or separate individual structure? I
2:05 - “I don’t want to leave it out front where everyone can see it”
*proceeds to leave generator in driveway unattended*
I just isolated the circuits in a sub panel with a feed from the inv/charger. This line also has a 50 amp transfer switch so I can run the gen-set if I need more power.
Do a vid bud Plz send it to me
Excellent!!! I will use this to wire a subpanel for my shed I just built. Thank you for posting!
With 10 circuits on the transfer panel, and if you use all 10, hopefully they are fairly low amp draw circuits. Also, it wasn't explaned that the loads should be balanced between each of the 110v legs on the transfer switch. (Assuming that's how it was hooked up) 7500 watts is pretty good, but don't expect to be running any HVAC (A/C) air conditioner(s) . Should handle most of the stuff - but remember An electric Oven, Cooktop, Elec Water Heater, Microwave, Toasters, Hair dryers, space heaters and the like *_all_* draw a lot of amps.
Thanks. Now I know where the neutral wire goes. Going downstairs to connect now :)
Greetings from Reno, Nevada.
This one video was worth the subscription.
I'm Spending this Video to my Friends in the Philippines That Need to Have this System!
This was an outstanding video and tutorial, very concise. I wish other youtubers copied the format
Great job Scott! You da man!
Great explanations provided on how exactly the transfer switch works.
They skipped explaining the individual neutral and hot wires from the generator though. I know how they hook it up, but the explanation would have been great if they didn't skip that.
@@Engineer9736The neutral connects to in the inlet right?
Thanks Dylan - another great video - greetings from Houston!
we where going to do that but I talked my dad into doing a whole new panel with interlock and inlet.
The problem with most of these RUclips videos that talks about transfer switches is that they are not telling people that they need to “pair the type of transfer switch to the type of portable generator” they plan/want to used. The thing to know/remember is your house service panel is neutral to ground bonded (N-G bonded) which means that the neutral and the ground are connected and should not be N-G bonded AGAIN throughout your electrical system. With that is mind, you can get transfer switches that either transfer the neutral or doesn't. Also, with portable generators, you can get them either “Neutral Bonded to Frame" which means the portable generator's neutral is connected/bonded to the ground or “Floating Neutral” where the neutral and ground are not connected/ bonded. Most but not all portable generators are Neutral Bonded to Frame. So if you decide to get a transfer switch that doesn't transfer the neutral then you need to get a portable generator that is Floating Neutral so that your electrical system is not N-G bonded at two location/places. If you get a transfer switch that transfer the neutral then you need to get a portable generator that is Neutral Bonded to Frame so that your electrical system is N-G bonded when the transfer switch is switched on. Most portable generators are Neutral Bonded at the Frame to meet code when they are used as a stand alone (Separate Derive System). If you plan to use the portable generator just for backing up to your electrical system with a transfer switch then get a Floating Neutral portable generator with a transfer switch that DOESN’T transfer the neutral. But if you want to use the portable generator as a backup AND to use it outside your electrical system, get a Neutral Bonded to Frame portable generator with a transfer switch that transfer the neutral so you don’t get N-G bond at two locations/ places. Another issue not discussed is Grounding the portable generator. If you are using a Floating Neutral portable generator with a transfer switch that DOESN'T transfer neutral, you are not required to ground as your portable generator is using your electrical system's ground. If you are using a Neutral Bonded to Frame portable generator with a transfer switch that transfer neutral then it is a Separate Derived System and as such, the portable generator needs to be grounded. Read this link. www.imsasafety.org/journal/ma03/ma5.htm .
Or, hire a professional for that!
i think you mixed up neutral with ground
@@denisrhodes54 That;s why real electricians use term like 'grounded' and 'grounding' conductors. Helps eliminate any confusion.
Additionally, in this situation, the service panel is the one outside where the main breaker is located and where your grounded conductor would attach.Four wires would run from here into the house to the panel where they were working which is technically a sub-panel so the 'grounded and grounding' conductors are isolated.
Very clear. Thank you.
Awesome video, thank you!
In California right now, during rolling blackouts, wishing my house had a backup generator. 😞
cali is a dump with nice temperatures
This is a great video, I do electrical work myself, but haven’t had the opportunity to install a transfer switch, thank you. I also noticed that you use Klein tools, that’s what good electrician use.
