No video :(

How to Install a Transfer Switch for a Portable Generator | Ask This Old House

Подписаться 2,1 млн

Просмотров 1 млн

50% 1

This Old House host Kevin O'Connor and electrician Scott Caron show how to keep the electricity flowing during power outages.
Click here to SUBSCRIBE to the official This Old House RU-vid channel: www.youtube.com...
Full episode: • Video
How to Choose a Thermostat or Home Automation System: • How to Choose a Thermo...
How to Prevent Ice Dams: • How to Prevent Ice Dam...
How to Re-Line a Chimney Flue: • How to Re-Line a Chimn...
Follow This Old House:
Facebook: / thisoldhouse
Twitter: / thisoldhouse
Pinterest: / thisoldhouse
G+: plus.google.co...
Instagram: / thisoldhouse
Tumblr: / thisoldhouse
How to Install a Transfer Switch for a Portable Generator | Ask This Old House
www.youtube.co...

Опубликовано:

25 авг 2024

Ссылка:

Скачать:

Готовим ссылку...

Добавить в:

Мой плейлист

Посмотреть позже

Комментарии : 350

@Erix7810 5 лет назад

Nice! I never wouldve guessed this job could've been done in 5 minutes and 15 seconds. My wife is going to be impressed.

@GunsHarleysUSA 10 лет назад

I'd like to see you guys do a video on what size generator you would need depending on the task at hand, this would be very helpful information. Thanks guys, love the videos.

@kcaegis45 6 лет назад

The problem with most of these RU-vid videos that talks about transfer switches is that they are not telling people that they need to “pair the type of transfer switch to the type of portable generator” they plan/want to used. The thing to know/remember is your house service panel is neutral to ground bonded (N-G bonded) which means that the neutral and the ground are connected and should not be N-G bonded AGAIN throughout your electrical system. With that is mind, you can get transfer switches that either transfer the neutral or doesn't. Also, with portable generators, you can get them either “Neutral Bonded to Frame" which means the portable generator's neutral is connected/bonded to the ground or “Floating Neutral” where the neutral and ground are not connected/ bonded. Most but not all portable generators are Neutral Bonded to Frame. So if you decide to get a transfer switch that doesn't transfer the neutral then you need to get a portable generator that is Floating Neutral so that your electrical system is not N-G bonded at two location/places. If you get a transfer switch that transfer the neutral then you need to get a portable generator that is Neutral Bonded to Frame so that your electrical system is N-G bonded when the transfer switch is switched on. Most portable generators are Neutral Bonded at the Frame to meet code when they are used as a stand alone (Separate Derive System). If you plan to use the portable generator just for backing up to your electrical system with a transfer switch then get a Floating Neutral portable generator with a transfer switch that DOESN’T transfer the neutral. But if you want to use the portable generator as a backup AND to use it outside your electrical system, get a Neutral Bonded to Frame portable generator with a transfer switch that transfer the neutral so you don’t get N-G bond at two locations/ places. Another issue not discussed is Grounding the portable generator. If you are using a Floating Neutral portable generator with a transfer switch that DOESN'T transfer neutral, you are not required to ground as your portable generator is using your electrical system's ground. If you are using a Neutral Bonded to Frame portable generator with a transfer switch that transfer neutral then it is a Separate Derived System and as such, the portable generator needs to be grounded. Read this link. www.imsasafety.org/journal/ma03/ma5.htm .

@gladtidings4all 6 лет назад

In Puerto Rico we built a nice tall roof over the generator to protect it from the rain on a nice cement slab and build a nice heavy strong iron grate to keep it safe from thieves!

@Rick-the-Swift 6 лет назад

Glad to hear you are doing okay in PR! Haven't been there since the hurricane, but will return asap, and help to repair some of the damage if possible. Such a beautiful place, and people! Who can ignore the challenges you all still face. Stay strong amigos!! : )

@Milosz_Ostrow 8 лет назад

In this situation I would have installed a mains-powered LED lamp on the generator feed so that as soon as the generator is started, it would provide lighting in the utility closet.

@GeraldMMonroe 7 лет назад

Even better would be a battery backup powered light inside, and either a solar/battery light glued to the wall outside or another light powered by battery backup outside. That way you can see to start the generator and to flip those switches. Hard to hold a flashlight (or smartphone...) while pulling a generator starting rope, and those kind of engines usually require you to adjust the choke.

@nationalbusinessreviews841 9 лет назад

Great video by This Old House on installing a manual transfer switch for a portable home generator.

@djk2063 7 лет назад

Contrary to what Mr. Cancro has stated in his post, the Reliance Controls Transfer switch that was shown in this video is not a cheap electrical device. It is a UL listed, high quality transfer switch. The push button circuit breakers used in this transfer switch are a thermal over-current device that are used in a wide range of applications (including the 2-120 volt outlets on Art's Aurora generator) and will provide the same level of safety as those in the main panel. Unless you're off the grid, these are very temporary ways to supply power to your home. I've had both transfer and interlocking switches and they both do the job very well.

@nicholasschmal7051 7 лет назад

Good information. The circuit breakers in question are made by Mechanical Products. A cool bit of information, they were the exclusive supplier of all flight critical circuit breakers for the Mercury, Apollo and Space Shuttle Programs. Breakers made by MP have literally been to the moon.

@igfoobar 7 лет назад

Wrong. The RC switches use cheap button breakers. Those are known as "supplemental overcurrent protection devices" and they're not designed as substitutes for the kind of breakers installed in a proper panel.

