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

Ask This Old House master electrician Scott Caron visits Alaska to install a portable generator with a manual transfer switch to power hardwired appliances like a well pump and heating system using unleaded gasoline.
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Cost: $3,000
Skill Level: Moderate
Tools List for Installing a Manual Transfer Switch for a Portable Generator:
Drill
Lineman’s pliers
Wire strippers
Shopping List:
Portable gas generator
10-circuit manual transfer switch
Power inlet
10-3 non-metallic wiring
Wire nuts
Steps:
1. Mount the manual transfer switch near the main electric panel.
2. Select up to 10 circuits to be powered by the generator (240 volt circuits require two spots on the transfer switch).
3. Turn off power to the house at the main electric shut off.
4. Remove the cover on the main electric panel (work inside the electric panel is only recommended for licensed electricians).
5. Locate an available knockout hole on the electric panel and remove the plug. Attach the armored cable from the transfer switch to the electric panel.
6. Connect the ground and neutral wires from the transfer switch to the appropriate bus bars on the main panel.
7. Locate the first circuit to be powered by the generator and remove the power wire on the existing circuit breaker. Replace that wire with the red wire from the transfer switch marked “A.” Splice the black wire marked “A” from the transfer switch to the removed power wire using a wire nut. Repeat this process for all 10 circuits, ensuring the red and black wires from the transfer switch are a matched pair.
8. Use 10-3 non-metallic wiring to connect the transfer switch to a power inlet outside.
9. Use the provided generator cord to connect the power inlet to the generator (or make your own cable if a longer one is desired using bulk wire and connectors).
10. Ensure the generator has unleaded fuel and oil inside, then start the generator.
11. To test the wiring connections, flip the switches on the transfer switch from “Line” to “Gen.” The generator should power the selected circuits.
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How to Install a Manual Transfer Switch for a Portable Generator | Ask This Old House
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[@KawaRider88]

Every new house should have a mandatory transfer switch!

[@johnsmith6974]

You need a license electrician to install a transfer switch

[@dallas5374]

Only in that dump California.

[@KitchenerLeslie2]

These things are at least 5 years outdated already. They make manual brackets now that only allow your generator or utility power that feed your whole panel and any sub panels.

[@nofuss3947]

@@KitchenerLeslie2 Hi, do you have a link to a video or site with this info. Thanks

[@KitchenerLeslie2]

@@wx4sno maybe if that panel has such hard to find breakers it would be worth it to switch to a panel you can easily feed entirely by a generator and transfer bracket.

[@ITStechy]

Another nice thing about these manual transfer switches is that you leave one circuit not desired on genset power to alert you when line power is back with a radio and/or light plugged in. I keep my main HVAC breaker off until I know power from the grid has stabilized anyway and this is the way to go for alerting you safely.

[@Mattdylan101]

Very smart thank you

[@hightechredneck_0566]

5:14 best animation I've seen. Thank you!

[@LEO1WOLF]

I'm embarrassed to admit this, but sometimes when someone is just jabbering out instructions, I may get a little distracted - - so no matter how corny in appearance, if they have a simple animation like that - - it really brings the project (& end-product) into focus for me. So yes, I do appreciate their animation as well. Thank YOU for adding that time-stamp there!

[@samsngdevice5103]

I disagree. It's really basic. Walt Disney tops

[@Redandranger]

@@samsngdevice5103 You wanted anime?

[@tubemember21]

It doesn't include neutral and ground wiring, not exactly a good diagram.

[@mattnbc00]

@@LEO1WOLF I think they used it in "Money For Nothing" video.

[@FiloYappins]

I like how he introduced him to the utility room 😂😂😂😂

[@afn-bd2ro]

Scott thought it was the kitchen. Good thing he pointed it out.

[@ElvisInNY]

I liked how they both agreed that the driveway was not the ideal location for the generator, but they both walked off camera at 2:00 and left it in the driveway.

[@frandanco6289]

Elvis inNY - Dude, it's a video filmed by This Old House....It is not a movie... I'm pretty sure they either had people in and around this entire set up and they could have easily moved the generator into the garage if they felt they needed to.. From what I could see in that wide shot out front, these people do not live in the Hood, so it's pretty safe there even if just for a while..

