Love this product, installed device myself about 9 months ago. Have intermediate electrical knowledge; yet to be on safe side, had my work checked by a licensed electrician. Also used the Help number included to answer a couple of basic questions during installation. A+ score received after inspection! Have used the transfer switch twice, works like a pro! Typically, plug a radio into a non-powered circuit so as to quickly indicate when grid power has been restored. BRAVO Reliance Transfer Products!
I've been using a main generator cord through a window and extension cords for years now. I was confused as to if I wanted a transfer switch of a panel lock out. Thanks to this great informative video I am going to go forward with your transfer switch kit. The instructions are great - I have 100% confidence in doing this job now.
I use a reliance transfer switch in my home. I had heard negative comments on the button circuit breakers so I picked a model that used the standard breakers instead. It's been about three years with several outages some lasting a few hours to several days. I have never had a problem.
Thank you for demonstrating this very important instillation. I was a little confused for awhile when you added the additional transfer power inlet switch and the original inlet suddenly vanished. After rewatching the video you stated that it was a "remote" inlet. I imagine you were meaning that it was really intended for outdoor instillation as you would only run the generator outside. At the end, ...as this was a main junction box inside the building, it would be important that you make this a little more clear. Suddenly the origonal inlet reappeared inside the house when you demonstrated its function with the actual generator. Just last week a husband and wife lost their lives running their generator inside the garage. Very sad. Thank you very much for reading this.
man, I just finished installing an emergen ts, wish I had seen this video *prior* to that, answers most questions I had at the time and had to find one by one.. A few things I didn't see mentioned: for concrete he used a hammer drill, not just any drill, to wire the individual circuits, you can leave main power on and just turn off corresponding breaker, just be very, very careful, in fact, just don't unless you really need something on, and drilling concrete hole for outdoor remote power inlet box can be hell, wish I hired someone for that, zero pride in doing that one part myself.
Thanks for the comment, but always turn off the main breaker in the panel, unless someone in your house is in the middle of performing brain surgery. There is no way anyone should be fumbling around inside the main panel while the breakers and busbars are energized!
This and the series on the protran 2 is why I purchased and installed one recently. The videos are awesome and make it easy. Now the only thing driving me (and apparently many others) crazy is the bonded neutral vs floating neutral portable generator questions. lol
Very nice informative video, I only see that you missed showing where the last copper ground wire was to connect to in the general panel that was out of the orange Romex from the outside connection.
I went with an Interlock. I like the option of being able to turn on any light in my house at night. As long as your careful and not try to run everything at once an interlock is a nice option
Thanks for the helpful video. It was presented making it easy to understand. I'm seeing people use these for their solar. I don't see why not,generators put out 110 volts as an inverter would as well. I suppose it may vary what city one lives in. Does this install require an inspection after being installed? Thank you.
It depends on the area you live in on whether an inspection will be required. Yes this type of transfer switch is good for inverter power if an automatic transfer switch is not used.
@Century Fuel Products can the transfer switch be mounted outside of the house to the main panel? Mainly because i wanted to avoid drilling a hole in my wall to mount the generator connection
Its really helpful video. i have question how do i connect Sentry Alarm panel to Reliance transfer switch and to breaker box. Reliance box has six wires two reds, two blacks, one white and one green) for switch 1 for generator and switch 2 for Sentry alarm panel. i have breaker box connected to Sentry panel right now.two red wires from breaker connected to L1 and L2 in sentry panels. white with white and green with green. i want to add Reliance transfer switch box in the middle. how do you i connect to them from breaker box to transfer switch to Sentry alarm box? do you know?
Looks like this is something that I'll be able to do. Got a quote for my type of interlock switch and it comes out to 250$ - steep price, might as well invest on the transfer switch..
Great Video, I have installed one of these Transfer switches to switch branch circuits to my generator. Can I add a 2nd transfer switch and a 2nd generator to switch other branch circuits not powered from the first generator? My first generator is a conventional generator, not so good for sensitive electronics. I would like to add a 2nd transfer switch and an inverter generator to power a few branch circuits for my sensitive electronics. Thank you.
I would say yes. I installed the ten circuit transfer switch first. No problem using it with our Predator 9000/7250 generator. I wanted to power five more circuits, so I installed the six circuit transfer switch. (All circuits are 15 amp with no high voltage items on them) So now, I am using the 240 volt and 120 volt outlets on our generator to power our entire house.
What if I'm running a generator plugged into a 50 amp inlet receptacle, wired to a 12,500 watt transfer switch with breakers. The transfer switch is wired to my main panel. Am I rendering my main panel a sub panel when the transfer switch is in generator mode? If so, do I need to remove the bonding bar and put grounds on the green screw side and neutrals on the other bus bar? Or can I just float the neutral in the generator and call it a day?
Can i use a SIngle phase generator to power a 240V subpane with this? I would use a RV cord adapter to a L14 cord which would tie the two hots together, which would then tie to the Transfer switch and then connect to the 240V breaker on it to power a subpanel? I dont have any 240V appliances on it, im just wondering if its safe or if im creating a ph to ph short?
I have one comment....this transfer switch is for Genset that can share the neutral with the house. Even more, the Genset is of floating ground type that get the proper bonding at the main panel. Don't try this approach if your Genset is of the inverter type that don't like the ground and the neutral be connected together....In that case you need the EZ brand type transfer switch...in where both the hot and the neutral are transfered.