@nicholasschmal7051 7 лет назад

Actually Art, you are wrong. These circuit breakers have been listed to UL 489 (the national standard for circuit breakers in the United States) for about 15 years. They are 100% suitable for use as * branch circuit protectors * and are not classified as supplemental protection devices, despite what you think or continue to repeat. Supplemental protection devices have not been allowed in transfer switches for many years. See: UL 1008 The reason these breakers are not used as substitutes in residential electrical distribution is because Mechanical Products only makes them in single pole 15 and 20 amps - no larger ratings, no AFCI/GFCI, no double-pole configurations. If someone wanted to build a new load center and pack it with these 15 and 20 amp MP circuit breakers, it would be 100% acceptable anywhere in the United States.

@igfoobar 7 лет назад

In my experience, people who argue that the cheap button breakers are acceptable, are people who work for Reliance Controls. I would not recommend cheap button breakers to anyone unless I wanted their house to burn down. Frankly, there is no point in buying a cheaply built Reliance transfer box when you can buy a proper subpanel and full size breakers for half the cost.

@nicholasschmal7051 7 лет назад

Art, I don't see how there is any argument here. I'm simply stating the fact that these circuit breakers made by Mechanical Products are indeed acceptable and rated as branch circuit protectors in accordance with the NEC and UL.

@Captleemo 6 лет назад

I installed one of those at my house. My electrical panel was outside so I had to get an outdoor transfer switch. Now if we loose power due to a hurricane or something its just one cord from the generator to the transfer switch instead of having all kinds of extension cords hanging out the windows. I've only had to use it a couple of times but it sure worked great. Mine is a ten circuit panel and the generator is a 5000 watt B&S Storm Responder. It will run all the lights I need, my refrigerator, TV, computer and even a small window unit.

@BirdogEd 6 лет назад

During emergency power needs , make sure to release the German Shepherd ‘s and load your AR. Or chain down you Generac. 😎👍

@LoyalT100 10 лет назад

Wish we had this last year during the ice storm no power for 3days sucked

@HomeOwnerRepair 6 лет назад

Great video. I’m going to be doing this soon.

@11bravoNRD 3 года назад

I prefer using an interlock for my panel. It gives the homeowner more flexibility on what can be turned on. I did it on my house and love it. I just did the math and have all my circuit breakers marked that can be on while using the generator. Also marked higher powered circuits so that my wife knows that only one of those can be used at a time but still cam be switched between.

@Engineer9736 5 лет назад

Cannot believe i have a way more advanced wire stripper tool than this electrician has 😂 I only have to hold a wire in my wire stripping tool and squeeze the levers, all done.

@Arieeeee 8 лет назад

He's a good electrician, but why does he always use his linesmen to strip wire? It's a very bad habit and if I ever catch any of my apprentices or journeymen do that, I will correct them because no matter how cool you think you are, you will end up scoring the copper and on solid wires it will weaken the wire and make them break easier. A wire stripper is a must have tool.

@electricalron 7 лет назад

I'm an electrician 26 years and I've never owned a wire stripper.

@Arieeeee 7 лет назад

Well then you must be the reason why I see so many broken wires inside of wirenuts after spending a day troubleshooting intermittent problems ;) or perhaps you don't work construction often. I've heard a few other electricians brag about not wanting to spend $15 on a stripper and in every case, they damage the copper. Sure maybe once in a blue moon it's ok to use them but it's highly unprofessional for a working pro not to use the right tool. I'm a master electrician FYI.

@electricalron 7 лет назад

So you're saying "once in a blue moon" is ok to damage the conductor and decrease it's ampacity rating? Hmmm. Sounds shady to me.

@Arieeeee 7 лет назад

Sounds like you're playing word gymnastics and trying to put words in my mouth but it doesn't change the fact that a professional electrician needs to have the right tools.

@rbird4272 7 лет назад

Arie M and "flying taps" inside the panel?? Wtf? This guy does not know code!!

@Chuck59ish 10 лет назад

Almost a must where you have major storms and trees come down across the power lines.

@electriciandallastx9182 8 лет назад

Thanks for the concepts you have shared here.

@guitarDad100 7 лет назад

New homes are being wires with AFCI circuit breakers for many of the loads you would like to transfer over to the generator during a power failure. I like the Reliance transfer switches but would like to see what the manufacturer recommends doing to keep the AFCI protection on these circuits. How will Reliance comply with the code for these circuits going forward.

@nicholasschmal7051 7 лет назад

Thank you for bringing this up as it will become more frequent as AFCI usage increases as time goes by. There are plenty of alternatives that accept AFCI or GFCI breakers that Reliance offers. The most common option is to use a sub panel with an interlock and move the selected household circuits over to the new sub panel. Reliance has hundreds of these interlinked breaker panels available and they haven't changed much in a very long time. Also another version of the transfer switch in the video has been available for several years and uses 1" circuit breakers so that AFCI breakers can be installed as well, but in general a sub panel switch or a main panel feed-through switch are better options in most cases.

@HuntsvilleUtilities 7 лет назад

Thank you for providing this example of how important it is to have a licensed electrician to install your generator when you want to have the power connected directing to your home. We have a video on our channel that supports this video. Thanks for helping to spread this message, it saves lives.

@johnmckenna2622 6 лет назад

Huntsville Utilities ,is it

@kingemmanuelshow549 6 лет назад

that's tight... I love it .... a few hours or days is better than nothing

@couldntthinkofagoodnamesoi8357 8 лет назад

That panel is a mess.

@williamwinder3466 8 лет назад

+Couldn't think of a good name so i guess this is it - you are correct, If anyone i work with did that i would almost make them redo it blind folded. Almost, but the would redo it.

@15061952 8 лет назад

+Couldn't think of a good name so i guess this is it It is I agree, can you imagine the same panel made in Germany ? It wud simply be perfect !