Came here after Texas' artic storm blew down here. Great video. Would want to go extra step to tie in natural gas line to generator.
You mentioned that two wires are needed for 240 volts but in order to achieve that, you need two different 120 lines. How do you determine this using your transfer box. You omitted some clarity on this point. THANKS
This video segment is more of an informational and educational video than an instructional video. Step by step instructional videos are available on the RUclips channel for Reliance Controls, and the connection of a 240v circuit is addressed. The bus bar is laid out so that every adjacent switch/breaker is on a different phase of the generator, so any two adjacent switches can be wired to a 240v circuit of the appropriate amp rating.
Doesn't matter, there's 2
The transfer switch splits them internally for the 120 v circuits; half on one and half on the other.
Was that generator a floating or bonded neutral? If bonded, what steps were taken to ensure the neutral wasn’t bonded twice?
Usually a generator will have a noticeable ground lug next to the outlets if it requires another ground.
As a licensed electrician I never did a transfer switch your video makes it so easy anyone can install one of these
Rob,a lockout for a back fed breaker is more simple and much less expensive.
@@jerrydemas2020 But if your main cutoff is outside near the meter, you can't do a lockout.
@@ChrisBurnsATL Doug, then I think your screwed!
Nice job!! Anyone remember Y2K?
I did this in my home in 1999 in preparation of THE GREAT POWER OUTAGE expected in Y2K. I don't regret doing it as it has come in handy a half dozen times since then.
My total expense on that project was less than $1200.
What was the electricians expense
@@fordhamdonnington2738 I should have specified, no that was the cost of the Generator, Transfer kit, and the 50' 10gauge 4 wire cord and end adapters. Electrician cost would have been extra but should be able to get the job done in 3 to 4 hours.
So I'm guessing the electrician cost
Would be around $500.00.
I was in Sault Saint Maire Canada Skiing hoping to get stuck there for weeks...
I prefer the idea of the interlock kit over a transfer switch. They're easy to install, create less spaghetti wires in the panel, and they let you power any circuit in your home.
I was wondering why he didn't install one as well they are much better installation. less to go wrong, less expensive and cleaner install.
They probably don’t want to show those on a show like this for liability reasons. If the interlock is installed wrong, it’ll send power down the line even when a lineman thinks it’s off.
Hire a professional
Rob Banta I guarantee you homeowners will find a way to back feed through any system if they wire and operate the equipment themselves.
@@KitchenerLeslie2 Once again proving that Mr. Murphy (and his law) is alive and well.
How long can the power cord be between the generator and the outside box that leads to my utility box be I am thinking of 100 ft cord???
There isn't a set distance due to varying resistances and sizes of generators and loads, but 100 feet is generally a good distance to use as a baseline for 10 gauge wire.
The sky's the limit Roger. You will just have to keep increasing the wire size as you go further away.
Best example of these types of videos I've seen.
nice video and easy to understand. thank you so much for it . ozeas lannes from new york city :)
Awesome video. I have a lot of generator and home improvement videos too with a lot on backup power. Hope you might enjoy them.
Great video. I have a question. After the power comes back on, does the transfer switch stop the flow of electricity from the generator before you can get outside to turn off the generator? I heard you say the switch lives in the off position, is that where it returns or do I need to turn the switches back to off after turning off the generator?
I was wondering the same thing. The term manual transfer switch makes it sound like you have to do it yourself. Auto transfer switch would be a better thing if it would turn that off for you. What happens if your generator is running and the power comes back on? Not only that, but how do you know your power is back on from the utility if you're using the lights and other circuits with the generator?
The individual switches on the transfer switches are between the breakers and the loads (appliances, outlets, lighting, etc). When the generator is connected and the switches are moved to the GEN position, each switch independently disconnects the only feed to it from the house breaker panel. It's basically 10 transfer switches in one cabinet.
If the main power is on and the generator is on and connected, it's perfectly safe to have some of the circuits in the LINE position (main power) and some of the circuits in the GEN position (generator power). Each circuit is isolated by the way the toggle switches are between the breakers in the house panel and the breakers in the transfer switch. The center OFF position is the "break" position so that when moving a switch up and down there is always a disconnect so the power sources always remain isolated.