[@xzing25]

@@frandanco6289 r/wooosh

[@TheCdubbleyoo]

@@frandanco6289 the Hood?

[@Engineer9736]

@@frandanco6289 I think Elvis was more referring to the point that they didn't take the generator with them to the backyard even though they both agreed to take it there. Theft was not the point of his comment.

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

Great video. Loved the power flow animation.

[@mintheman7]

Eye Heart Sushi It’s good for basic explanation but not accurate, since electricity does not just flow one way, but needs a circuit

[@culbyj3665]

Agreed

[@vinny9152]

@@mintheman7 Bruh it's a "power flow" animation, not a current flow animation. Power does flow one way.

[@checkyoursix5623]

I have a permanently installed 8 kW genset, propane fuel from 2 100 gal cylinders, and an automatic transfer switch. It's saved the day a number of times since utilities were "deregulated". If you're going with a portable genset there are three things I'd recommend: (1) Document every circuit breaker at your service entrance. Make sure you have a list of every load that every circuit breaker serves. With a 200 A service, you can't power up every circuit with a 7 or 8 kW generator. You can buy a kit to help you do that at Lowe's, Home Depot, or Harbor Freight for $20-25 (or so). (2) Get a "dual fuel" generator - gas or propane, for example. Long term storage of a 20 or 30 # propane tank is much safer than long term storage of 5, 10, or 15 gallons of gasoline in a can in your garage or pole barn. (3) If you go with gas, use ONLY non-ethanol (and do this religiously) - like in your lawn mower or boat.

[@HK-qj4im]

Great advice. All small engines.. no ethanol. Only way it would be ok is if you are running your generator non stop. You can not store Ethanol blended fuel long term....unless you like cleaning fuel systems.

[@nodak81]

I've been using regular pump gas in all the equipment I've accumulated since I bought my house 13 years ago. It keeps for up to two years if you stabilize it properly. I'm up to about 20 pieces of equipment and they all still have the original carbs, etc. Haven't had a single fuel issue in anything. The real key is to always shut off the fuel and run the carburetor dry, if you do the equipment will be fine. Buying ethanol-free is expensive, difficult and totally unnecessary.

[@aonforme3455]

@@nodak81 You are right on point!!!

[@glaurick]

@@nodak81same, I put stabilizer in my ethanol gas in the equipment throughout the winter with 0 issues

[@hylomane]

@@nodak81 Ethanol gas doesn't even last a year with stabilizer. Have you actually tried using gas that old, or are you quoting something?

[@fadhilseptiawan2476]

Just completed the break-in period and so far the unit is operating perfectly kzbin.infoUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y . I was amazed by just how quiet this little guy is. I kept having to walk down the driveway to the generator to make sure it was still running. In fact, the most annoying noise coming from the set-up is a high-pitched chirping coming from the pressure regulator on the propane line. I suppose it's possible my other propane-powered generator's pressure regulator is making the same noise, but the generator itself is so loud I've never noticed it. Build quality so far is excellent. My only nit is the service panel is a little tricky to remove. I feel like I might break off one of the plastic tabs when bending it back. I probably just need to work out the technique, so will not hold it against Champion.Next week I intend to fully load the unit to charge a large battery pack and will update this review if there's any problem (3000W continuous load vs a rated 3100W capacity while using propane). Absent any trouble there, I'm 100% pleased with this purchase.

[@thewulvrine8042]

This is the best instructional video I have watch to date, very thorough and informative!

[@CountryBoyShane]

Agreed!!!!

[@HomesteadEngineering]

I think what you show in the video is a really good setup and probably the best way to go for most people. For those thinking of installing a whole house 20kW backup system, I would like to offer an alternative idea to consider. For the same/similar price, you could install a 4kW solar power system with an 8kW generator and battery backup. That way, instead of just sitting there waiting for an emergency, your "solar backup" system is helping to power your home all the time saving you money. When you run a 20kW backup generator, you end up wasting most of that power most of the time and it burns a lot of fuel. With a battery backup, you run the 8kW system, burn less fuel and use all the power to charge the batteries for about 2 hours and then shut if off for about 24 hrs while you run off the battery. Anyway, that's how I do it and it works great!