@madisonelectronic 8 лет назад

+Couldn't think of a good name so i guess this is it I could do a much better job and I am not an electrician.

@rbird4272 7 лет назад

Phillip Dollarfield's Polo Emporium and he made flying taps inside the panel. Against National Electrical Code. This is why they make junction boxes. !!

@adamwise1790 6 лет назад

Most ppl don’t care what it looks like I take pride in my work and want it neat

@gamebreaker5518 5 лет назад

I have installed a generac 8000watt portable generator to the reliance 10 circuit transfer switch with the outlet on the house..it worked great when I tested it..the generator has a label stating it is neutral bonded to frame...my question is:.do I have to do any grounding on the generator when I use it..thank you for any help..

@YourHuntingBuddy 10 лет назад

I installed a interlock kit. It was easier and cheaper. I also have the ability to power my entire house.

@mschmidtTX 10 лет назад

Came here to say this. Interlock is much simpler if your generator is beefy enough.

@jbossnack 9 лет назад

But can you do an interlock kit on a panel with push button breakers?

@cup_and_cone 7 лет назад

mschmidtTX - Or if you're smart, you can just decide what breakers to turn on and off manually so you never draw too much.

@dtrrtd774 6 лет назад

That's why I like the interlock setup over the installation of a transfer switch; it's a lot more flexible in allowing selection of different circuits to power up. The transfer switch doesn't cover every possible circuit in the breaker panel, so it requires you to plan in advance exactly what you want to power up in a blackout, and if you ever change things around, no way to power up any circuits that weren't covered. It also adds more breakers inline with the circuits that are more points of failure and need to be matched up with the selected breakers.

@rupe53 6 лет назад

As far as I know (and I'm a dealer) nobody makes an interlock system for the old Pushmatic breaker panels.

@rupe53 6 лет назад

Nice system and meets ALL codes if installed properly, but I have one observation. Connecting stranded wire on this transfer switch to solid wire with a wire nut seems to be against code. The work-around is either tinning the stranded wire with solder (makes it "solid" wire) or using a terminal style wire bug with one wire per screw. As for wire nuts inside a panel, that seems to be a local code issue, which could easily be solved with a small wire tray or junction box. The makers of these panels have been through UL testing so if it's in their instruction manual then it's ok for most code. Ya gotta read the books!

@RelianceControls 6 лет назад

Solid and stranded wires can use wire connectors, the manufacturer's instructions will say to lead the stranded wire about 1/8" ahead of the solid wire when screwing on the wire connector.

@Rick-the-Swift 6 лет назад

Who ever told you that nutting stranded and solid is against code? Should be IMO, but as far as I'm aware it ain't. Reliance controls is correct, always lead the stranded just ahead of the solid for best results.

@notsosilentmajority1 9 лет назад

Hey, forget everything else......if the power goes out, I'll just be a glad man when my generator keeps my family comfortable and safe.

@dillonc3252 7 лет назад

Its crazy how that transfer switch was already sitting in the guys house as if it were planned and they were acting.... lol

@JohnWilson-xi2wu 10 лет назад

Good video.Thank you. What size wire was used to connect the outside gen box to the transfer switch

@dylanlink1243 9 лет назад

They used a 10/3 w/ Ground NM-B Cable it appears. This will allow you a 30 amp service coming from the generator with a black and a red conductor, each feeding the transfer switch at 120 volts each, to give you a total of 240 volts just like the utility service would if you weren't utilizing the generator.

@googleuser569 6 лет назад

I saw the first splice for the kitchen wire, did you also need to splice for the others connected as well?

@RelianceControls 6 лет назад

Yes all of the circuits being connected to the transfer switch wires will use wire connectors, resulting in the power flow travelling through the toggle switches before going to the load(s). This creates a disconnect for each of the circuits being wired, always isolating the power from utility and generator (or inverter).

@jerrywald6481 7 лет назад

FYI - Canadian Electrical code wouldn't allow you to use the panel as a junction box (so this system won't work in Canada) . You would have to take the wires out of the panel for the critical loads and tie them into a separate sub panel. That sub panel would be fed through a transfer switch from the main panel and a generator. You have options of Line (grid) off and Generator.If power goes off. you start the generator - switch the transfer switch to generator mode and presto the power would feed your critical loads. When the power is restored - you simply switch the transfer switch to line (grid power) - power down your generator. Bobs your uncle....Jer

@mikebald 10 лет назад

NEC doesn't allow you to connect a ground and neutral to the neutral bus bar, even if the bars are bonded. This video should have shown the installer connecting the neutral [white wire] to the neutral bus bar and the ground [green wire] to the ground bus.

@Bassguitarist1985 9 лет назад

Im glad someone mentioned this. Plus the fact that the generator has its neutral bonded to the frame as a ground. Being a two pole tswitch where it only switches the hots creates a saftey hazard. Removing the N-G bond at the generator fixes this saftey issue, but your generator wont be portable stand alone safe anymore (or comply with OSHA) until the N-G jumper is reconnected in the generator.

@Bassguitarist1985 9 лет назад

To clarify, two N-G bonds in one system creates a saftey issue during a fault condition that can electrify the frame of the generator because the N-G at the generator uses the frame as a grounding electrode.

@dylanlink1243 9 лет назад

***** Mike Bald What if you just bought a generator which wasn't bonded at the frame and had a floating neutral? Also why does it matter if the neutral and grounding conductor were on the same bus, at the main panel they are bonded anyways.

@jbossnack 9 лет назад

Right I agree. Not hard to get a good ground. Just gotta do it.

