I am guilty, guilty , guilty, guilty of having extension cords running around the walls, down the hall way and etc. This is an exceptional well detailed video Joe with above average oral dictation that is easy too follow. Thanks
speaking of furnace, I am propane delivery and service guy. I see more and more people switching their furnace from light switch to an outlet power. the reason for that is so they can use inverter to run furnace, obviously heat comes from propane, but you still need some power to run blower and controller. I had a guy have 6 regular deep cycle batteries in the room next to furnace and standby inverter and that has an outlet coming to the furnace waiting to be plugged in.
One of the reasons the code doesn't want a cord put on a gas furnace is that too many people put to small of a cord on the furnace. It must be an appliance rated cord for at least 15 amps. This is still not accepted by the National Electrical Code, but it does work. I know because I was an Electrical Inspector for many years before I retired.
The font on the thumbnail put the A-Team intro in my head. “If you have an outage. If you’re sick of extension cords. And if you can find it, then maybe you can buy… a transfer switch *blam*blam*blam*blam*. Yeah, I’m old. Solid video man :) 💥
Well done Joe! I wish you had made this months ago as I watched a few videos before installing my Reliance transfer switch. As you covered all the questions I ran into when doing mine. One tip I would share for larger panels (more circuits), would be to put a piece of tape on the Circuit breaker you are going to power, marking it with which transfer switch circuit you are going to use. A-B-C etc., makes it easier when the cover is off. Please keep up the great work.
I have one of these switches hooked up to my two Growatts, works great. If my batteries get to low, I just go back to grid till solar charges them again.
I just ordered a 8 kw Growatt off grid inverter from Signature, trying to hook to the transfer switch. Wondering if your Growatt is internally N/G bounded? Did you need to take out your Growatt's bonding screw?
Great video as always!! The best part of your video is how well you use fast motion. Very useful for people with limited time!! I love your advice to be "responsible for your actions" Keep the videos coming!!
Great video thank you. I am getting ready to install this same panel. It is rated at 50 amps but the wiring seems undersized on the inlet connector. The wires are #10 awg on L1, L2, and ground. Neutral is #8 awg. All my research indicates that 50 amps requires #6 awg. Can this pro Tran really handle a 50 amp input with such small wiring?
Thank you for the tutorial. I can work on a 10-story roof, but am afraid of any electrical work. This is my kryptonite, but you make really feel comfortable putting in a transfer switch.
Thanks for making this video. I just purchased this panel and had a few questions. You have answered them all. I recessed the panel into the wall last night and tonight I will start working on the wiring. Thanks again. Joe
This is one of the best videos I have seen explaining how to install a transfer switch, everything is very explained, step by step in a simple and easy way, I don't know why this video doesn't have 1 million likes, you have my like and my subscription, excellent job, friend. , thanks for sharing your knowledge
Excellent video! I have this set up and was thinking about running my 10 circuits off of my solar back up system but was not sure if I could do it with the grid turned on for the other circuits. Thank you for this information!
@@AveRage_Joe Thanks for the video as this was really great. Is there any chance the current from the anker could flow back to the grid neutral? We have to ensure that we don't zap the hydro people if they were working on the lines. I am just beginning my electrical journey and still learning the nuances of how electricity works.
@@scottwatson4552 Thanks! If grid is on or off, the current will only go in the direction you want it to with switch IE from grid to circuit or from Anker to circuit. It could only back feed the grid if it were hooked up to back feed grid.🤘
50 videos on the transfer switch and not one other video speaks to the meter shown at the to of the switch box; I wasn't sure how to ignore the meter like it wasn't there. Thank you sir for doing a great video!! And being detailed!!
I would have shown more on the meter if I had a big load on one or both legs to show it moving. Basically they are there to show if you have a balanced load.
How do you decide whether to install the transfer switch plug outside or inside? Outside makes it easy for the generator. Inside makes it easy for a power station. I’d like to have both options available to me.
Mainly having the EZPZ option to switch between either. With the interlock, its all or none. Still not a problem tho. I actually have both the interlock and a transfer switch installed😄
The main advantage of using the transfer switch is that you can power your critical loads off of the inverter/battery 100% of the time and not even see a power interruption on those loads if the grid goes down. Of course you need to have a way to charge your battery by grid pass through(when grid is on), solar or generator. It allows you to start to harvest your solar generated power while still having the grid as a backup if there is not enough solar for your critical loads.
Very clear tutorial. All the return current for the circuits drawing power through the breakers in the transfer box runs through that SINGLE WHITE NEUTRAL wire. It looks like the white wire is a heavier gauge like 10 or 8, so I suppose that makes it OK.
How would you install this Transfer Switch, if your main panel in you home is recessed in the wall with only the breaker box lid exposed on the dry wall without having to cut out the drywall?
Great video, very well explained but in my opinion I will use a manual double throw transfer switch, that will give power to the main breaker panel either with grid power or with battery power. When I will use it with battery power I would simply turn off the breakers that will not going to use. It will be simple to install, easier to use and a lor cheaper than a transfer switch with breakers.
for the 30 amp breaker, is line 1 (from utility) to line 1 (in sub panel) important? could you connect 1 to 2? also what about load balancing between 1 and 2 in the sub panel?
How do you connect two 3800's together? Once this is done can you also add the additional batteries and run everything to power your home when the power is out? Thank you
Q? If power is taken out and your running the Solix, and say it takes a couple days to get power back, can you charge the Solix while it's running , can you charge from a fuel generator and how much power can you input into the battery?
By what I have read is that you can charge with solar while the power generator is in use, but you can not charge with grid power or any source of AC power, like a gas generator while the Solix generator is being used in 240 volt mode to feed any transfer switch or 240 volt load. I hear they are trying to fix this. You can do this with an EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra, but not with an EcoFlow Delta Pro or the Solix F3800.