Normally the switches are in the LINE position, if there is an outage then a generator is connected and the switches are moved to the GEN positions as needed by the person attending to the system. It is usually obvious to some extent when the main power returns, because everything not being fed by or connected to the generator will instantly turn back on. Generally there is something somewhere that will indicate to someone that the main power has returned.
Hello, if you have a renewable energy (solar panel) system and an inverter, everything depends on the type of the inverter. If it's a "grid-tie" inverter, which syncs with the utility power and supplies power to the entire system at the same time as the utility, it cannot be used during an outage because it has to detect a utility outage and shut itself down (or it would send power back down the utility line). Grid-tie systems usually don't utilize battery bank storage and will sometimes use microinverters built-into the solar panels.
If your inverter is NOT a grid-tie and does use a battery bank, it would use either a small automatic switch, or it could use a manual transfer switch like this one. All depends on the type of inverter and how it's integrated or planned to be integrated into the electrical system. With a "NON" grid-tie, you can use it at any time by picking any of the circuits on this type of switch, moving them to GEN and running them off the inverter power at the SAME time the utility feeds everything else. This is perfectly safe and the only concern is that you don't monitor the battery power and the available power from the battery bank gets too low, the inverter will crash and any circuits fed by it will stop working until you realize this and flip the switches back to LINE, reset the inverter, and when there is enough energy once again in the batteries you can resume using it to power some (or all) of the circuits on the transfer switch.
Thank you! I replied to the other comment you posted, hopefully that provides the answers you were looking for. Feel free to call me at 800-634-6155 and press option 3 for support.
No you cannot, the "class" of the inverter is critical and determines if it's possible to utilize this switch with an inverter rather than a separate portable generator.
It won't work ONLY if you have a grid-tie inverter, because the inverter won't work when the main power fails unless a very sophisticated automatic switch AND another inverter AND another automatic switch are all incorporated. It's required by law that a grid-tie inverter has an RSD feature, which is Rapid Shut Down. It must detect the utility power failing and shut itself down until it detects the return of the utility. It can do this in a variety of ways based on who made the inverter.
However, any inverter EXCEPT a grid-tie inverter can potentially be used with this transfer switch. There are some unique attributes on some (non-grid-tie) inverters in regards to their internal neutral/ground relationship, which could cause issues especially if there is GFCI built into the inverters and their neutral is bonded to their grounded (metal/conductive) parts.
Inverters comes in two main classes - non grid-tie and Grid-tie, and this makes ALL the difference. The class of the inverter is critical because the two types of inverters are very, very different, and if you have a grid-tie you cannot use it when the power fails without an extremely expensive setup of 2 automatic switches and a 2nd inverter that is not a grid-tie.
Well done, just what I needed
Wonderful video. Thanks
That dang fifty foot cable cost you about as much as the generator itself. You made it look easy.
Yea there're pretty dam expensive. 50 feet oh yea you're gonna cry when you get to the register to check out 😭😭
50 ft of 10/4 SO cable is not going to cost you $500 lol. Try $90 instead.
@@macaronitire4152 I paid around $70.00 at Lowes. But then I thought, do I want it that far away? No, I don't. The whole idea is convenience. Plus it's just easier to steal.
Are you allowed to use the panel as a junction box?
In US looks like you can, not in Canada yet they sell it. they don't have CSA stamp I'm about to install one and going have to mount JB by the panel
Great video.. Thanks for posting.
Having all the tool make life easier
People are wondering why he doesn't just have a nice automatic standby diesel or natural gas generator installed. That's a good question. Here's mine: Have you ever had to depend on true professional prime generators? Because I work at a radio network and between our studios and transmitter sites we have 10 beefy primary professional grade 60-120 KW generators with automatic transfer switches and all the bells and whistles. And let me tell you something: They are a constant pain. An absolute constant pain. We have to keep after them every month, changing belts and filters, batteries, and so forth. Whenever there's an extended power outage, one or two of them will always fail. Sometimes they won't start. Sometimes they burn a winding. Or the transfer switch freezes. Or the $500 deep cycle battery quits years ahead of time. These are professional generators, brands like CAT and Cummins, meant for continuous off grid use, very well sized for their loads (not exceeding 50%). Not your wimpy Generac home standby system. Based on more than a decade of experience with these generators, plus all the horror stories from peers one accumulates, I'd never shell out a load of money for an automatic home system. Better to have a nice setup like this in place so I can connect a generator of my own at any time. It costs a lot less to drop into Costco and buy a $700 portable generator and toss it when it breaks, than it is to get a $10,000 home system installed that fails me when there's no technician to come out and look at it. You can say that it "should" not be this way, but let me ask you something: If a radio network with over a million dollar a year budget on maintenance with a licensed diesel mechanic, a licensed electrician, and engineers ON STAFF has issues with true professional diesel generators, what are your chances with a cheap Home Depot one installed by some subcontractor?
