Generator Transfer Switch Installation

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

Generator transfer switch installation.

Most areas do require that you get a permit to make any kind of permanent addition to your home. Mount the outlet box to the house and drill a hole through the side of the house to put the wiring through. 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. This means the only wiring necessary will be to connect the transfer switch to your home.

Because the amount of electricity created by a backup generator is not adequate to power all of the electrical circuits in your house you ll need to designate a few selected circuits to get backup. This task requires experience with electrical wiring. 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. The transfer switch is the device that transfers the power from the utilities power to the standby generators power as shown in figure 1.

Installing a transfer switch refers to the process of adding the necessary trigger to change your energy to generator power in the event of an electrical outage. Count on us to keep power up and running with our affordable solution a portable generator with a transfer switch. Mount the transfer switch to wall beside the existing main electrical panel. Most generac automatic standby generators come with a pre wired automatic transfer switch.

Follow these steps for. Figure 1 generator transfer switch. 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. Generally the answer to the common question do i need a permit to install a generator transfer switch is a yes.

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. Find generator transfer switch kits at lowe s today. Some places may have a more extensive permitting process while others require a permit essentially to make sure the city has an.