So you conect the red wires to the breakers so you have a breaker in main breaker box and a second one is the transfer switch box but so a breaker on a breaker also a antishort on both ends of the flexible conduit
are the wire that connect to transfer switch box be replaceable? Per my installation, the location of the box would be further Away from the main breaker box, the original wires would not be long enough
I'm about to install my new Solix f3800 with a transfer switch. I am confused why there are individual breakers in your transfer switch. It seems like most people would tap off of their existing household panel with wire nuts and use the breakers that are already in service in the original panel, in my case there are AFCIs which are very expensive to replace
I talked to an engineer at Reliance Transfer switches and he told me that all of their units have Breakers in them and if my main panel has afci Breakers they will trip when the transfer is made and I will just have to reset them after grid power comes back on thanks for your video it gave me a lot of insight.
The F3800 Anker Solix costs about three grand and with all six expansion batteries you would be looking at an all in cost of about 14 grand before taxes. Is that figure in the ballpark? I think you said that gives you a total capacity of 26.9 kW hours. At 120 Vac that is about 224 amp-hrs, correct? If this thing was providing 50 amps, the full capability of the transfer switch, then you are dead in about 4 to 5 hours. Now you probably would not be drawing 50 amps...maybe half? So perhaps you could go twice that long. If my figures are correct, that seems far too expensive to me and gasoline generators are still a win.
Question: Can you use two generator backups? One of those transfer switches would only cover 4 or 5 of my main switches. I have 15 total switches in my box, and most of them are 20-30 amps, and only 2 are 15 amps.
good day. a licensed electrician just installed my transfer switch, and i just tried plugging my solar generator to my transfer switch inlet, however, when i put the transfer swith in generator, the corresponding circuit breaker in the panel will trip. now, i need to put the main panel to "off" when im using the circuit on my transfer switch.
I must have missed something. In the event of loss of grid power, do you need to flip off the main breaker so you don’t back feed power to the grid from the circuits you energized?
You don’t have to turn off your main breaker with this type of transfer switch system. The only time you need that is when you do a generator inlet box with an interlock switch attached at the main breaker and the generator breaker.
Wouldn't you have to switch the neutral too? It's still connected to the grid neutral. If something shorts out would it not feed power back to the lineman working on the system?
If I use this box with the power being fed from a 120v source (solar or battery instead of a generator), how do I handle having 2 line wires to connect from the source to the switch box? Do I connect my one source line to both switch lines in? Would that cause an error, especially if the lines serviced are running into the house panel having 2 phases? I ran with the scenario I just described, using a Renogy 3000 watt 120v inverter and I am indeed getting a GF error and am not able to power anything when I switch from Line to Gen. If that is the problem how do I separate the 2 phases in the switch box? I have the Reliance Switch Model 30408. Thanks in advance.
How come no one will answer why the bus for that transfer switch only has 10 gauge wires going to it that you’re feeding with a 50 amp feeder? It gives me pause that you can feed 50 A into those 10 gauge wires.
Great video Joe (above average for sure). Thank you for the info... in my situation I have a heat pump system with aux heaters. The main panel has AWG #6 230 volt to the HP on a 50 Amp breaker. The HP also has a 45 Amp breaker. Using a 30 amp generator (existing) but concerened about overloading the 30 Amp breaker in the transfer switch panel. Do you have the wire size for the 30 amp circuit as this will have to carry the full load of the HP on line or generator power...
Is it possible and/or more productive to connect more than one Solix F3800 units (daisy chained together) instead of using several expansion batteries? Or would each F3800 need its own breaker panel and transfer switch? Also, if it’s possible to answer this, how many portable solar panels would it take to recharge one F3800 with one expansion battery?
They now have a hub that allows 2 F3800s to be combined. Once they are combines you will use one cable from the hub to the transfer switch. Also they have a home power panel which is pretty cool. It allows 2 F3800s, can power a sub panel when the power goes out automatically. You cam also use it for TOU or offgrid mode. It will also backfeed your main panel when grid is up. That will actually power you whole home. If grid goes down it will only power what you have on a sub panel. Pretty cool. Depending on the portable solar panels. All you need to do for example is lets say you have three 400w panels for a total of 1200watts. You would take 3800watt hours from the anker and divide that by 1200watts of solar. That equals 3.1 hours
At the time of this video, no. The 240v output would shut off if you plugged the anker in. If using the 120v outlets then yes cause it has the ups functuon. I have brought this to there attention tho and hoping they can fix this issue in the future or possibly even a firmware update.
👏🏼👏🏼Bravo! Very good. One question, once the power has gone out, are you supposed to turn off the main breaker and all other breakers in your main panel before you start generator and switch to gen ? Or can you ignore the main panel box?
The downside with the Reliance boxes is that they do not switch the neutral, so you can't use it with generators like mine where the neutral and ground are bonded at the generator.
What if you have different breakers on your main panel, do you change the ones in the transfer switch to match what you have i.e 20amp in the main panel but there are 15amp in the transfer switch.
It would be ideal to match but on mine that I have installed, I left the 15a in even though my main has 20a. I havent tripped them yet going over a year or more.🤘
Suppose it incorrect to wire a 15amp in transfer box to a 20amp in breaker box. I missed the fact my breakers in panel are mostly 20amp when I purchased transfer box that has mostly 15amp (two-20). And your example has 15 in panel and transfer boxes. ---Nice video on your part.
I have mine connected the same. In my panel I have 20a but transfer switch is 15a. I havent run into any issues. I dont remember if I said or not but the breakers can be changed.
@@AveRage_Joe I will gauge the wires out of transfer box to make sure they are 12gauge. My transfer box is smaller, didn't look like I could switch out breakers, but maybe. Thanks ---Has me wondering if house circuit wires are 12guage now, but it's been this way for about 50-years.