To Jose Quiñones - You make good points, as an industrial/commercial electrician who has installed generators up to 13kv, if something can go wrong it will even though it should not. Million dollar maintenance contract! For the homeowner, most outages are not long and if you have city water and natural/propane gas heating, you don't need much generation. With a well pump, having water makes all the difference in the world so money spent is worth it, especially with kids. The generac auto transfer schemes definitely make sense for many people's combination of circumstances though. A very good, simple scheme is if the local power utility allows the transfer switch to be part of the meter socket and a simple cord run between the generator and the metersocket. Almost child proof!
Jose, very good argument against a whole home generator. I priced out a whole home Generac 22kw system for my home, and the estimate was over $9000 installed. For less than $2000, I bought a 10 circuit manual transfer switch, paid for a professional to install it, and bought a 7.5kw dual fuel Champion generator ($799.99). With this setup, I can run all my lights, TV, window A/C unit, microwave, garage door opener, etc. Pros? I can use gasoline or propane. Cons? I can't run 220v appliances like an oven, central A/C, or a clothes dryer. I do have to deal with the minor inconvenience of pulling the generator out of the garage and connect the 30amp cord to the panel outside. For that 5 minutes of work each time the power goes out, I saved $7000.
As the senior tech at a public safety radio shop. I chose a big 400 gallon propane keep full serviced tank(half or better) brought liquid propane into the generator building to the gasifier that uses engine coolant. the engine has block heater. nice 454 chevy v8 on propane gave reliable back up power for the 20 years I worked there. All I did was have the generator service company out once a year to do check over and maintenance. much better than diesel those gave lots more trouble. its back up so the extra cost of propane is not a big deal at all. the propane service company let us use their tank as long as we got the fuel from them so that was a good deal. now that I am retired I keep a 2000 watt portable gas generator in my garage with the gas empty. If I need to use it like to run the furnace or refrigerator. I take it outside and put some fresh gas in it. I am not going to tell how I hook it up. but its easy and easy to put back to normal when power is restored. One thing to remember, besides how not to hurt yourself. be sure that what ever you rig up does not feed power back into the electrical grid and kill some power company guy trying to make repairs.
@Mowcowbell, nice. I just purchased a 7500W generator and am looking into adding a manual transfer switch to my home. If you don't mind me asking, how much did the 10-circuit switch and installation cost?
LOL .... Our Generac 22kW system has been installed a little over 10 years and works perfectly every time the power goes out including one time for two weeks! I'm betting your cheap-ass radio station didn't do routine maintenance. Pretty normal for a typical radio station, hire some out-of-work reprobate handyman with no electrician's license and no manufacturer's training and expect him to maintain all that equipment between swigs from his flask. No wonder all you old outdated equipment gave you so much trouble!! LOL
A friend of mine left one unsecured like that only to wake up and watch 3 guys running away with his generator
Reason 100000 to live in the country.
A generator enclosure helps with that, along with keeping it nice, and reducing noise.
@@davec.3198 He should have provided the guy with a 30' logging chain as well as that cable.
It may not stop them, but it sure as hell would slow them down a bit.
My god - whoever installed that OCD copper plumbing did a beautiful job
Great! I have no doubt I can install one if these now that I understand it better
I just installed the same one in our home a few weeks ago and it works great. It was easy to install, took about 3 to 4 hrs. The way this works is so awesome. Go to Reliance Controls website to read more about how it works. It's worth the money to install if it can power 10 of your most crucial circuits.
2:46 dude almost walked the wrong way lol
marsh1998 I laughed at this
It's called a spin move. I do that all the time.
7:28
"Choke all the way open" NO, choke CLOSED haha
That plumbing layout tho 🤩
I like that off switch at the meter.
2:46 He was about to go under the deck to get inside noice
Well when someone points in a specific direction and begins with "Show me", you tend to head in that direction. He probably thought he was going to ask about something under the deck.