Hi do all Reliance transfer switches that come with wattage meters have current transformers connected to the watt meters? I don’t see any in my 10 circuit transfer switch.
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.
excellent video... but the problem is my home is not one where the builder gave much thought to things like this... my breaker box is outside on the corner closest to the street rather than inside the house for easy access... it is also set flush in the outside wall so how am I to run the conduit/wiring from the transfer switch thru the knockout in the breaker box??? any/all suggestions will be greatly appreciated...we just had our power turned off as a Safety Outage by PG&E in one of the soon to be many CYA bullsh*t tactics they have been pulling since the Camp Fire last year... I really need to get this transfer switch set up so we can keep our kitchen safe from future outages...
You have to remove the siding below the panel to access the panel. The conduit will have to run through a hole in the siding or a hole through a board covering a few inches below the siding. It is probably better to have an 90 degree elbow in the panel knockout to connect the conduit.
Really enjoyed your video on transfer switch, Do you have to remove the cord from generator to box on the side of the house? To me you could leave it connected, if not, can you tell me why it has to be disconnected.
I take mine off for a couple of reasons. One I keep my generator inside and pull it out only to test or a storm is coming. Connected it is a trip hazard. Exposed to the sun for a long time it's never good on the insulation of a cable. I guess you could leave it out but if there was a electrical storm I would think it could send some voltage back into the house if it got hit. Just as easy to roll it up and put it away. I have a bag that it stays with the generator.
Hello, the building wire that comes from the remote power inlet box and connects to the transfer switch is the input from the generator. Usually the size/gauge is based specifically on the generator itself, among other factors such as distance. If 30 amp plugs and a 30 amp generator outlet (L1430R) are utilized, where the generator rating is no larger than 8,000 running watts, and the distance of the wire is no greater than 100 feet, 10 gauge is going to be sufficient in almost any application. If the generator is using a 50 amp output receptacle, or the distance is around 100 feet or longer, then it needs to be reevaluated.
This doesn't switch the neutral. But easy enough to unbond your generator and make it a floating neutral. Google your generator make and find the bond, remove and insulate. Easy peasy.
Thanks Nick, I used single wires through non metallic waterproof conduit all the way from the outside to the switch. 10 awg. Your directions explained everything perfectly.
My wires ( A-B-C-D ) were not marked on my transfer switch either and had to find my pairs with a continuity test ! A lot of snafus happened this transfer switch !
I have solar panels that feed power into my panel using a circuit breaker. When the power grid is down, do I need to do something different when using my generator and a transfer switch?
Ken, if you have solar panels connected directly into a circuit breaker, without an external inverter, then most likely each solar panel has a built-in inverter called a "grid-tie" inverter. The inverter changes the power from DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current) making it usable for household circuitry. If the application is setup as "grid-tie" which means the power from the solar panels is synchronizing with the utility power (with internal inverters or an external inverter) then all of that power MUST shut down when a utility outage occurs - the system must recognize when the utility is down and shut itself down, or else it could put power back down the line (back feeding). Adding a transfer switch (manual) with a secondary portable generator to back up some or all circuits when the utility goes down (along with the solar panel system) is possible, but it depends on a lot of factors. Mainly it depends where exactly the power is entering from the renewable energy system, and exactly what transfer switch is used and where it fits in. Feel free to contact me at support@reliancecontrols.com and we can discuss this if you have any questions.
Thanks for the detailed information. Clearly you are an expert. I have a Sunny Boy inverter that converts DC to AC - and then the power enters my panel through two circuit breakers. And yes, I have an agreement with the local power company who buys my unused electricity at wholesale rates. It would be nice if I could use my solar electricity when their supply fails. But yes, back feeding would currently be a problem the way it's set up. And in addition, I'd like to set up my generator with a transfer switch to supplement that solar - particularly at night. And perhaps a battery pack would be a good addition too. To complicate matters even more, I'd like to buy an electric car that apparently will need up to a 50 amp circuit.
Great, thanks. Right the main issue is that the code/standard for grid-tie inverters specifies that it must detect the utility outage and shut itself down as soon as the grid is down. Unfortunately I would guess that it will be challenging to rig up this system so that the Sunny Boy will be able to provide power when the grid power is down, primarily because they are not allowed to. I'm sure it's possible one way or another but some type of transfer device would need to be added and setup so that the inverter can't possibly back feed when the main power fails, it may be a lot more work than it's worth. It's certainly feasible however to setup a different generator (and transfer switch) to supplement power at any given time, although generators will not be as efficient as the utility from a cost standpoint due to the cost of whatever fuel the generator uses. If you added a transfer switch like the one in the video, or a sub panel with an interlock, you would have a dedicated panel for a different generator to feed while the other sources are down due to a power outage. The transfer switch setup would have to be well planned as to avoid the Sunny Boy from trying to synchronization with the generator itself. If you had a different or secondary battery bank and inverter (non-grid-tie) in addition to the Sunny Boy, you definitely could use that to supplement power by adding a manual or specialized automatic switch.
Im trying to install this with Honda 2200 inverter Generator for my boiler for heating. I found out i have tandem breaker 15amp where one red and one Black wire coming out of the breaker. How do I wire?