@Bassguitarist1985 9 лет назад

Dylan Link if your generator did not come with a bonded neutral then you should be fine with a two pole switch no need to modify. Floating neutral generators at least in the portable market are unheard of due to OSHA. To answer your second question I am NOT positively sure what the code says. My guess would be that you do not want fault current from the ground conductor going to the neutral bus directly. Even though they are normally bonded at the main panel you want the fault current to go to the ground rod with the lowest impedance resistance possible.

@augustreil 6 лет назад

I know this isn't code, but I just feed the panel through an unused 220 breaker. I shut the main off, make the Gen cord connections, start the Gen and power the whole house. I obliviously cannot use everything I normally use but it works. OH, DON'T DO THIS YOURSELF, Get an electrician and follow codes.

@shawnwaterssw 6 лет назад

What type of tool belt is that and can u purchase one.

@buddyguy14 6 лет назад

Never seen one of these before but because he installed that interrupting switch doesn't he technically not have to turn off the main breaker? Because when he swaps over from Line to Gen. he is removing that loads continuity from the panel

@RelianceControls 6 лет назад

That is correct. Basically this is is a control panel with 10 independent transfer switches in the form of those 3 position toggle rocker switches. The breakers in the house panel pass through the switches during normal power, the power from the generator passes through breakers in the transfer switch, then the switches and out to the loads during generator power. It's defined as a "load side" transfer switch because you are performing the switching on the load side of each house branch circuit breaker. Nothing needs to be shut off in the house panel because the generator power never feeds into any house breakers or the bus bar and always remains isolated. Some circuits can safely run on utility power while others are running on generator power based on the position of the toggle switches.

@buddyguy14 6 лет назад

Reliance Controls Thanks! Very informative

@spyrostziakouris8110 6 лет назад

So when loads are served by the generator, where is the overload and short circuit protection for each individual circuit? grounding method? also generator is left outside but plugs are not waterproof. Electricity is not for DIYers. not to mention the wire stripping method and the non-use of end sleeves in multi-braided wires.

@RelianceControls 6 лет назад

The transfer switch has circuit breakers for each of the 10 circuits, the generator power passes through all of these 10 breakers before passing through the 10 toggle switches and out to the circuits. The grounding method is through the power cord from the generator, one wire within the cord is a ground wire and this wire grounds the power inlet box, and the transfer switch cabinet, by connected to them and then to the ground bar in the house electrical panel.

@ltyr-mr2if 8 лет назад

What better way to convince me to have a real electrician do this.

@Rick-the-Swift 6 лет назад

ltyr2001 1, What part convinced you the most- was it the messy wires configuration within the panel, or the fact that he used pliers to score the sleeve from the stranded wires? Seems like i always learn what not to do when watching this show! LOL, love it!!!! : D

@stevenrich1819 5 лет назад

So with the code changes requiring AFCI protection on ALL over-current devices, how do you address the single (1) neutral wire for all the circuits within the transfer switch box?

@RelianceControls 5 лет назад

Hello, the path of power from the generator goes out to the loads, back on the existing neutrals, through any AFCI or GFCI breakers that might be installed, to the neutral bar, and back to the generator. The single neutral returns power to the generator when it's powering circuits. The breakers in the transfer switch are in-use during generator operation, so the AFCI/GFCI's in the house panel are not engaged while the generator is powering the circuits. Special wiring is only required if someone decides to install AFCI/GFCI breakers in the transfer switch itself to have that protection during generator operation, which is not written into code as a requirement for back-up power.

@Flawlessvictory80 7 лет назад

Why are there water lines and filtration systems so close to the panel?

@mdm5216 7 лет назад

So the generator hooks into the breaker panels neutral? So at a wall socket the hot is from the generator but the neutral is from the power company. So if a plugged item shorts to neutral wouldn't that send power back to the electrical company. In theory.

@RelianceControls 6 лет назад

Hello, I answered this in the other This Old House segment that uses a similar Reliance transfer switch, but here is a copy. Yes, the generator neutral becomes common with the panel neutral (and all circuit neutrals) so that all of the circuit neutrals have a return path back their power source, either the generator or the utility. Electrical current always returns to its source, and takes the path of least resistance. In no scenario can I envision the path of least resistance of return current back to the generator, for any of the power that came from the generator, to land on the neutral wire coming from the utility transformer.

@christopherAwaite 10 лет назад

This is such a great idea. I can't wait to be able to get this done. How big of a generator would one need for a 1000 sq foot house I know it's small but it's our cabin and a lot of the time we go up to it. There is not any power

@hectorleyva8586 6 лет назад

Ok I get everything else except the part of the interception from the breaker to the wires from the transfer switch, can you explain again

@RelianceControls 6 лет назад

It may be described as a "load side" transfer switch, that is, it performs the switching and isolation of generator and main power on the appliance side of all of the house circuit breakers. Each toggle switch is a 2 input, 1 output switch. The breaker in the house panel feeds one side of a toggle switch, the breaker in the transfer switch feeds the other side of a toggle switch, and there is a single wire as the common output to the circuit itself. Each switch now acts as a disconnect and isolation point between the generator and main power, all switches being between the breakers and the loads. The position of the switch determines what power source can pass through it - either main power or generator power. The installation consists of connecting the red wires marked with the letters of the switches directly to the house breakers, rerouting the power from each breaker through each toggle switch. The black wires marked with letters are spliced to the load wires, completing the intercept so that each circuit is routed through each toggle switch. The result is 10 manual transfer switches in one cabinet.

@hectorleyva8586 6 лет назад

That was very helpful, Im working on my electrical skills and I want to go to the next level

@romeoradam4318 7 лет назад

Thanks nice video

@jeepj27 7 лет назад

Can I ask a silly question. Regarding this manual transfer. What protects the utility workers of power is restored or so that there is no back feeding??