@jimmckenney2672 I have a smaller one installed as well which is why I did this vid on the bench. Im pretty sure the breakers on it can be replaced. For sure check to see if they are 12awg. I dont remember what mine are. I installed it a while ago.👍
@@AveRage_Joe I checked wires from the transfer 15a and they will support 20a. So think I'm good. Will start with 15a, highly doubt I will pull enough to flip it. If I do I will swap with 20a. Thanks for all the comments, very nice video and big help.
@jimmckenney2672 Nice! Im glad the wire is 12awg! Yeah thats what I did and no issues at all and thats a little over a years worth of use. Your welcome and again, thanks for watching!💥🤘
Hi, I have a question I have a battery back up that only has a 30 amp port, I have a 30 amp single pole breaker in my main panel that I would like to energize in case of an emergency but in the 30 amp Reliance Transfer Switch there is no 30 amp breakers, so I only can energize my 20 amp breakers and below with this battery backup combine with the 30 amp reliance transfer switch?
I have same when I take my C & D make both breakers move independently I noticed one breaker says 20 but other has no label? is this blank or do I need pick up anther 20V to replace this?
for all DIY junkies out there from Canada - this method of cables connection inside of the main panel is not acceptable by Canadian Electrical Code, the connections must be done in a separate junction box. You may want to search more how to do that and also consult your local certified electrician to get the setup approved. Otherwise this may lead to your insurance company reject any related claims and your hydro provider to deny the service.
When the power goes out do I need to turn the mains breaker off before going to generator mode? Would power coming back on from mains hurt anything while the transfer switch is set to gen?
Nope, mains can be on or off. All you need to do is flip the switch to whatever side you like. Some can be on grid and some can be off grid all at the same time.🤘
Great to hear! I really enjoy seeing the graphs and cost vs savings! I really think the smart panel 2 would help me save money I'm just not sure how it handles situations where lets say the AC unit turns on and it goes over the 10,000watts. Hoping it just pulls the extra from the grid instead of turning off completely@@AveRage_Joe
Great illustration video. I live in the Philippines and all of my home is on 220v. If I'm using this with my 30a of my Bluetti, can I use all 10 circuit s as 220, or are the single breakers on rated for US 110v? Thank you for all your awesome videos!!
Thanks and thats a great question! What kind breakers do you have in your panel now. Do you know if they say 220v on them? I could open this panel up and see if they say voltage on them. I would imagine it says 120/240v and 50/60hz but can check.
To make a cleaner look in your panel and to take up less room than those ugly wire nuts I would use Wago 221-4 Lever Nuts original or the inline Wago 221-4 Lever nuts on your 15 & 20 amp circuits (20 -12 AWG) and the Wago 221-6 on the 30 amp (20 - 10AWG) The Wago 221 series has two variants from (12-24 AWG and 10-20 AWG). If you would use them I would just buy the Wago 221-6 (20-10 AWG) so you don't accidentally use the wrong rated connector on the 30 AMP circuit. I really like these Wago Lever Nuts and have used them quite a bit around the home.
YES 100% I would recommend those as well and ment to mention them. If I had some more on hand I would have used them. Ill add those in the description! Thanks for the reminder!💥🤘
Yeah you can install the indoor plug or the outdoor plug. For 2 F3800s they have the combiner adapter which parallels the 2 or you can get the home power panel which allows the 2. Its a pretty slick setup.
@@AveRage_JoeThanks for the reply. A follow up question if you will. I have a generator transfer switch already installed. Could I use the smart home panel with that as it already has my backup breakers on it, or would I have to use a normal sub panel like Anker pictures on their site? Thanks and I look forward to more of your videos.
I wanted to make an edit to my last comment as it just came to mind. A potential issue is if you have grid turned on and connected to transfer switch and then leave the lux connected to grid at the same time while also connected to transfer switch. It may create a ground loop. Not the end of the world but want you to be aware.
My transfer switch only has 15A breakers. Can I mate it to a 20A breaker that’s already on my house? I tried to hire an electrician, but I was quoted 1.3k, is that normal?
Thanks Joe, I watched another video doing this and they talked about power shaving with the Anker battery. Is this possible and safe? To switch certain circuits to feed house with battery while line power feeding other part of house? I do want system to power house in case of power outage.
@@AveRage_Joe I'm talking about the van itself -- they have 1500 watt inverters, would love to use it to power fridges on a switch in emergency. Thanks for taking the time to reply by the way
Oh lol my bad. I would imagine you could install a mini transfer switch on the AC output wires of the inverter and the Anker. That way you could use either option. Could probly get one like I have. Picture should be on my community post page. Cheap on amazon😄
It will only use one or the other. If you are using the Anker F3800, they have the new home power panel which will do that. It uses the F3800 for ups or using it as an offgrid solutuon. I did a quick demo of that on my channel as well.
What happens if you’re using any battery generator station. Can you have it plugged into a plug to run as a bypass and to charge the batteries and than if power goes out the battery generator station automatically kicks on tomorrow power the load or does that create a ground neutral bond loop?
Yeah its if you use any power station. If it is plugged into the transfer switch and you are using the power station as the ups, it creates a ground loop. Tell you what tho, Ive done it. Would do it if there was a crazy storm and needed something to stay on no matter what.
Agreed, but would be nice if someone came up with a transfer switch that you can use with a ups such as. Solar generator that you can leave plugged in and use for time of day electric rates and if the grid goes out etc
@timboe1848 Do you have a portable power station? If so which one. Like I said, anker has the home power panel and then ecoflow has the smart home panel 2. Both can do what you want but not sure what you have.