[@jeffjenkins8105]

Too expensive. Install cheaper and safe "interlock switch" in panel and your done.

[@tnycchen9790]

Just curious how much material cost? And how much installation cost? Or did you do that yourself? How many square feet solar panel going to cover? On roof or separate individual structure? I

[@Jen848]

The solar backup isn't much help in a heavy snowstorm.

[@frankierwhereyouralwaysast903]

Love how detailed the electrican was. To bad I don't have someone like him as a boss.

[@59plexi]

a must for any homeowner....skip the vacation one year or whatever to have the extra $$ to get one installed....worth every penny!!

[@HuntsvilleUtilities]

Thank you for showing folks how to safely use a generator. Linemen appreciate when you use a transfer switch, those switches save lives while they are out restoring power.

[@rlneal100]

I thought a auto transfer switch was mandatory everywhere in the US?

[@Quentyn73]

Richard Neal not really. You can use the panel kit that prevents main on with genset breaker on

[@jamesmarks8099]

Do people sometimes wire their systems so that they can feed mains power with the generator.

[@tier3rd375]

Some people unplug their dryer or electric range and backfeed the house through the plug. It's very unsafe since doing that can send power back through the mains and exposes high voltage on the male prongs of a power cord.

[@robertcyr9220]

As a licensed electrician I never did a transfer switch your video makes it so easy anyone can install one of these

[@jerrydemas2020]

Rob,a lockout for a back fed breaker is more simple and much less expensive.

[@ChrisBurnsATL]

​@@jerrydemas2020 But if your main cutoff is outside near the meter, you can't do a lockout.

[@jerrydemas2020]

@@ChrisBurnsATL Doug, then I think your screwed!

[@Kevin_747]

Interesting episode. We lived for a week and a half after a bad storm on a 4500 watt gen. Had lights, refrigerator and ran our gas fired furnace. When we cooked on an electric skillet I made sure the furnace wasn't going to kick on. All done with extension cords. I need to look into a manual transfer.

[@joliemr.banana4162]

Kevin N y

[@KKPlayfun]

Kevin N thanks, that helped out alot because im currently looking to purchase one living WA. Dont need to much to get use through a bad storm or what not. Was looking to get a 7000 watt, but sounds like 4500 does the job.

[@scottgibbons5862]

Kevin N look into the generac meter you plug it right into the meter when you have it plugged in it automatically has a safety inside for when power goes back on it's just way easier and no extra fuse boxes

[@edadan]

A cheaper option would be an interlock kit. This option also allows you to choose any circuit you want. The transfer switch limits you to 8 or 10 circuits...depending on the transfer switch you purchase. Search KZbin for videos about interlock kits.

[@itsnotan8]

Vin Diesel is a pretty good electrician.

[@wa1z01]

Wesley Young lol

[@rdmachines8992]

Wesley Young it's his younger brother who hasn't hit puberty yet

[@kathrynwebb5187]

Ryan O

[@scwfan08]

Wesley Young Dude. It's Johnny Sins!

[@moparcasey3135]

Now I'm gonna show you how to put a blower on the generator so you can power the whole neighborhood!

[@jbarrer2196]

When commercial line power is restored, it is better to FIRST flip all the transfer switches to LINE before shutting down the generator. If you shut down the generator while powering your household circuits, the power fluctuations may damage sensitive electronics or your AC.

[@joeythefoxxo]

Or flipping off the breaker on the generator itself before shutting it down. That’s what it is there for. Just like how they didn’t turn it on until the generator was on.

[@jbarrer2196]

@@joeythefoxxo Not a good idea if you have TVs or really sensitive electronics on line. An abrupt shut down of the breaker may still allow/cause a large voltage fluctuation. better to shut off via the transfer switch for the sensitive circuit.

[@Pk3_Garage]

Truthfully, you should switch each circuit to GEN or Line, one at a time, allowing a few seconds before moving the switch. This will allow the generator to stabilize and minimize power fluctuations.