@RelianceControls 6 лет назад

The toggle switches on the transfer switches are disconnecting the power for each circuit connected to the transfer switch when they are moved away from the LINE (main power) position. The main power can be ON, and the generator can be ON and powering some of the circuits in the transfer switch if they are set to the GEN position, and there is no interconnection between the power sources as the toggle switches are isolating the hot wires from each other from each source.

@Mr572u 6 лет назад

The toggle switch!

@dtrrtd774 6 лет назад

The switch is a double throw configuration so the powered circuit can only be connected to one source at a time, either the utility power or the generator.

@Dmiller7239 3 года назад

Now the whole neighborhood knows who has power.

@daleschumacher5023 6 лет назад

Don't forget , now you have to build a well ventilated shelter to keep your gene dry. Power usually never goes out on a sunny day.

@ItsAdventureTime1 7 лет назад

In all their videos they seem to have these utility rooms with no drywall and easy access to everything... I know it's for TV, but they try to make it seem like they are at some everyday persons house.

@dtrrtd774 6 лет назад

It was fortuitous that the generator inlet was right on the other side of the breaker panel. I put mine on the back of the house instead of the front where the breaker panel is, so the generator can be more out of view from the street side.

@Rick-the-Swift 6 лет назад

This is exactly what my house looks like. Always has.

@matthewhanak 7 лет назад

Is this a quality transfer switch? Would I find one of these in an electricians house?

@RelianceControls 6 лет назад

Reliance has been making these transfer switches in Racine, WI since 1983. The current model since 2002. Yes we have distribution through nearly all electrical houses in the U.S. Sometimes different branches stock a few models, but most of these products are special ordered and we ship from WI to the dealer or online seller.

@ALTNEWSUSA 7 лет назад

In Chicago, it's against local electrical code to use wire nuts in the panel box. AND Never use your linesman's pliers to strip wires.

@nicholasschmal7051 7 лет назад

I've tried to find any reference to this in the Chicago code and can't find anything in this context that isn't aligned with the NEC. Is there any chance you can point me to any section or reference? Thank you it would be appreciated.

@vampirekisses28 8 лет назад

I need this 😍

@turbo3089 8 лет назад

can this be done with a flywheel generator

@gibbi125 6 лет назад

What's a project like this cost??

@themanginaman 7 лет назад

So in the event of a power outage, do I need to shut off the main breaker before activating the transfer switch to prevent backfeeding?

@TomD0131 7 лет назад

themanginaman No, we don't do that in my house. The transfer switch prevents back feeding.

@wholeNwon 7 лет назад

No. When correctly installed, the manual transfer switch completely isolates the circuits in question. However, they mentioned sensitive electronics' circuits. I would not trust those to a non-inverter type generator. And these days many things have sensitive electronic circuit boards, chips, etc.

@MikeChapmanGastoncounty 6 лет назад

What about the possibility of sending electricity out of the box into the power lines? How is that prevented?

@RelianceControls 6 лет назад

A transfer switch's purpose is to always isolate two different sources of power to a load or common set of loads. The model in this video has 10 independent transfer switches (in the form of 3 position toggle switches) that will always keep the main power and generator power isolated from each other due to the wiring and break before make action of the toggle switches.

@liadam801 8 лет назад

What a good review. I would suggest you guys to have a look at Suaoki Portable generator. long lasting for charging. it is even charge by solar panel.

@Nativtexan2 7 лет назад

What? The generator stays outside of the house when running? Damn I glad he mentioned the most obvious thing in the world....

@TheHopson 7 лет назад

Anyone know were I can buy just the 20 amp rocker switches?

@RelianceControls 7 лет назад

Hello, you can contact Reliance Controls directly to acquire any parts such as the toggle switches or circuit breakers or anything else. 800-634-6155

@oscarmuffin4322 6 лет назад

Why do US homes have so many breakers? I don't understand. I counted 20 there. Most you'll find in a UK home is about 8 maybe 10. And the consumer units are wired up far neater than that.

@clevelandrum 10 лет назад

you can leave twist connections in the panel?

@djscrizzle 9 лет назад

Indeed you may. The NEC allows it, so long as the splices and added wires do not exceed the allowed amount of fill in the gutters. That's the spaces to each side of the breakers. The preferred practice is to use listed connectors, such as WireNuts, Ideal Insure, or Wago type connectors. On the grounds, Buchanan (crimp sleeve) is ideal, since the joint is not easily taken apart. Another practice commonly used, particularly in older places, is to twist a group of the grounds together and land them as one larger wire. The NEC also allows you to double or sometimes triple lug same size equipment grounds only. This depends solely on the listing of the panel. If it's not allowed by the manufacturer, it's already a violation. As an example, Square D's QO series of breaker panels and ground bars allow up to 3 grounds per hole, provided they are all the same size and solid. You also can't simply take the grounded (neutral) and equipment ground conductor (ground) from a circuit and lug them together in a main panel. The NEC explicitly prohibits this. If the 2 wires under the lug ever come loose, you'll lose any protection afforded by the EGC, and the circuit's grounded wire, which ties the hot(s) to 120V. If it's a multi-wire branch, (MWBC) that loss of the grounded conductor could energize anything in the circuit to 240V (or 208 on a 3ph system), promptly letting the 'magic smoke' out of anything connected. On a single pole circuit, you lose equipment grounding and the return path that the grounded [neutral] wire provides.