Essentially, this is a bank of batteries and inverter. So power is out for several days or a week. And it is winter with mostly cloudy days during the outage. How many days can you expect those batteries to run your ten circuits? Solar panels require sun to recharge batteries. Similar situation can happen in summer with major storms. Days of no sun and batteries need charging. I have this exact Reliance transfer switch. However, I have a 9000 watt generator which can run as long as power is out. I don't have to be concerned about batteries to charge. I can run everything in the house, including heat or AC and pull less than 75% of the generator output. My system did not cost $2600 as does the Anker system. The Anker system is good for short duration power outages and if you have sun to charge the batteries. I'm not knocking Anker, as I have Anker products and know Anker makes good products. But battery/inverter systems may not meet everyone's needs. Your video was excellent in showing how to set up this Anker package. The Reliance box is definitely easy to set up as long as you don't fear electricity. I installed mine without turning off the main breaker.
@@AveRage_Joe sorry I meant the three-hole-screw flange. As long as it comes with an inlet flange that's fine it's just that a lot of the product descriptions I've read indicate that it is sold separately. I just ordered one because I'm going to upgrade from 30 amp to 50 amp.
Which battery and inverter? They have a lot of new stuff like the LuxPower 12kw(18kpv) inverter and the new UL listed batteries like the Ethos amd Rhino 2!😀
Great video, although I’m not digging the Solix. Not very comfortable with the hazards of keeping a giant Lithium battery indoors. I fly mode planes and have all of my lithium batteries stored in a special fire case in my garage. One did go bad and caught on fire in the box, thankfully. After that, no lithium batteries inside unless they’re in a fireproof case. Second, you only get 25kwh for this unit. That’s 5 hours of backup power at 5kw running. After that, you’re done. So, not very practical.
@@AveRage_Joe Hey man, asked you this same question regarding SHP2/ecoflow but I assume Transfer switches can be installed inside garage while main Panel is outside? Electrician would just run the conduit through the wall and into the panel?
One of most thorough and comprehensive videos on installing a manual transfer switch.
Thank You!💥🤘
I am guilty, guilty , guilty, guilty of having extension cords running around the walls, down the hall way and etc. This is an exceptional well detailed video Joe with above average oral dictation that is easy too follow. Thanks
I think were all guilty lol😄 Thanks again for watching!💥
I always enjoy watching your content very well put and appreciated.
speaking of furnace, I am propane delivery and service guy. I see more and more people switching their furnace from light switch to an outlet power. the reason for that is so they can use inverter to run furnace, obviously heat comes from propane, but you still need some power to run blower and controller. I had a guy have 6 regular deep cycle batteries in the room next to furnace and standby inverter and that has an outlet coming to the furnace waiting to be plugged in.
I plan to do a video installing one of those. Have the parts on hand!😀🤘
One of the reasons the code doesn't want a cord put on a gas furnace is that too many people put to small of a cord on the furnace. It must be an appliance rated cord for at least 15 amps. This is still not accepted by the National Electrical Code, but it does work. I know because I was an Electrical Inspector for many years before I retired.
@@OUFan2 modern furnace only take 6 amps
The font on the thumbnail put the A-Team intro in my head. “If you have an outage. If you’re sick of extension cords. And if you can find it, then maybe you can buy… a transfer switch *blam*blam*blam*blam*. Yeah, I’m old. Solid video man :) 💥
LOVE THAT! I grew up watching the A-Team, Airwolf and Night Rider. Im just as old!😲😆
@@AveRage_Joe
Ohh my "age" + - or (generation/tor)). lol 😆😁🤣
Have a good one!!
Need to add the bi line " I pity da Fool" from Mr T - yeah it's from Rocky 3- but it would fit into the original A-Team
😅😅😅love it
Well done Joe! I wish you had made this months ago as I watched a few videos before installing my Reliance transfer switch. As you covered all the questions I ran into when doing mine. One tip I would share for larger panels (more circuits), would be to put a piece of tape on the Circuit breaker you are going to power, marking it with which transfer switch circuit you are going to use. A-B-C etc., makes it easier when the cover is off.
Please keep up the great work.
Thanks! Yeah thats not a bad idea for others to do.🤘
I’m glad to see you’re getting some good equipment in to setup.
Yeah were getting some good equipment😄
Extremely well done video sir, thanks.
I have one of these switches hooked up to my two Growatts, works great. If my batteries get to low, I just go back to grid till solar charges them again.
Nice and a great way to use it!💥🤘
I just ordered a 8 kw Growatt off grid inverter from Signature, trying to hook to the transfer switch. Wondering if your Growatt is internally N/G bounded? Did you need to take out your Growatt's bonding screw?
Great video as always!! The best part of your video is how well you use fast motion. Very useful for people with limited time!! I love your advice to be "responsible for your actions"
Keep the videos coming!!
Joe you did a great job in this video of showing how to install a generator transfer switch. Well done
Thank you and Thanks for watching!💥🤘
HOWdy A-R-J, ...
Thanks
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Thanks for watching man!🤘
This was exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!
Awesome! Glad it was some help!
Fantastic video. It is very detailed and shows just how easy it is to do this.
Great video thank you. I am getting ready to install this same panel. It is rated at 50 amps but the wiring seems undersized on the inlet connector. The wires are #10 awg on L1, L2, and ground. Neutral is #8 awg. All my research indicates that 50 amps requires #6 awg. Can this pro Tran really handle a 50 amp input with such small wiring?
Thank you for the tutorial. I can work on a 10-story roof, but am afraid of any electrical work. This is my kryptonite, but you make really feel comfortable putting in a transfer switch.
Great walkthrough! Should be very helpful to people trying to start with backup power!
Thanks Man! Was trying to make it as clear as I could. Seems many dont these days.🤘
Thanks for making this video. I just purchased this panel and had a few questions. You have answered them all. I recessed the panel into the wall last night and tonight I will start working on the wiring. Thanks again. Joe
Awesome! Glad it was some help!🤘
This is one of the best videos I have seen explaining how to install a transfer switch, everything is very explained, step by step in a simple and easy way, I don't know why this video doesn't have 1 million likes, you have my like and my subscription, excellent job, friend. , thanks for sharing your knowledge
Thank You and 100% Appreciate it!💥🤘
Excellent video!