[@ericguthrie3859]

Certainly a better explanation for we the curious. I just have to understand how it works. I probably won’t be the one doing the work but at least I’m certain at how the power flow continues. Great graphics to detail what you were actually doing. Concise and directly to the point always staying on task.

[@HatedJared]

Recently moved to a small farm out in the sticks. Lots of forests and trees around leads to quite a few outages in our area. Called an electrician and they were all 2-3 months out from being able to do this work, so my wife and I bought the same transfer switch and wired it in ourselves. I wouldnt recommend unless you know what youre doing but even for people with moderate knowledge of home electrical it was pretty easy to install ourselves. Saved us about $500 on a visit too.

[@KhmerH20]

great to hear. i can diy plumbing and other diy projects but always afraid of electricity projects. just got hit with a bad outage with this Frida storm so will need something like this.

[@edadan]

Only $500? That's pretty cheap! I got quotes that ranged from $1300 to $1800...just for labor...no parts or materials included!

[@mae2759]

@@KhmerH20 Same here. I can do small electrical stuff like outlets, switches, and running wire, but anything with the panel I'm not touching.

[@SuperCyril2]

​​@@mae2759As long as your main power switch in your panel is switched to off position, you can wire the transfer switch in yourself. It's a very simple hookup. Lots of videos online to assist you. I have done several for friends. It's nice to know if the power goes out you can power up appliances in your home and live comfortably for a period without power from the utility company.

[@Toonces88X]

@@edadanyou must live up north or in Cali where everything is twice as expensive 😂😂

[@ryanjordan1083]

What are the benefits to using this over an interlock kit? Seems like a lotttt more work.

[@JimDunn-dg4ko]

I agree. Just install a interlock kit with generator breaker and selectively turn on needed circuits.

[@kspdt]

Thanks for the info. Question - why not just put a transfer box in the main line ahead of the breaker box? Run the generator power into the transfer box that runs into the main line breaker box. Then turn the house breakers off or on depending on what circuits you want to use? That way you have access to all the circuits, albeit you wont be able to use all at once.

[@jameswright4777]

My thoughts exactly

[@kirbycollins3223]

I'm Spending this Video to my Friends in the Philippines That Need to Have this System!

[@scorpion068]

20$ says hes going to wheel it under the deck right next to the vents 😂

[@mikekristin7201]

And he will build a "protective decorative box" around it

[@mikekristin7201]

@john probst if they went back to holms on homes shows it will be........ Exactly the same because that dude is Overkill on everything

[@davidjudd951]

@@mikekristin7201 He has to pay for the boat.

[@felixzapata2060]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Patrick-vh7sw]

​@@darrenjones9180 Code is clear on this matter though: You must be 5 feet from all openings in the home - the NFPA doesn't give an exception for dryer vents. The reason for this is that a home can become negatively pressured - you turn on two bath vents, a vent hood or you have a water heater or furnace which draws its combustion air from inside the home and then vents it outside the home. In all of these cases, there will be a chance for ANY opening in the home to suddenly become an air inlet.

[@thatotherguy1]

Nice job!! Anyone remember Y2K? I did this in my home in 1999 in preparation of THE GREAT POWER OUTAGE expected in Y2K. I don't regret doing it as it has come in handy a half dozen times since then. My total expense on that project was less than $1200.

[@fordhamdonnington2738]

What was the electricians expense

[@thatotherguy1]

@@fordhamdonnington2738 I should have specified, no that was the cost of the Generator, Transfer kit, and the 50' 10gauge 4 wire cord and end adapters. Electrician cost would have been extra but should be able to get the job done in 3 to 4 hours. So I'm guessing the electrician cost Would be around $500.00.

[@groovymoon]

I was in Sault Saint Maire Canada Skiing hoping to get stuck there for weeks...

[@pzooted]

That plumbing layout tho 🤩

[@Rlaplante73]

This is an excellent step-by-step video presentation of the process from A to Z. Thank you!

[@joedunford6587]

This was an outstanding video and tutorial, very concise. I wish other youtubers copied the format

[@CountryBoyShane]

My god - whoever installed that OCD copper plumbing did a beautiful job

[@tobahero]

Man, talk about visual learning, nice video of how the power is going from the transfer switch.