@bigtrucklittlerv7969 6 лет назад

Splices in a load ctr are not to NEC code

@normanwells2755 7 лет назад

How about this? What I have done, and it seems cheaper and easier than this but I'm no electrician, is shut off and lock the switch cover at the pole, shut off the main breaker for a second line of safety, then connect a 12 gauge line from the 230v on the gen to a double pull 30 amp breaker on my panel. 20 would have likely done it because I put out 21.6 amp max on that 230 outlet but I had a 30amp handy. That line I assembled myself with a 230v plug, wire and breaker. I forget what I paid for it in '99 while setting it up for Y2K but I would figure $40 would cover it less any parts you have kicking around. For added safety, I could remove the main breaker rather than just shut it off. So, what did I do wrong?

@bladepluny6088 6 лет назад

So your feeding all these circuits with a number 12 wire?

@RelianceControls 6 лет назад

The model in the video does have number 12 wire which is rated at 20 amps. This means that you can connect any circuits in the house panel that are on 15 or 20 amp breakers, but nothing larger than a 20 amp breaker. Other transfer switches have the ability to handle larger circuits as they are either setup as typical panel boards with a linkage mechanism, or wired for at least a single 30A circuit using 10 gauge wire.

@johnpalma7265 7 лет назад

What if the generator doesn't have a 4 prong 240 volt socket and has a 120 volt 3 prong socket instead?

@RelianceControls 7 лет назад

There are ways to get this to work, ideally you would use a power inlet box (or power inlet on the switch) that matches the generator cord you are using. Just about any 120v only generator could be connected to any electrical panel if wired properly. Another option to consider may be to use a custom power cord that has a 3 prong male end for the gen and a 4 wire female end for the inlet/inlet box.

@ThreePhaseHigh 7 лет назад

You can do it that way but you'll need lots and lots of money. Far cheaper to get a lockout plate to fit your breaker box.

@RelianceControls 7 лет назад

How much cheaper to you feel it will be to install a lock out plate, including labor, including an inlet box, than the switch in the video (which probably took him 1 hour)

@KylesLMTVtinyhouse 7 лет назад

Sounds like the homeowner might be an old artillery man, he says check instead of OK which is a classic Artilery term. Got a love the king of battle. (Deuce Deuce FA)

@KINGsizeWINNER 9 лет назад

3:52 Unless I'm mistaken, doesn't code prohibit wire-nuts inside the service panel?

@notsosilentmajority1 9 лет назад

KINGsizeWINNER I thought so too but a few people that posted above say you can with clauses. Who knew ?

@couldntthinkofagoodnamesoi8357 8 лет назад

+KINGsizeWINNER no

@nicholasschmal7051 7 лет назад

Article 312.8 of the NEC 2014 allows it and provides the rules. Some of the provinces in Canada have restrictions on this but nowhere in the U.S. that I'm aware of

@donwatanabe5488 7 лет назад

how does the manual TS keep the power separated when normal power is restored

@RelianceControls 7 лет назад

Don, thanks for the question. The break before make toggle switches each act as their own isolation switch. It's really 6 transfer switches in one cabinet. The generator itself never actually feeds power into the breakers in the house panel, or the buss bar. When the main power is restored, all other circuits will turn on, and the generator continues to feed its power to the circuits on the transfer switch. The main power can be running some circuits at the same time the generator runs other circuits, there is never an interconnection with the two sources. Once the power is restored you would move the switches back to the "LINE" positions to put those circuits back on the main power, then turn off the generator.

@XzTS-Roostro 8 лет назад

Some manufacturers now make it to where it transfers automatically

@davidredpath4781 7 лет назад

I'm studying to be an electrician. How did he wire the 240V circuits?

@RelianceControls 6 лет назад

In this particular model, the generator feeds the 10 circuits with 120 volts to the left side of 5 and 120 volts to the right side of 5. This generator produces 120/240 out of the L1430 receptacle, so the result is 120 volts feeding each side of 5 circuits, with a 240v difference between the two sides. Taking wires from a switch on the left side of the switch, and pairing it with the wires from a switch on the right side of a switch, will connect to a 240v circuit. For example, the bottom 2 switches E (left side) and J (right side) could be wired to a 240v circuit by connect the E to one of the poles and J to the other pole of the double-pole breaker in the house panel.

@dtrrtd774 6 лет назад

Are the breakers able to be ganged so they both trip simultaneously?

@RelianceControls 6 лет назад

Hello, the breakers are all single pole and cannot be ganged together, but they don't have to be. Common trip, or even bracketed single-pole breakers are not required for 240v single-phase loads. We do offer a similar model shown in other videos that use the 1" plug in breakers, which can be ganged together with a bracket. They are called Pro/Tran 2 and are on the Reliance Controls RU-vid channel. Again, it is not a requirement however, only the toggle switches should be ganged together if they are connecting to a 240v circuit or a multi-wire branch circuit.

@dtrrtd774 6 лет назад

So is it possible to trip one breaker and leave the other leg energized at 120V to ground?

@RelianceControls 6 лет назад

Yes

@Tomsjamb 6 лет назад

any and all electrical panels should always be bolted or screwed to wood panel for electrical shock from grounding out on metal walls or floor ground shock. many pipes are used in old homes as grounding connectors, use CAUTION ALWAYS.

@Mr572u 6 лет назад

Why not turn off the main, and plug the 220 generator into a dryer outlet, and call it a day! Powers up everything and breakers still doing their job.

@RelianceControls 6 лет назад

It will definitely work but is very unsafe, as well as against state law. The biggest issue, aside from the main breaker potentially being turned ON at any time while the gen is connected allowing the generator power to back feed down the utility line, and into neighbors houses, is the fact that using a dryer outlet will require a double-male power cord. A cord with 2 male ends is about one of the most dangerous things related to generators, aside from their high CO emissions.

@bradleysmith681 7 лет назад

Yes, the use of lineman pliers for stripping is poor practice. Use a proper stripper.