I have this set up and was thinking about running my 10 circuits off of my solar back up system but was not sure if I could do it with the grid turned on for the other circuits. Thank you for this information!
Yes Sirr! Just switch it on over and your good to go!💥🤘
@@AveRage_Joe Thanks for the video as this was really great. Is there any chance the current from the anker could flow back to the grid neutral? We have to ensure that we don't zap the hydro people if they were working on the lines. I am just beginning my electrical journey and still learning the nuances of how electricity works.
@@scottwatson4552 Thanks! If grid is on or off, the current will only go in the direction you want it to with switch IE from grid to circuit or from Anker to circuit. It could only back feed the grid if it were hooked up to back feed grid.🤘
I just ordered this kit, i had looked on tgeir website for specifics like this, and couldnt find much. Thanks for filling in with this excellent video
Awesome! Glad it was some help!🤘
Great job with the info on Generator Transfer Switch + Anker SOLIX F3800 video install!!!!
50 videos on the transfer switch and not one other video speaks to the meter shown at the to of the switch box; I wasn't sure how to ignore the meter like it wasn't there. Thank you sir for doing a great video!! And being detailed!!
I would have shown more on the meter if I had a big load on one or both legs to show it moving. Basically they are there to show if you have a balanced load.
@@AveRage_Joe Thank you!
Great video! I always learn something new watching your content. Thanks for creating.
Thank You I appreciate that! Thanks for Watching!💥
BEST tutorial ever! Subbed!
How do you decide whether to install the transfer switch plug outside or inside? Outside makes it easy for the generator. Inside makes it easy for a power station. I’d like to have both options available to me.
I believe that this transfer switch is only rated for indoor use. Using a gas generator would obviously be a problem with this type of setup.
What’s the advantage of having a sub panel versus having an interlock switch?
I can use all of my breakers on the interlock switch.
Mainly having the EZPZ option to switch between either. With the interlock, its all or none. Still not a problem tho. I actually have both the interlock and a transfer switch installed😄
The main advantage of using the transfer switch is that you can power your critical loads off of the inverter/battery 100% of the time and not even see a power interruption on those loads if the grid goes down. Of course you need to have a way to charge your battery by grid pass through(when grid is on), solar or generator. It allows you to start to harvest your solar generated power while still having the grid as a backup if there is not enough solar for your critical loads.
Very clear tutorial. All the return current for the circuits drawing power through the breakers in the transfer box runs through that SINGLE WHITE NEUTRAL wire. It looks like the white wire is a heavier gauge like 10 or 8, so I suppose that makes it OK.
This is a great video, thank you!
Awesome detail. Thanks
How would you install this Transfer Switch, if your main panel in you home is recessed in the wall with only the breaker box lid exposed on the dry wall without having to cut out the drywall?
Great video, very well explained but in my opinion I will use a manual double throw transfer switch, that will give power to the main breaker panel either with grid power or with battery power. When I will use it with battery power I would simply turn off the breakers that will not going to use. It will be simple to install, easier to use and a lor cheaper than a transfer switch with breakers.
Thanks! Yeah that would be cheaper route for sure!🤘
for the 30 amp breaker, is line 1 (from utility) to line 1 (in sub panel) important? could you connect 1 to 2? also what about load balancing between 1 and 2 in the sub panel?
Very well done.
Thanks!💥🤘
Really good presentation!👏🏾👍🏾
Thank You!💥🤘
Second email just sent regarding Growatt CD. Thank YOU.
How do you connect two 3800's together? Once this is done can you also add the additional batteries and run everything to power your home when the power is out? Thank you
You just need to connect the 2 main units together by a cable.
This video is the best one I have seen !!
Thank You!💥🤘
Q? If power is taken out and your running the Solix, and say it takes a couple days to get power back, can you charge the Solix while it's running , can you charge from a fuel generator and how much power can you input into the battery?
By what I have read is that you can charge with solar while the power generator is in use, but you can not charge with grid power or any source of AC power, like a gas generator while the Solix generator is being used in 240 volt mode to feed any transfer switch or 240 volt load. I hear they are trying to fix this. You can do this with an EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra, but not with an EcoFlow Delta Pro or the Solix F3800.
@@OUFan2 That's good to know. Thanks for the info.
Thank you for this instructional, simple and straight foreword.
Thank you amd thanks for watching!
Do you have link step by step installing the ecoflow smart panel 2? Thanks
My home would require recessed installation. Will the transfer switch fit between 14.5" stud spacing? Also, what brand are the breakers?
So you conect the red wires to the breakers so you have a breaker in main breaker box and a second one is the transfer switch box but so a breaker on a breaker also a antishort on both ends of the flexible conduit
Breaker in panel is when you are on grid. Breaker in transfer switch is for offgrid use.👍
are the wire that connect to transfer switch box be replaceable? Per my installation, the location of the box would be further Away from the main breaker box, the original wires would not be long enough
What Mounting Screws should I buy, This is going into my closet. What kind of Wago connectors should I use for this? I wish this came with both
I'm about to install my new Solix f3800 with a transfer switch. I am confused why there are individual breakers in your transfer switch. It seems like most people would tap off of their existing household panel with wire nuts and use the breakers that are already in service in the original panel, in my case there are AFCIs which are very expensive to replace
You keep all your original breakers in your panel and use them in "normal grid mode" as I explained and also wire nut to them or use wago connectors.
I talked to an engineer at Reliance Transfer switches and he told me that all of their units have Breakers in them and if my main panel has afci Breakers they will trip when the transfer is made and I will just have to reset them after grid power comes back on thanks for your video it gave me a lot of insight.