I am trying to add a battery to my solar system. How does one install a 'remote' interior 306A or 310A transfer switch (located in a nearby closet instead of the middle of the bedroom wall?) to an exterior main panel outside a corner bedroom, with a 3600W battery generator in the garage at the other end of the house, and 5kW system solar inverter (waiting to power a future PHEV!) located in the garage and whose output continues to the Grid? The Panel's Central Inverter has the required automatic safety shut off when grid power goes out, but the panels also need to recharge the Delta Pro battery while the main power is out? I do not want to be going outside to flick switches in an ice storm with our fairly frequent roof-tile rattling 60-70mph Sierra Nevada winds! Nor have worthless solar panels and battery during a prolonged power outage, which the whole system was supposed to prevent. FWIW: Hybrid Car battery wiring is so much more complex and so much cheaper!
I like to install one of these transfer switch box in my house, but I like to run my A/C unit, what is the correct size box an generator I will need?. In my circuit breaker box is showing A/C with two double 40 breakers.
If your A/C is on a 40A breaker, you will need a different style of transfer switch as this type will max out at 30 amps for 1 (240v) circuit and 20 amps for the rest. A current model that can connect to a 30A 240V circuit is model 306C, but if the breaker is 40 amps you'll have to use some type of transfer panel with an interlock.
Yes since the transfer switch circuits are all using AWG 12, rated for 20 amps, it's ok to connect them to 15 or 20 amp breakers in the house panel. The breakers in the transfer switch are only in-use during generator mode. There is the possibility that during generator operation, the 15 amp breaker will not hold and will trip if more than 15 amps is drawn, in that case, you would want to replace the 15 amp breaker with a 20 amp breaker.
So, I understand that the wire between the inlet receptacle (which be located on an outside wall) and the transfer switch panel is only protected by the generator breaker! Is that right? Is it safe?
There's no way I would trust plain old wire nuts with connecting the wire from the generator inlet box to that transfer switch. I prefer a much robust connection method like using Polaris wire taps or something similar. Wire nuts are fine for wiring a ceiling fan that barely uses any power. But certainly not on anything that's going to be having some major amperage running through the wire.
I just wired this up today, and want to test the generator and the circuits I chose to power...so I’m assuming I can just shut of the main, plug In the cord to the generator and switch, start the generator, and flip the 6 circuits on the switch and make sure they are powering the correct circuits?
You don't need to shut off any circuits in your main control panel. Hook up the generator to the inlet box, turn on the generator, flip the switches from Line to Gen. That's it. That's one of the things I really like about this switch. It makes running our generator every month easy with a load and not having to turn off the main power.
In most cities you should use a license electrician. If you do not know what your doing you could get hurt or cause damage. It's not hard but you can do damage if you connect the wrong wires.
You would have to check your area to verify. I live in Chicago and installed our six and ten circuit transfer switch without a problem. The instructions are very detailed and there are a lot of helpful DIY RUclips videos you can watch.
Although the video doesn't clearly show where it's located, it is definitely outside of the house along with the power inlet box (plug in for the cord).
The generator or whatever you use does not affect this transfer switch, you can have a giant windmill in your backyard for all it cares...as long as the generator has a breaker, you won't have to worry about exceeding 7500 watts.
You can plug the extension, turn the generator on then switch the load on. Safer that way. Having the generator on and load switched will lead to arcing when plugging the cord in.
1st Rule of working on or around electrical circuits is: REMOVE ALL Jewelry and Watches. Unlike the guy in this video who left his stainless steel watch & band on his wrist!!
that is so true , had a friend that got shocked from having his wedding ring on. he made contact with the ring and the ring sparked and melted on his finger.
Roger Smith yes everything is dead but those main line that feed the panel is always live !!! Until you shut it off at the meter or called the power company to pull the meter off
The way that I would have connected the Power Inlet Switch to the Transfer Switch would have been to run the cable through P V C conduit..That would have made the job looking more professional..
Reliance shipped me a adapter for my 20 amp 125 volt compressor plug but they in fact shipped a 30 amp plug end and not the adapter SMH ! I still can’t use my system 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
We have the ten and six circuit transfer switch. According to the instructions, the 15 amp circuit in the transfer switch, can handle up to 20 amps. (No need to change it) I did change three, of the 15 amp circuits, to 20 amps circuits to match the circuits in our main control panel.
Yes. This is important. You only need one bond ,either to the box on a floating genset or to the generator on a bonded neutral genset. This will not switch the neutral so you would need to remove the neutral bond in your generator and make it a floating neutral for backup power use.
@@jeep146 That's good to hear. Considering they came after me with their legal team when I started pointing out that the button breakers are a code violation, I still don't trust the company.
After watching this video, I now understand why so many Americans DIE from running combustion engines in their garages of basements. Not a good look people.
You DO NOT mount the generator plug inside a building. That would mean you have to run the generator inside the building. Doing so is very unsafe for a number of reasons. Those reasons being carbon monoxide gas from the generator exhaust and the noise factor. Always run the generator outside. The generator outlet should always be mounted on outside the building.
I thought the convention in wiring anything is that the Red wire is the switched, to the load, and the black wire is the HOT coming from the panel breaker......You show the opposite of this convention.