@Mr572u 6 лет назад

Pop was an electrician 40 years. He called Kleins, side cutters! A craftsman knows how to ring a wire without cutting it. Klein makes all types of pliers.

@geetarnut 6 лет назад

i AGREE,, I NOTICED THAT IMMEDIATELY. BUT, AS A 40 YEAR HVAC VETERAN, INSTALLING POWER TO ALL OF MY A/C INSTALLATIONS, I MUST SAY I HAVE BEEN GUILTY OF DOING THE SAME THING, BUT, I HAD A KNACK FOR NEVER BEARING DOWN ON MY CUTTERS BEYOND THE PLASTIC INSULATION!!! YOU CAN FEEL WHEN YOU EVEN SLIGHTLY TOUCH THE COPPER WIRE. AND SO YOU ALWAYS STOP CUTTING THE INSULATION JUST BEFORE GOING THROUGH IT,, AND YOU CAN GET AN EVEN BETTER STRIP-OFF THAN A STRIPPER COULD DO. BECAUSE I'VE SEEN WIRE STRIPPERS CUT INTO THE COPPER WIRES MANY TIMES, EVEN IF YOU SELECTED THE PROPER MATCHING GAUGE NOTCH!!! BUT,, ALL IN ALL,, STRIPPERS SHOULD BE USED IF AVAILABLE~!~!~!~

@pleaseholdwhileiprocessyou1513 6 лет назад

Well Ive built power lines most of my adult life and this guy forgot to tell people to shut the main breaker off during a power outage. Because 7200 volts goes through the transformer and comes out 240 volts total. But that generator will send 7200 volts back out of the transformer to the main power line. It's called back feed and it makes a linesman's job more dangerous.

@deej19142 7 лет назад

I've never used my lineman's to strip wire. That's just lazy. Come on man!

@enyone3344 6 лет назад

my kinda elecrician! pealing MULTI STRAND?? wire WITH PLIERS?? and using UNINSULATED?? screwdriver to touch mains parts

@matthewward7619 6 лет назад

The funniest part about this video is when he turns the main breaker and turns the lights

@MrJohndeere3720 10 лет назад

nice. :) i could use that. :)

@davidredpath4781 7 лет назад

I was always taught not to have wire nuts in panels.

@igfoobar 8 лет назад

Really don't like those cheap transfer panels with the button breakers. I wouldn't trust the safety of my home to something so cheaply made. You need full size breakers.

@williamwinder3466 8 лет назад

+Art Cancro (IGnatius T Foobar) What i would have done is just install a 240v breaker and left if off. When power goes out turn off the main and turn on the breaker. they even make ones that if you are running off a generator if forces you to turn off the main breaker.

@igfoobar 8 лет назад

+William Winder exactly. Interlocking mains are so easy to do, they sell kits custom made for just about every panel out there.

@williamwinder3466 8 лет назад

Art Cancro when i received your reply i was actually watching your video on inexpensive residential generator hookup

@Arieeeee 8 лет назад

I concur. The cheap transfer switch doesn't appear to have overcurrent protection built in and if you're going to go through the trouble of putting up a transfer switch, you might as well get a whole house system and automatic switch instead.

@nicholasschmal7051 7 лет назад

The transfer switch indeed has overcurrent protection as any transfer switch is required to have according to the national standard UL 1008. A whole house system and automatic switch are certainly superior, if a home owner is willing to pay thousands of dollars more. Needless to say, most home owners like to have options rather than going with a system that costs $5k or a lot more.

@mynameispaul0530 8 лет назад

I run extension cords directly from generator to appliance during outage. Only way I feel safe doing it.

@VlajCo-di8lc 6 лет назад

Automatic transition?

@RelianceControls 6 лет назад

It is a manual switch so the person does have to turn the generator on and connect the cord, then move the switches to put circuits on the generator one by one.

@geetarnut 6 лет назад

I DIDN'T LIKE HOW SCOTTY WAS USING AN UN-INSULATED FLAT-HEAD SCEWDRIVER AND HOLDING THE BARE METAL SHANK WHILE SCREWING IN THE HOT LEAD WIRE(S) INTO THE BREAKER CONNECTIONS. AN INSULATED SHANK SCREWDRIVER IS THE ONLY ONE TO USE INSIDE A BREAKER BOX,, ESPECIALLY A CONGESTED ONE~!~!~

@Mr_Chris77 5 лет назад

Or you could just wire it directly into the meter. Dangerous, yes, but it saved me when we had an ice storm and had no power for 16 days.

@michaelperkinson5433 8 лет назад

get bigger generator , invertor and do whole house

@jamesedwards8702 7 лет назад

maybe i do it the wrong way. but i turn off the main power and hot wire to the top of the panel . one plug with jumpers on the other end cheap and eazy..⚡

@1keykneedeep 6 лет назад

This is the most costly way to add a generator to your panel. Also the most complex set up. Go with the interlock kit.

@RelianceControls 6 лет назад

Generally this is a very cost effective way of installing a manual back up system. Interlock kits require a bit more knowledge and circuit management but they certainly have their place. It's all based on the application and what the home owner requires to back up with their generator, some opt for a single appliance like a furnace while others want full control of their entire system. To each their own.

@motroo1 8 лет назад

I didn't see any safety feature preventing both main and generator power being on at same time. I didn't even hear it get discussed. If you have those switches turned on from the generator and the power comes on again through the main, it's going to get messy in a hurry

@tommytmt 8 лет назад

That's because a transfer switch completely eliminates that worry as whatever the transfer switch is powering can only be powered by one OR the other... not both at the same time, ever. when the power comes back on you just switch the transfer circuit back from "Gen" to "line". Hope that helps

@motroo1 8 лет назад

Yes that does help. I must have missed the part where they switched it, Thanks

@marco1173 6 лет назад

That was my question too, thanks for clarifying

@deniselongshiflett6975 8 лет назад

Since when can you not send a video to someone due to you sent 2 other videos prior?!?! You tube won't let me send this video to a friend, saying you've shared to many videos recently!!!! I sent 2! What in the world Is going on?!?