Interesting, thanks for the info!
The F3800 Anker Solix costs about three grand and with all six expansion batteries you would be looking at an all in cost of about 14 grand before taxes. Is that figure in the ballpark? I think you said that gives you a total capacity of 26.9 kW hours. At 120 Vac that is about 224 amp-hrs, correct? If this thing was providing 50 amps, the full capability of the transfer switch, then you are dead in about 4 to 5 hours. Now you probably would not be drawing 50 amps...maybe half? So perhaps you could go twice that long. If my figures are correct, that seems far too expensive to me and gasoline generators are still a win.
Question: Can you use two generator backups? One of those transfer switches would only cover 4 or 5 of my main switches. I have 15 total switches in my box, and most of them are 20-30 amps, and only 2 are 15 amps.
good day. a licensed electrician just installed my transfer switch, and i just tried plugging my solar generator to my transfer switch inlet, however, when i put the transfer swith in generator, the corresponding circuit breaker in the panel will trip. now, i need to put the main panel to "off" when im using the circuit on my transfer switch.
I must have missed something. In the event of loss of grid power, do you need to flip off the main breaker so you don’t back feed power to the grid from the circuits you energized?
I'm guessing no because the transfer box stops the power from the grid and transfers it to whatever you have hooked to it.
You don’t have to turn off your main breaker with this type of transfer switch system. The only time you need that is when you do a generator inlet box with an interlock switch attached at the main breaker and the generator breaker.
Wouldn't you have to switch the neutral too? It's still connected to the grid neutral. If something shorts out would it not feed power back to the lineman working on the system?
What if I don’t have a main and I wired everything correctly or a disconnect will it backfeed or how does that work?
If I use this box with the power being fed from a 120v source (solar or battery instead of a generator), how do I handle having 2 line wires to connect from the source to the switch box? Do I connect my one source line to both switch lines in? Would that cause an error, especially if the lines serviced are running into the house panel having 2 phases? I ran with the scenario I just described, using a Renogy 3000 watt 120v inverter and I am indeed getting a GF error and am not able to power anything when I switch from Line to Gen. If that is the problem how do I separate the 2 phases in the switch box? I have the Reliance Switch Model 30408. Thanks in advance.
How come no one will answer why the bus for that transfer switch only has 10 gauge wires going to it that you’re feeding with a 50 amp feeder?
It gives me pause that you can feed 50 A into those 10 gauge wires.
Great video Joe (above average for sure). Thank you for the info... in my situation I have a heat pump system with aux heaters. The main panel has AWG #6 230 volt to the HP on a 50 Amp breaker. The HP also has a 45 Amp breaker. Using a 30 amp generator (existing) but concerened about overloading the 30 Amp breaker in the transfer switch panel. Do you have the wire size for the 30 amp circuit as this will have to carry the full load of the HP on line or generator power...
If u wanna add a solar set-up how or what would u buy to charge that battery
Is it possible and/or more productive to connect more than one Solix F3800 units (daisy chained together) instead of using several expansion batteries? Or would each F3800 need its own breaker panel and transfer switch?
Also, if it’s possible to answer this, how many portable solar panels would it take to recharge one F3800 with one expansion battery?
They now have a hub that allows 2 F3800s to be combined. Once they are combines you will use one cable from the hub to the transfer switch. Also they have a home power panel which is pretty cool. It allows 2 F3800s, can power a sub panel when the power goes out automatically. You cam also use it for TOU or offgrid mode. It will also backfeed your main panel when grid is up. That will actually power you whole home. If grid goes down it will only power what you have on a sub panel. Pretty cool.
Depending on the portable solar panels. All you need to do for example is lets say you have three 400w panels for a total of 1200watts. You would take 3800watt hours from the anker and divide that by 1200watts of solar. That equals 3.1 hours
If I’m using the ancher battery power for my transfer switch, can I have a small generator charge the battery in the ancher to keep it running?
At the time of this video, no. The 240v output would shut off if you plugged the anker in. If using the 120v outlets then yes cause it has the ups functuon. I have brought this to there attention tho and hoping they can fix this issue in the future or possibly even a firmware update.
👏🏼👏🏼Bravo! Very good. One question, once the power has gone out, are you supposed to turn off the main breaker and all other breakers in your main panel before you start generator and switch to gen ? Or can you ignore the main panel box?
Thank you! You can leave the main panel. All you need to do is plug in and then flip the switches on the gen panel.🤘
I was wondering the same thing. So you don't need to touch the main breaker panel at all. It's all done from the generator panel.
The downside with the Reliance boxes is that they do not switch the neutral, so you can't use it with generators like mine where the neutral and ground are bonded at the generator.
Yep, You only want the bond in the main panel.
Just un bond your genset and make a bonding plug for your genset when you use it as a standalone generator. Problem solved.
@@MrBritrider I'll pass, that's how people get killed.
What if you have different breakers on your main panel, do you change the ones in the transfer switch to match what you have i.e 20amp in the main panel but there are 15amp in the transfer switch.
It would be ideal to match but on mine that I have installed, I left the 15a in even though my main has 20a. I havent tripped them yet going over a year or more.🤘
Suppose it incorrect to wire a 15amp in transfer box to a 20amp in breaker box. I missed the fact my breakers in panel are mostly 20amp when I purchased transfer box that has mostly 15amp (two-20). And your example has 15 in panel and transfer boxes. ---Nice video on your part.
I have mine connected the same. In my panel I have 20a but transfer switch is 15a. I havent run into any issues. I dont remember if I said or not but the breakers can be changed.
@@AveRage_Joe I will gauge the wires out of transfer box to make sure they are 12gauge. My transfer box is smaller, didn't look like I could switch out breakers, but maybe. Thanks ---Has me wondering if house circuit wires are 12guage now, but it's been this way for about 50-years.