Thank you, with photocontrols and some other devices or switches there indeed is some convention to black -> line and red -> load. However there is no rule on this and the NEC allows numerous exceptions. This transfer switch is a unique prewired electrical panel, as the toggle switches involved are 3-way switches (ON / OFF / ON) unlike photocontrols - so that both BLACK and RED wires are always hot wires, the red wire simply is broken at the toggle switch when the switch is moved away from LINE position.
That's the beauty of it... with a transfer switch, you don't have to shut off main. The transfer switch allows you to switch between main panel and generator input.
@@jaubreya I have the reliance transfer switch. What would happen if power came back on and the transfer switch is on ? I was always told to shut main down 1st.
@@creepyzeek1 If the power comes back on while transfer is switch is on (switch pointing to "GEN") then it will continue to run from generator power. You have to flip the switch back to "LINE" in order to use electricity from the power company. The switch simply allows you to switch between two sources (LINE and GEN) of power. Whichever one you've chosen is the one which gets routed to your household devices circuit. The switch ensures that they can't both be live at the same time.
@@jaubreya Thank you. Interesting. 1 more question. Why is it recommended to keep the transfer switch panel box in the line position if the main panel is on and working. Why not keep the transfer switch in the off position?
@@creepyzeek1From a wiring standpoint, the transfer switch sits in between your main panel and household devices. The transfer switch intercepts your main power and routes it through the "LINE" circuit. If you flip the switch away from "LINE" then your power (for that circuit) will get disconnected. In other words, for normal operation (no generator) it should remain on "LINE"
While this video is 9 years old today in 2024 your instruction manual is either written in China or by a third grader. Barely covers anything not even opening up the transfer switch itself.
DID SHE ACTUALLY START AND RUN THE GENERATOR IN HER GARAGE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know this wasn't the topic of the video, but this oversight of basic safety information is irresponsible. Turned off video at this point. I don't know how much more of the video contained unsafe practices. Please rectify.
😒😒👎👎 You made a huge mistake. The generator should NEVER be operated indoors (due to buildup of carbon monoxide). That means the power inlet connection must be mounted on an outside wall.
Reliance really cut corners by using those cheap "button" breakers in their panels. Yes, they are technically UL 489 certified, but ask yourself this: if they're "good enough" then why doesn't your home's main panel use them? I would never buy a product built like this.
Хобби
Love this product, installed device myself about 9 months ago. Have intermediate electrical knowledge; yet to be on safe side, had my work checked by a licensed electrician. Also used the Help number included to answer a couple of basic questions during installation. A+ score received after inspection! Have used the transfer switch twice, works like a pro! Typically, plug a radio into a non-powered circuit so as to quickly indicate when grid power has been restored. BRAVO Reliance Transfer Products!
What a fantastic video. I've been through so many videos on how to do this, but none have been as clear as this one. Thanks!
I've been using a main generator cord through a window and extension cords for years now. I was confused as to if I wanted a transfer switch of a panel lock out. Thanks to this great informative video I am going to go forward with your transfer switch kit. The instructions are great - I have 100% confidence in doing this job now.
Did you do it?
I use a reliance transfer switch in my home. I had heard negative comments on the button circuit breakers so I picked a model that used the standard breakers instead. It's been about three years with several outages some lasting a few hours to several days. I have never had a problem.
Very detailed instructions. Everything was clear and concise. This will help me to do this project myself.
Very helpful young man! You did a wonderful job in explaining! You explained everything to me and so many others! Job well done!
Thanks for the well-made video with a good explanation.
Thank you for demonstrating this very important instillation. I was a little confused for awhile when you added the additional transfer power inlet switch and the original inlet suddenly vanished. After rewatching the video you stated that it was a "remote" inlet. I imagine you were meaning that it was really intended for outdoor instillation as you would only run the generator outside. At the end, ...as this was a main junction box inside the building, it would be important that you make this a little more clear. Suddenly the origonal inlet reappeared inside the house when you demonstrated its function with the actual generator. Just last week a husband and wife lost their lives running their generator inside the garage. Very sad. Thank you very much for reading this.
Excellent Tutorial. Just what I needed
I love your video. Great hints. Thanks so much
man, I just finished installing an emergen ts, wish I had seen this video *prior* to that, answers most questions I had at the time and had to find one by one..
A few things I didn't see mentioned: for concrete he used a hammer drill, not just any drill, to wire the individual circuits, you can leave main power on and just turn off corresponding breaker, just be very, very careful, in fact, just don't unless you really need something on, and drilling concrete hole for outdoor remote power inlet box can be hell, wish I hired someone for that, zero pride in doing that one part myself.
Thanks for the comment, but always turn off the main breaker in the panel, unless someone in your house is in the middle of performing brain surgery. There is no way anyone should be fumbling around inside the main panel while the breakers and busbars are energized!
Very well done instructional video.
This is actually REALLY good information! Thank you!
wow great video , easy to understand
This and the series on the protran 2 is why I purchased and installed one recently. The videos are awesome and make it easy. Now the only thing driving me (and apparently many others) crazy is the bonded neutral vs floating neutral portable generator questions. lol
Very nice informative video, I only see that you missed showing where the last copper ground wire was to connect to in the general panel that was out of the orange Romex from the outside connection.
