Generator Transfer Switch Installation

If you are installing a standby generator in order to have some electrical power to your home in the event of a utility power outage it is important that you understand how to properly install a transfer switch.

Generator transfer switch installation. Mount the outlet box to the house and drill a hole through the side of the house to put the wiring through. Turn off the power to the house at the main electrical panel and connect the wires coming from the transfer switch to the breakers in the. Manual transfer switches require an operator to change the power source while automatic switches detect the loss of power start the back up generator and switch over to the backup power feed. Count on us to keep power up and running with our affordable solution a portable generator with a transfer switch.

Because the amount of electricity created by a backup generator is not adequate to power all of the electrical circuits in your house you ll need to designate a few selected circuits to get backup. A generator transfer switch closes off the utility power line to your home s electrical system during a power outage and opens a line to a generator then reverses the process when grid power is restored this guide will explain the two different types of transfer switches so you can feel confident you re choosing the best switch to keep your essential appliances running during a power outage. This task requires experience with electrical wiring. Mount the transfer switch to wall beside the existing main electrical panel.

Find generator transfer switch kits at lowe s today. Figure 1 generator transfer switch. This means the only wiring necessary will be to connect the transfer switch to your home. Generally the answer to the common question do i need a permit to install a generator transfer switch is a yes.

Some places may have a more extensive permitting process while others require a permit essentially to make sure the city has an. The transfer switch is the device that transfers the power from the utilities power to the standby generators power as shown in figure 1. A generator transfer switch can help you make sure that the next time the power goes out yours stays on. In this video this old house host kevin o connor shows how to keep the electricity flowing during outages by installing a transfer switch for a portable generator.

To set up an outlet for the portable generator to plug into the transfer switch you ll need a 10 4 cable running from the transfer switch panel to where you want your outlet to be outside the house and probably close to the generator. Most generac automatic standby generators come with a pre wired automatic transfer switch. Most areas do require that you get a permit to make any kind of permanent addition to your home.