@jimmckenney2672 I have a smaller one installed as well which is why I did this vid on the bench. Im pretty sure the breakers on it can be replaced. For sure check to see if they are 12awg. I dont remember what mine are. I installed it a while ago.👍
@@AveRage_Joe I checked wires from the transfer 15a and they will support 20a. So think I'm good. Will start with 15a, highly doubt I will pull enough to flip it. If I do I will swap with 20a. Thanks for all the comments, very nice video and big help.
@jimmckenney2672 Nice! Im glad the wire is 12awg! Yeah thats what I did and no issues at all and thats a little over a years worth of use. Your welcome and again, thanks for watching!💥🤘
If the backup batterty is your backup, how do you keep the battert charged while all is normal?
Hi, I have a question I have a battery back up that only has a 30 amp port, I have a 30 amp single pole breaker in my main panel that I would like to energize in case of an emergency but in the 30 amp Reliance Transfer Switch there is no 30 amp breakers, so I only can energize my 20 amp breakers and below with this battery backup combine with the 30 amp reliance transfer switch?
There is a 30a (240v) double pole breaker in the transfer switch. I guess I dont understand your question.
That’s a lot of wire introduced to your existing electrical panel. Mine has a lot of wires already. Not sure all that extra will fit in there.
I have same when I take my C & D make both breakers move independently I noticed one breaker says 20 but other has no label? is this blank or do I need pick up anther 20V to replace this?
They are both 20a if they where tied together. Id leave it but it can be changed if wanted.
for all DIY junkies out there from Canada - this method of cables connection inside of the main panel is not acceptable by Canadian Electrical Code, the connections must be done in a separate junction box. You may want to search more how to do that and also consult your local certified electrician to get the setup approved. Otherwise this may lead to your insurance company reject any related claims and your hydro provider to deny the service.
When the power goes out do I need to turn the mains breaker off before going to generator mode? Would power coming back on from mains hurt anything while the transfer switch is set to gen?
Nope, mains can be on or off. All you need to do is flip the switch to whatever side you like. Some can be on grid and some can be off grid all at the same time.🤘
Any follow up videos planned for the Time of Use from the ecoflow delta pro ultra? Be cool to see how it did over the time period
Yeah Ill be doin moar vids here soon!🤘
Great to hear! I really enjoy seeing the graphs and cost vs savings! I really think the smart panel 2 would help me save money I'm just not sure how it handles situations where lets say the AC unit turns on and it goes over the 10,000watts. Hoping it just pulls the extra from the grid instead of turning off completely@@AveRage_Joe
If my breaker in the main panel is 20 amps, can I use a 15-amp breaker in the transfer switch?
I did and havent had an issue for over a year and a half. If it becomes a problem we can easily change the breaker to a 20a.
Great video How much would cost to hire an electrician to wire up something like that on average?
Great illustration video. I live in the Philippines and all of my home is on 220v. If I'm using this with my 30a of my Bluetti, can I use all 10 circuit s as 220, or are the single breakers on rated for US 110v? Thank you for all your awesome videos!!
Thanks and thats a great question! What kind breakers do you have in your panel now. Do you know if they say 220v on them? I could open this panel up and see if they say voltage on them. I would imagine it says 120/240v and 50/60hz but can check.
The transfer switch shown is intended for use on 110v circuits. You need one specific to be used in the Philippines.
Love this
Thank You!💥
@@AveRage_Joe here's a kiss for you 😘
To make a cleaner look in your panel and to take up less room than those ugly wire nuts I would use Wago 221-4 Lever Nuts original or the inline Wago 221-4 Lever nuts on your 15 & 20 amp circuits (20 -12 AWG) and the Wago 221-6 on the 30 amp (20 - 10AWG)
The Wago 221 series has two variants from (12-24 AWG and 10-20 AWG).
If you would use them I would just buy the Wago 221-6 (20-10 AWG) so you don't accidentally use the wrong rated connector on the 30 AMP circuit.
I really like these Wago Lever Nuts and have used them quite a bit around the home.
YES 100% I would recommend those as well and ment to mention them. If I had some more on hand I would have used them. Ill add those in the description! Thanks for the reminder!💥🤘
Great video. Can that transfer switch have an indoor and outdoor plug? How would you go about have two Solix 3800’s plugged in at all times? Thanks
Yeah you can install the indoor plug or the outdoor plug. For 2 F3800s they have the combiner adapter which parallels the 2 or you can get the home power panel which allows the 2. Its a pretty slick setup.
@@AveRage_JoeThanks for the reply. A follow up question if you will. I have a generator transfer switch already installed. Could I use the smart home panel with that as it already has my backup breakers on it, or would I have to use a normal sub panel like Anker pictures on their site? Thanks and I look forward to more of your videos.
Awesome video
Thank You!
Can this transfer switch be used with EG4 6000XP inverter? If so, where do I find the correct cable? Do I have to make it? Thank you in advance.
I would hard wire it in unless you actually need the gen port. If you do need the gen port then I would diy it with this -> amzn.to/3LDe4wM
I wanted to make an edit to my last comment as it just came to mind.
A potential issue is if you have grid turned on and connected to transfer switch and then leave the lux connected to grid at the same time while also connected to transfer switch. It may create a ground loop. Not the end of the world but want you to be aware.
My transfer switch only has 15A breakers. Can I mate it to a 20A breaker that’s already on my house?
I tried to hire an electrician, but I was quoted 1.3k, is that normal?
I have mine connected to 20a breakers and no issues at all. Had it installed for well over a year.
@ thank you!
All right.
Okay😆🤘
Thanks Joe,
I watched another video doing this and they talked about power shaving with the Anker battery.
Is this possible and safe? To switch certain circuits to feed house with battery while line power feeding other part of house?