Great video, very helpful I was thinking of doing the interlock kit but I like this better for my home. Thank you for sharing this!
I went with an Interlock. I like the option of being able to turn on any light in my house at night. As long as your careful and not try to run everything at once an interlock is a nice option
Excellent Training . 6/30/2021
Thanks good demonstration!
Thanks for the helpful video. It was presented making it easy to understand. I'm seeing people use these for their solar. I don't see why not,generators put out 110 volts as an inverter would as well. I suppose it may vary what city one lives in. Does this install require an inspection after being installed? Thank you.
It depends on the area you live in on whether an inspection will be required. Yes this type of transfer switch is good for inverter power if an automatic transfer switch is not used.
@Century Fuel Products can the transfer switch be mounted outside of the house to the main panel? Mainly because i wanted to avoid drilling a hole in my wall to mount the generator connection
Its really helpful video. i have question
how do i connect Sentry Alarm panel to Reliance transfer switch and to breaker box. Reliance box has six wires two reds, two blacks, one white and one green) for switch 1 for generator and switch 2 for Sentry alarm panel. i have breaker box connected to Sentry panel right now.two red wires from breaker connected to L1 and L2 in sentry panels. white with white and green with green. i want to add Reliance transfer switch box in the middle. how do you i connect to them from breaker box to transfer switch to Sentry alarm box? do you know?
Is there any special wiring required for a 3-phase well pump?
Looks like this is something that I'll be able to do. Got a quote for my type of interlock switch and it comes out to 250$ - steep price, might as well invest on the transfer switch..
Are you using 220. From generator to the transfer box. Thank you for the great video
If the common wire is attached to the main power grid is there still a possibility of back feeding the panel without the main breaker turned off?
What gauge romex would you use from the plug to the transfer switch?
Good video thank you
I love it. I like it.
Good job... thank you 22:20
Great Video, I have installed one of these Transfer switches to switch branch circuits to my generator. Can I add a 2nd transfer switch and a 2nd generator to switch other branch circuits not powered from the first generator? My first generator is a conventional generator, not so good for sensitive electronics. I would like to add a 2nd transfer switch and an inverter generator to power a few branch circuits for my sensitive electronics. Thank you.
I would say yes. I installed the ten circuit transfer switch first. No problem using it with our Predator 9000/7250 generator. I wanted to power five more circuits, so I installed the six circuit transfer switch. (All circuits are 15 amp with no high voltage items on them) So now, I am using the 240 volt and 120 volt outlets on our generator to power our entire house.
Can I use the double pole for my water heater?
If someone would want to run their solar generator as a off the grid situation is that possible or not recommend. If so how would I do this?
What if I'm running a generator plugged into a 50 amp inlet receptacle, wired to a 12,500 watt transfer switch with breakers. The transfer switch is wired to my main panel. Am I rendering my main panel a sub panel when the transfer switch is in generator mode? If so, do I need to remove the bonding bar and put grounds on the green screw side and neutrals on the other bus bar? Or can I just float the neutral in the generator and call it a day?
Good video but the wire to the power inlet box needs to be in conduit.
Can i use a SIngle phase generator to power a 240V subpane with this? I would use a RV cord adapter to a L14 cord which would tie the two hots together, which would then tie to the Transfer switch and then connect to the 240V breaker on it to power a subpanel? I dont have any 240V appliances on it, im just wondering if its safe or if im creating a ph to ph short?
Will this work with Bluetti Ac200p Solar Generator?
I have one comment....this transfer switch is for Genset that can share the neutral with the house. Even more, the Genset is of floating ground type that get the proper bonding at the main panel. Don't try this approach if your Genset is of the inverter type that don't like the ground and the neutral be connected together....In that case you need the EZ brand type transfer switch...in where both the hot and the neutral are transfered.
Can I splice wires from my transfer switch witch is connect to my well pump witch is 220 to another 220 witch are low on starting watts?
Hi do all Reliance transfer switches that come with wattage meters have current transformers connected to the watt meters? I don’t see any in my 10 circuit transfer switch.
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.
excellent video... but the problem is my home is not one where the builder gave much thought to things like this... my breaker box is outside on the corner closest to the street rather than inside the house for easy access... it is also set flush in the outside wall so how am I to run the conduit/wiring from the transfer switch thru the knockout in the breaker box??? any/all suggestions will be greatly appreciated...we just had our power turned off as a Safety Outage by PG&E in one of the soon to be many CYA bullsh*t tactics they have been pulling since the Camp Fire last year... I really need to get this transfer switch set up so we can keep our kitchen safe from future outages...
You have to remove the siding below the panel to access the panel. The conduit will have to run through a hole in the siding or a hole through a board covering a few inches below the siding. It is probably better to have an 90 degree elbow in the panel knockout to connect the conduit.
@@gtimes2 Thanks for the reply sir but I no longer live there so it's no longer an issue...
Really enjoyed your video on transfer switch, Do you have to remove the cord from generator to box on the side of the house? To me you could leave it connected, if not, can you tell me why it has to be disconnected.
I take mine off for a couple of reasons. One I keep my generator inside and pull it out only to test or a storm is coming. Connected it is a trip hazard. Exposed to the sun for a long time it's never good on the insulation of a cable. I guess you could leave it out but if there was a electrical storm I would think it could send some voltage back into the house if it got hit. Just as easy to roll it up and put it away. I have a bag that it stays with the generator.