Doesn't gas(oline) have limited storage life today, specially if it has ethanol in it? It might be a good idea to mention something about replacing it and/or adding some stabilizer?
Fuel stabilizer is a definite must. And make sure to get the right kind for ethanol blended gas. Try to buy non-ethanol gas, but I know many areas don't have that option at all. Don't let the tank run dry as ethanol residue will crystalize, messing up the carbs.
They did mention that in the full episode.
I have used old gas in lawn mower before. Started up after a couple pulls. Long as engine has good compression should be fine.
Another option for this installation would have been to go with a dual fuel generator. They cost a bit more, but give you the option of running the generator on either gasoline or propane. I would go with propane, as it doesn't go bad over time and is easy to store. Propane burns cleaner, less fouling of spark plugs, and the engine oil will stay cleaner for a longer period of time.
Ampacity Electric could you mention the name please. thanks
This was awesome. Thank you
Very helpful video. Thanks
That is the best transfer switch I have ever seen.
Do you know the brand and model number of the transfer switch
Gen-Tran makes a good one. Or at least they used to. Check that company out. I installed about five and never had a problem.
And never start or use your Generator in the rain build a protection box for it to be safe ..
Even a small portable dog-house like structure would be helpful.
Amazon sells generator ‘tents’ for that purpose.
Great video loved it but I wish you would have shown how to hook up the power coming from the general
Excellent. Loved the circuit animation.
You would need to be very careful with how you "load" those 10 circuits on that 7KW genset. Each of those 10 circuits would only be able to carry a "average" 6 amp load. That cord/receptacle would supply 30 amps on each phase (red/black). The other thing most people don't often realize is that keeping the genset fueled for a long outage can become a problem with fuel availability especially after a major catastrophic event. Propane might be a good source. It "stores" for long periods, pretty safe in its containers, multiple containers could be stored.
It was always "illegal" (National Electric Code) to splice inside a panel. Has that rule gone away??
Hello, yes it's imperative to learn a little bit about power usages of appliances when operating them with a generator. Splices have not always been illegal, there have been exceptions for splices for a very long time. As long as the fill factor of the area inside the panel isn't too high, and the splices are purposeful rather than being used as a feed-through such as a junction box, they are acceptable.
Thank you for the clarification. Always willing to listen to sound, sensible replies.
While they go out back to "check things out" the genny gets stolen!
LOL yeah the next video should be "how to secure a portable generator" :-)
I don't think so it looks like a pretty good/decent neighborhood.
Good instructional video for home owners should knows
I like how easy this video explain the generator set up.
His generator is sooo loud it caused my house in Arkansas to have an earthquake.
The people who will mostly care are the ones who are jealous they don't have one. In a power outage it's a pathetic gripe for anyone to make and I certainly won't mind the noise since I'll have power
Well, at least the earth around the house, didn't have an earthquake.
Would have been a lot cheaper and faster to install an interlock instead of a transfer switch. Not to mention you could then choose any circuit you want to run instead of only a select few.
You’ll back feed the service feed. If line men have to work on the service they’ll get knocked because of that back feed. You need to isolate the power your sending from the generator. Your poor mans way is good if you don’t happen to have a inlet at the time either way they sell this with a 10ft cord, the ats, and the inlet for 300 bucks at home depot.
@@InphazeC8 Do your research. An interlock only allows power into the panel from one source isolating the other source line. More options mean more info and you choose what is best for your needs and budget.
While also a valid method, that puts a bit more responsibility on the homeowner to be mindful of what circuits they are powering with the generator. For those who are less attentive, the transfer switch is a better method.
Thanks guys great video
Nicely done presentation.
Choke all the way open to start? It usually closes to start and open again once warmed up.
What I'd really like is for electricians who initially install panels in new houses to have to take a course in writing legibly.
I they should have to take a course in filling out panel schedules. I come across blank schedules all the time.
Not possible. Most electricians are med-school drop outs..
@@ohger1 Don't get me started on linemen.
Without electricians you wouldn’t have WiFi to make dumbass comments.
@@dallas5374 QUESTION: Why dont he ground the generator frame to earth??
Is it a FLOATING NEUTRAL generator, or a BONDED NEUTRAL generator?
doesnt that matter?