I do want system to power house in case of power outage.
You just seen it in action right nothing negative happened,
For the whole house you gonna need the solix main panel.
So, The transfer switch cannot backfeed your main, if main beaker is left on?
You can have all breakers turned on. It will only send power based on the line/gen switch.
@@AveRage_Joe Got it, I always want to be careful about backfeeding. Just finished wiring in my Reliance 10 circuit switch, Thank you!✌
would this work in a single condo in a bld of 20 total?
If you have your own circuit breaker panel that you can access, you bet it will work!
@@AveRage_Joe We do! Thanks!
How much does 28 kWh of battery storage cost? gotta be at least $12,000 right?
What brand of breakers are in the Reliance?
Does anyone know if this transfer switch model also works for the F2000?
This one does not but they offer a 120v 30amp version that is compatable.
Any suggestions on what panel to use for a Sienna Hybrid hookup with Inverter?
Considering Anker Battery + Sienna.
I couldnt find a sienna hybrid inverter. Only thing that came up were vans. Is there another name?
@@AveRage_Joe I'm talking about the van itself -- they have 1500 watt inverters, would love to use it to power fridges on a switch in emergency. Thanks for taking the time to reply by the way
Oh lol my bad. I would imagine you could install a mini transfer switch on the AC output wires of the inverter and the Anker. That way you could use either option. Could probly get one like I have. Picture should be on my community post page. Cheap on amazon😄
Can you be plugged into the main and the generator transfer switch at the same time like an ups? UPS for your home?
It will only use one or the other. If you are using the Anker F3800, they have the new home power panel which will do that. It uses the F3800 for ups or using it as an offgrid solutuon. I did a quick demo of that on my channel as well.
What happens if you’re using any battery generator station. Can you have it plugged into a plug to run as a bypass and to charge the batteries and than if power goes out the battery generator station automatically kicks on tomorrow power the load or does that create a ground neutral bond loop?
Yeah its if you use any power station. If it is plugged into the transfer switch and you are using the power station as the ups, it creates a ground loop. Tell you what tho, Ive done it. Would do it if there was a crazy storm and needed something to stay on no matter what.
Agreed, but would be nice if someone came up with a transfer switch that you can use with a ups such as. Solar generator that you can leave plugged in and use for time of day electric rates and if the grid goes out etc
@timboe1848 Do you have a portable power station? If so which one. Like I said, anker has the home power panel and then ecoflow has the smart home panel 2. Both can do what you want but not sure what you have.
Essentially, this is a bank of batteries and inverter. So power is out for several days or a week. And it is winter with mostly cloudy days during the outage. How many days can you expect those batteries to run your ten circuits? Solar panels require sun to recharge batteries. Similar situation can happen in summer with major storms. Days of no sun and batteries need charging. I have this exact Reliance transfer switch. However, I have a 9000 watt generator which can run as long as power is out. I don't have to be concerned about batteries to charge. I can run everything in the house, including heat or AC and pull less than 75% of the generator output. My system did not cost $2600 as does the Anker system. The Anker system is good for short duration power outages and if you have sun to charge the batteries. I'm not knocking Anker, as I have Anker products and know Anker makes good products. But battery/inverter systems may not meet everyone's needs. Your video was excellent in showing how to set up this Anker package. The Reliance box is definitely easy to set up as long as you don't fear electricity. I installed mine without turning off the main breaker.
Awesome
I am a newbie. To save money, can I use a power inlet box to connect the F3800 to the main panel box?
Yes you 100% can!
Sweet! Do they make an automatic transfer switch?
They do and Anker calls it the home power panel. Video of that is also on my channel.🤘
Does the kit no longer come with the 3 prong inlet flange?
This particular kit is the 240v split phase kit so it is the 4 prong. There are different versions if you needed/wanted the 120v 3 prong kit.
@@AveRage_Joe sorry I meant the three-hole-screw flange. As long as it comes with an inlet flange that's fine it's just that a lot of the product descriptions I've read indicate that it is sold separately. I just ordered one because I'm going to upgrade from 30 amp to 50 amp.
So what are you doing with your big battery system?
I am working on a video for that....right meow actually😁
@AveRage_Joe
Good. I'm "thinking about" getting two of their thin cell batteries and a 15 kw inverter from someone else.
Which battery and inverter? They have a lot of new stuff like the LuxPower 12kw(18kpv) inverter and the new UL listed batteries like the Ethos amd Rhino 2!😀
@AveRage_Joe
I still like their old Rhino battery, and there used to be a vet-owned company that sold 15kw inverters.
The new Rhino 2 looks pretty sweet. I think Ive heard the Vet owned company your talking about but cant think of the name.
So the anker is only 25amp/240v out?
Yep 6000w or 25a at 240v.
I see no need in having dual breakers, or a breaker for each circuit in each panel..
transfer switch link?
Great video, although I’m not digging the Solix. Not very comfortable with the hazards of keeping a giant Lithium battery indoors. I fly mode planes and have all of my lithium batteries stored in a special fire case in my garage. One did go bad and caught on fire in the box, thankfully. After that, no lithium batteries inside unless they’re in a fireproof case. Second, you only get 25kwh for this unit. That’s 5 hours of backup power at 5kw running. After that, you’re done. So, not very practical.
You mean I have to flip a switch when the power goes out ..... what happened to automatic lol
🤔😆😆😆
Interlock device is much cheaper, does more and much easier to install.
You bet which I also have installed as well as a smaller gen transfer panel.
Many panels don’t have a master breaker, that is in another location.
Do you need a permit to do this to your own home?
No you dont need one for one of these.👍
@@AveRage_Joe Hey man, asked you this same question regarding SHP2/ecoflow but I assume Transfer switches can be installed inside garage while main Panel is outside? Electrician would just run the conduit through the wall and into the panel?