When you hooked in the remote inlet did you have to shut the main breaker off from the main feed coming into the panel?
not with this box from what I understand
what size building wire would you suggest for this size setup?
Hello, the building wire that comes from the remote power inlet box and connects to the transfer switch is the input from the generator. Usually the size/gauge is based specifically on the generator itself, among other factors such as distance. If 30 amp plugs and a 30 amp generator outlet (L1430R) are utilized, where the generator rating is no larger than 8,000 running watts, and the distance of the wire is no greater than 100 feet, 10 gauge is going to be sufficient in almost any application. If the generator is using a 50 amp output receptacle, or the distance is around 100 feet or longer, then it needs to be reevaluated.
My breaker switch is Eaton BR with loaded Neutral, do I need to care about it? The loaded neutral is connected to the neutral bar
If you want to use a bonded neutral generator, does this unit come with the instructions to modify it for that setup?
This doesn't switch the neutral. But easy enough to unbond your generator and make it a floating neutral. Google your generator make and find the bond, remove and insulate. Easy peasy.
Does the building wire nm-b require conduit? My inlet box will be outside with about 1 1/2' about the hole going in the house.
It really depends on local building code. In many areas it's not required to run the nm through conduit.
Thanks Nick, I used single wires through non metallic waterproof conduit all the way from the outside to the switch. 10 awg. Your directions explained everything perfectly.
My wires ( A-B-C-D ) were not marked on my transfer switch either and had to find my pairs with a continuity test !
A lot of snafus happened this transfer switch !
what model is this ? Can't seem to find it ?
I have solar panels that feed power into my panel using a circuit breaker. When the power grid is down, do I need to do something different when using my generator and a transfer switch?
Ken, if you have solar panels connected directly into a circuit breaker, without an external inverter, then most likely each solar panel has a built-in inverter called a "grid-tie" inverter. The inverter changes the power from DC (direct current) to AC (alternating current) making it usable for household circuitry. If the application is setup as "grid-tie" which means the power from the solar panels is synchronizing with the utility power (with internal inverters or an external inverter) then all of that power MUST shut down when a utility outage occurs - the system must recognize when the utility is down and shut itself down, or else it could put power back down the line (back feeding).
Adding a transfer switch (manual) with a secondary portable generator to back up some or all circuits when the utility goes down (along with the solar panel system) is possible, but it depends on a lot of factors. Mainly it depends where exactly the power is entering from the renewable energy system, and exactly what transfer switch is used and where it fits in. Feel free to contact me at support@reliancecontrols.com and we can discuss this if you have any questions.
Thanks for the detailed information. Clearly you are an expert. I have a Sunny Boy inverter that converts DC to AC - and then the power enters my panel through two circuit breakers. And yes, I have an agreement with the local power company who buys my unused electricity at wholesale rates. It would be nice if I could use my solar electricity when their supply fails. But yes, back feeding would currently be a problem the way it's set up. And in addition, I'd like to set up my generator with a transfer switch to supplement that solar - particularly at night. And perhaps a battery pack would be a good addition too. To complicate matters even more, I'd like to buy an electric car that apparently will need up to a 50 amp circuit.
Great, thanks. Right the main issue is that the code/standard for grid-tie inverters specifies that it must detect the utility outage and shut itself down as soon as the grid is down. Unfortunately I would guess that it will be challenging to rig up this system so that the Sunny Boy will be able to provide power when the grid power is down, primarily because they are not allowed to. I'm sure it's possible one way or another but some type of transfer device would need to be added and setup so that the inverter can't possibly back feed when the main power fails, it may be a lot more work than it's worth.
It's certainly feasible however to setup a different generator (and transfer switch) to supplement power at any given time, although generators will not be as efficient as the utility from a cost standpoint due to the cost of whatever fuel the generator uses. If you added a transfer switch like the one in the video, or a sub panel with an interlock, you would have a dedicated panel for a different generator to feed while the other sources are down due to a power outage. The transfer switch setup would have to be well planned as to avoid the Sunny Boy from trying to synchronization with the generator itself. If you had a different or secondary battery bank and inverter (non-grid-tie) in addition to the Sunny Boy, you definitely could use that to supplement power by adding a manual or specialized automatic switch.
What gage wire from box to relay box with breakers
When using this setup with a portable generator with a 240volt receptacle, does the generator need to be grounded outside with a grounding rod?
My generator has a grounding point so I added a ground wire and drove a ground rod for it. I only use it for the Generator. Most people don't.
No. If floating neutral, the bonding is done at the box. If using a bonded neutral genset , then a grounding rod would be necessary.
Where are the red wires from the transfer switch coming from?
FAST FORWARD >>>>>>>2022 Ford F-150 Lightning has a 220-240 volt 30 amp plug.
Can I plug the transfer switch into the Lightning as a power source?
Im trying to install this with Honda 2200 inverter Generator for my boiler for heating. I found out i have tandem breaker 15amp where one red and one Black wire coming out of the breaker. How do I wire?
You don't. You need to get a 240V generator.