@frankfromupstateny3796 7 лет назад

Easy for a Pro....I could do everything, but the actual "box connections"...don't have the confidence to f&8K with the actual "in box" wiring. It looks easy though.

@michaelcohen5076 8 лет назад

why not connect a 240v plug directly to the panels 120 v's budrd. When power goes out, kill the main breaker from the utility company, connect your running generator to the 240V plug and select the circuits you want to have powered from the generator. Leave enough of the other circuit breaks off so as not to overload the generator. Why install a manual transfer switch that limits the number of circuits that you can control, unless you clone your main panel. I guess if you are not comfortable opening the main panel cover to select your circuits the transfer switch would have some value. Not to me though.

@adam-newbloom 8 лет назад

+Michael Cohen That's exactly how I do it as well for my inverter. $300 for that transfer switch. I can buy a couple nice batteries for that kind of money and a $15 240v breaker :)

@AnimosityGamers 8 лет назад

You don't do that because if you don't turn the main breaker off you back feed the poles and can kill a linesman working on the poles. This also carries a fine and potential jail time if your caught doing it anywhere in Canada or USA. Although that doesn't stop many people from back feeding their panel with a generator because it does work and it is cheap to do. Its just very unsafe IF you forget to turn the main breaker off.

@jmills3785 8 лет назад

You should use an interlock kit to do this, which eliminates the possibility of sending power back out to the grid.

@nicholasschmal7051 7 лет назад

It's against every state law to feed a generator into the electrical system without a certified transfer switch. The main reason a limited transfer system is beneficial, is simply that it is easy to manage for the common person. Controlling 6 circuits compared to having to manage a 40 circuit panel is a big difference to a lot of people, especially when the majority of circuits are not critical and are not needed during a power outage.

@michaelcohen5076 7 лет назад

For me I have to throw one switch: the interlock, which simultaneously disconnects me from the grid and connects me to the generator and the main panel. Seems to be simpler than throwing the many switches for the multiple circuits with the transfer switch. I think the utilities concern is not having the customer accidentally energizing the grid with his/her generator during a power outage, potentially electrocuting a utility worker. I suppose some people could misuse the transfer switch (or anything for that matter) and defeat its purpose. Also a transfer switch I have found IS legal if it is made by the same company that made the panel. I guess that means that the manufacturer has certified it as safe, reliable etc. This has been a good dialogue.

@westside98 7 лет назад

Unleaded gasoline , ya like we have lead gas in the last 35 years

@ElCineHefe 7 лет назад

westside98 - LOL! Old school!

@YellowJacketGroup 7 лет назад

Hilarious. I thought the same thing. Google says leaded is only in the prohibited countries.

@YellowJacketGroup 7 лет назад

Hilarious. I thought the same thing. Google says leaded is only in the prohibited countries.

@stevepettersen3283 6 лет назад

I used to work in a store that sold portable generators. Occasionally we would get the dunce that neglected to put oil in the engine (provided in a bottle by the maker with cautionary instructions printed on the box flaps) and ran it to death. Then brought it back for a refund for being defective. Takes all types!

@sgvpotter 6 лет назад

i would think he's making the distinction that it's not a 2 stroke motor where you add oil to the gas like in a dirt bike.

@QuantumFengShui 5 лет назад

Automatic Transfer Switch $30

@Rich22C 3 года назад

Doesn't do much good when you still have to roll out your generator & plug it in.

@RicardoJunqueira 10 лет назад

I'm ok with astrophysics but electricity rules really twist my brain.

@mguzz222 6 лет назад

Using your Linemans to strip stranded wire...Ughh

@marianoaldogaston 8 лет назад

electric panel in USA seems so complicated. here we just have 2 o 3 breakers with no more of 20A

@dannycalk8051 7 лет назад

Your panel realllllllly needs to be dressed up. It looks like something from south of the border. Not really but it does need to be dressed and using nylon ties would make it look a lot nicer.

@tpike46w 7 лет назад

interlock kit

@donwatanabe5488 7 лет назад

What happpens when normal power is restored.

@themanginaman 7 лет назад

my question exactly

@wholeNwon 7 лет назад

You will know that because circuits NOT interrupted by the transfer switch will again be hot (functioning).

@RelianceControls 7 лет назад

and the gen will continue feeding the circuits switched to GEN until the person switches them back to LINE.

@mcclintonmoore223 7 лет назад

wholeNwon

@samwhite9894 6 лет назад

you should have turned the main switch off in the first place

@jayb0nd007 8 лет назад

Very complicated

@rh9704 7 лет назад

It would be useful to use the KT MEMORY technology to not lose the diagrams of the electrical cabinets anymore. This technology also makes it possible to save the documentation, and to update it remotely. You can also follow the interventions remotely (via the web). Go to www.ktmemory.com

@MetalMusicManiac 7 лет назад

Couldn't he have used a 54,000 watt Kohler backup give him 7 days of back up versus burning out that generator after running it for 17 hours straight, lot of towns are decibel restricted

@garrattm 8 лет назад

I didn't see you turn off the main power before you started working on the breaker box. Just sayin!!!

@jmills3785 8 лет назад

A real electrician doesn't turn off power to the entire house to work on a few individual circuits...

@anthonyvelez3788 7 лет назад

There has been many real electricians that have been KILLED by electric so I would say he's a smart electrician. The only problem I see is that POS generator.