I am trying to add a battery to my solar system. How does one install a 'remote' interior 306A or 310A transfer switch (located in a nearby closet instead of the middle of the bedroom wall?) to an exterior main panel outside a corner bedroom, with a 3600W battery generator in the garage at the other end of the house, and 5kW system solar inverter (waiting to power a future PHEV!) located in the garage and whose output continues to the Grid? The Panel's Central Inverter has the required automatic safety shut off when grid power goes out, but the panels also need to recharge the Delta Pro battery while the main power is out?
I do not want to be going outside to flick switches in an ice storm with our fairly frequent roof-tile rattling 60-70mph Sierra Nevada winds!
Nor have worthless solar panels and battery during a prolonged power outage, which the whole system was supposed to prevent.
FWIW: Hybrid Car battery wiring is so much more complex and so much cheaper!
Around 9:15 you mention the ground is different for a sub panel. Please explain!
I like to install one of these transfer switch box in my house, but I like to run my A/C unit, what is the correct size box an generator I will need?. In my circuit breaker box is showing A/C with two double 40 breakers.
If your A/C is on a 40A breaker, you will need a different style of transfer switch as this type will max out at 30 amps for 1 (240v) circuit and 20 amps for the rest. A current model that can connect to a 30A 240V circuit is model 306C, but if the breaker is 40 amps you'll have to use some type of transfer panel with an interlock.
Thank you Nicholas Schmal. I did not think about the panel with interlock, but it may be a better idea for my situation.
So, feeding a 20 amp kitchen circuit with a 15 amp transfer switch circuit is OK???
Yes since the transfer switch circuits are all using AWG 12, rated for 20 amps, it's ok to connect them to 15 or 20 amp breakers in the house panel. The breakers in the transfer switch are only in-use during generator mode. There is the possibility that during generator operation, the 15 amp breaker will not hold and will trip if more than 15 amps is drawn, in that case, you would want to replace the 15 amp breaker with a 20 amp breaker.
Thank you for the info.
So, I understand that the wire between the inlet receptacle (which be located on an outside wall) and the transfer switch panel is only protected by the generator breaker! Is that right? Is it safe?
Why would it not be ?
There's no way I would trust plain old wire nuts with connecting the wire from the generator inlet box to that transfer switch. I prefer a much robust connection method like using Polaris wire taps or something similar. Wire nuts are fine for wiring a ceiling fan that barely uses any power. But certainly not on anything that's going to be having some major amperage running through the wire.
Ok Karen
They seem to work fine for your outlets and dryer...not sure what the hell you're worried about.
I just wired this up today, and want to test the generator and the circuits I chose to power...so I’m assuming I can just shut of the main, plug In the cord to the generator and switch, start the generator, and flip the 6 circuits on the switch and make sure they are powering the correct circuits?
Should not even need to shut off the main.
You don't need to shut off any circuits in your main control panel. Hook up the generator to the inlet box, turn on the generator, flip the switches from Line to Gen. That's it. That's one of the things I really like about this switch. It makes running our generator every month easy with a load and not having to turn off the main power.
Why the energy source was already connect is not disconnect
Is it legal that I could install it myself without a license?
Thanks!
In most cities you should use a license electrician. If you do not know what your doing you could get hurt or cause damage. It's not hard but you can do damage if you connect the wrong wires.
You would have to check your area to verify. I live in Chicago and installed our six and ten circuit transfer switch without a problem. The instructions are very detailed and there are a lot of helpful DIY RUclips videos you can watch.
Hold on, was it just me or were they running that generator inside the garage?
Although the video doesn't clearly show where it's located, it is definitely outside of the house along with the power inlet box (plug in for the cord).
@@RelianceControls so it's raining hard outside as depicted just not where she cranked up the generator.. poor editing.
Some people do have utility sheds or buildings for that you know
why the 240 volt like that ?
Could you be a little more specific with your question?
In the country,I use the 240 circuit to operate the well water pump
Where can I buy this switch?
Amazon has different models search for reliance transfer switch.
The generator or whatever you use does not affect this transfer switch, you can have a giant windmill in your backyard for all it cares...as long as the generator has a breaker, you won't have to worry about exceeding 7500 watts.
You have to supply proper voltage and make sure it's a floating neutral,not bonded neutral.
@@DL101ca my giant windmill has a floating neutral. But again I don't see what that has to do with anything we're talking about flow limit.
You are supposed to plug the load after the generator is started.
You can plug the extension, turn the generator on then switch the load on. Safer that way. Having the generator on and load switched will lead to arcing when plugging the cord in.
1st Rule of working on or around electrical circuits is: REMOVE ALL Jewelry and Watches.
Unlike the guy in this video who left his stainless steel watch & band on his wrist!!
...and always double check with a voltmeter.
Its really not necessary to remove your jewelry on something like this. Everything is dead.
that is so true , had a friend that got shocked from having his wedding ring on. he made contact with the ring and the ring sparked and melted on his finger.
Roger Smith yes everything is dead but those main line that feed the panel is always live !!! Until you shut it off at the meter or called the power company to pull the meter off
@@007380 yeah and the gun was unloaded when I was cleaning it I swear!
The way that I would have connected the Power Inlet Switch to the Transfer Switch would have been to run the cable through P V C conduit..That would have made the job looking more professional..
They are clearly showing you how to hook it up, not every code and detail, that is for you to decide , they aren’t your code instructor
Why? So it could overheat and burn the house down?
@@sylviaisgod6947 if that wire overheats, you got bigger problems.
@@DL101ca What could be a bigger problem than your house burning down?
Reliance shipped me a adapter for my 20 amp 125 volt compressor plug but they in fact shipped a 30 amp plug end and not the adapter SMH !
I still can’t use my system 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
I would discourage wearing rings and watches while doing electrical work
Nice video, but you pulled from 20amp circuit and attached to 15amp on transfer switch
We have the ten and six circuit transfer switch. According to the instructions, the 15 amp circuit in the transfer switch, can handle up to 20 amps. (No need to change it) I did change three, of the 15 amp circuits, to 20 amps circuits to match the circuits in our main control panel.
You can go lower but not higher. You won't hurt anything just won't be able to run all your appliances at once...
Mommy I'm scared lol
Generator has to have an unbonded neutral.
Yes. This is important. You only need one bond ,either to the box on a floating genset or to the generator on a bonded neutral genset. This will not switch the neutral so you would need to remove the neutral bond in your generator and make it a floating neutral for backup power use.
Reliance boxes with button breakers are not compliant with NEC. Don't buy them. They won't pass inspection and can eventually burn down your house.
They sell them with standard circuit breakers. I see a few button breakers still being sold, maybe old stock.
@@jeep146 That's good to hear. Considering they came after me with their legal team when I started pointing out that the button breakers are a code violation, I still don't trust the company.
@@ig_foobar they threatened to sue you ?
After watching this video, I now understand why so many Americans DIE from running combustion engines in their garages of basements. Not a good look people.
Seriously Reliance showing a homeowner running generator indoors?
My only big complaint is you left that wirenutted C/D hot wire laying right on the neutral bar. BIG TIME NO NO!!!!
You DO NOT mount the generator plug inside a building. That would mean you have to run the generator inside the building. Doing so is very unsafe for a number of reasons. Those reasons being carbon monoxide gas from the generator exhaust and the noise factor. Always run the generator outside.
The generator outlet should always be mounted on outside the building.
Doesn't have to be a gas generator. Could be something like an eco flow delta.
I thought the convention in wiring anything is that the Red wire is the switched, to the load, and the black wire is the HOT coming from the panel breaker......You show the opposite of this convention.
Thank you, with photocontrols and some other devices or switches there indeed is some convention to black -> line and red -> load. However there is no rule on this and the NEC allows numerous exceptions.
This transfer switch is a unique prewired electrical panel, as the toggle switches involved are 3-way switches (ON / OFF / ON) unlike photocontrols - so that both BLACK and RED wires are always hot wires, the red wire simply is broken at the toggle switch when the switch is moved away from LINE position.
Didnt see or hear what gauge wire was to be used from the remote input box to the transfer switch. Kinda important.
Depends on your load. Minimum 10-3 , 8-3 depending on how far the plug is from the transfer switch.
She didn't shut off the main panel 1st.
That's the beauty of it... with a transfer switch, you don't have to shut off main. The transfer switch allows you to switch between main panel and generator input.
@@jaubreya
I have the reliance transfer switch. What would happen if power came back on and the transfer switch is on ? I was always told to shut main down 1st.
@@creepyzeek1 If the power comes back on while transfer is switch is on (switch pointing to "GEN") then it will continue to run from generator power. You have to flip the switch back to "LINE" in order to use electricity from the power company. The switch simply allows you to switch between two sources (LINE and GEN) of power. Whichever one you've chosen is the one which gets routed to your household devices circuit. The switch ensures that they can't both be live at the same time.
@@jaubreya
Thank you. Interesting. 1 more question. Why is it recommended to keep the transfer switch panel box in the line position if the main panel is on and working. Why not keep the transfer switch in the off position?
@@creepyzeek1From a wiring standpoint, the transfer switch sits in between your main panel and household devices. The transfer switch intercepts your main power and routes it through the "LINE" circuit. If you flip the switch away from "LINE" then your power (for that circuit) will get disconnected. In other words, for normal operation (no generator) it should remain on "LINE"
While this video is 9 years old today in 2024 your instruction manual is either written in China or by a third grader. Barely covers anything not even opening up the transfer switch itself.
You left out the part where you sit with your generator all night holding your shot gun guarding it from theives and free loading neighbors.
The Reliant Transfer is great. This is why I installed vents in my shed and got a 50ft gen cord so I can lock up my generator and go to sleep!
@@daveloucks9356 Just wrap one of the 120v hot legs around the frame.
DID SHE ACTUALLY START AND RUN THE GENERATOR IN HER GARAGE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know this wasn't the topic of the video, but this oversight of basic safety information is irresponsible. Turned off video at this point. I don't know how much more of the video contained unsafe practices. Please rectify.
😒😒👎👎 You made a huge mistake. The generator should NEVER be operated indoors (due to buildup of carbon monoxide). That means the power inlet connection must be mounted on an outside wall.
The instruction is good. But the craftsmanship is terrible.
Reliance really cut corners by using those cheap "button" breakers in their panels. Yes, they are technically UL 489 certified, but ask yourself this: if they're "good enough" then why doesn't your home's main panel use them? I would never buy a product built like this.
That is stupid
Sorry
I see this is a transfert switch. Sorry