[@commandertim575]

This is great! Best explanation (with animated diagraming) of how a typical transfer switch works. Just what I was looking for. Thanks. 👍

[@Franks_Garage]

Great video, thanks for suggesting to build our own 4 prong extension cord, should be much cheaper than the ready to use cords that ive seen

[@legaleagleandpaws8198]

What size wire?

[@SophisticatedBob]

Best example of these types of videos I've seen.

[@benefactionhindrance]

Prefers not to have it out front where everybody can see it. **walks out back** **leaves the generator out front**

[@mken57]

I was like wth

[@stevewalsh5479]

For real. In NJ, you can't leave your garage door open and not be in your garage or the vultures will loot it.

[@KitchenerLeslie2]

Jack Myhre you must have garbage

[@Emmanuelwithus]

I was thinking the same thing while rolling my eyes and chuckling to myself...

[@davidjudd951]

@Jack Myhre Me too, I was too lazy to clean it.

[@efrains54]

Having all the tool make life easier

[@SilverCymbal]

Love this video, I have a ton of great generator videos myself and this is very helpful.

[@stephenzies8867]

This Old House And Staff Are Always AWESOME

[@avflyguy]

With 10 circuits on the transfer panel, and if you use all 10, hopefully they are fairly low amp draw circuits. Also, it wasn't explaned that the loads should be balanced between each of the 110v legs on the transfer switch. (Assuming that's how it was hooked up) 7500 watts is pretty good, but don't expect to be running any HVAC (A/C) air conditioner(s) . Should handle most of the stuff - but remember An electric Oven, Cooktop, Elec Water Heater, Microwave, Toasters, Hair dryers, space heaters and the like *_all_* draw a lot of amps.

[@nevadabadger7925]

Greetings from Reno, Nevada. This one video was worth the subscription.

[@brandonbeedle5278]

In California right now, during rolling blackouts, wishing my house had a backup generator. 😞

[@wesharrison6360]

cali is a dump with nice temperatures

[@jeffwisemiller3590]

I just isolated the circuits in a sub panel with a feed from the inv/charger. This line also has a 50 amp transfer switch so I can run the gen-set if I need more power.

[@culbyj3665]

Do a vid bud Plz send it to me

[@bradpaulp]

2:05 - “I don’t want to leave it out front where everyone can see it” *proceeds to leave generator in driveway unattended*

[@maxwellcrazycat9204]

I use my generator to power the essentials. Two refrigerators. My gas furnace. My sump pump. My Computer if internet is working. My microwave. And the all important coffee maker.

[@gglackin]

Thank you! I was wondering how that all worked for years! And thinking about doing the same thing!

[@KitchenerLeslie2]

gary glackin don’t do it. Get the bracket that allows you to feed your whole panel.

[@joea1433]

This electrician on This Old House is a few cards short of a full deck, as an electrician! The Boston Electrical Contractors Association should be allowed to view and edit each episode, as this guy reflects on them!

[@stbentoak5047]

As someone who has done this, there is a lot more to it than they show, they gloss over getting the wires in to the box, the drilling of the hole thru the house, especially if you have concrete block construction, and the fact that some time the breakers you want to switch, the wires supplied won't reach. You can't always mount this box right beside your panel and then you find the supplied wires are too short to get to the circuits you want. These videos always seem slick, but there are many more situations that arise that aren't covered here.

[@steveinsbrook2479]

Don't forget your STA-BIL 360˚® gas treatment!

[@mowcowbell]

An option for this homeowner would have been to purchase a dual fuel generator. This type of generator can run on gasoline or propane. Gasoline will go bad over time, even with fuel stabilizers. Propane on the other hand will never go bad, and will not gum up the carburetor of the generator. During a widespread outage, gasoline might be hard to find, especially if fuel stations have no power to run their gas pumps.

[@USAads2023]

Mowcowbell petrol is over 50 million years old. gasoline never goes bad, you get water in the gas container do to condensation and moisture created by H in gas and O in air. Read a book, it will not hurt you

[@hawaiianking63]

While using normal gas it will run at a higher kw, while using propane it will run at a lower kw. So depending on what your house/situation requires, dual fuel may not be the best way to go.

[@phillijp]

Think before you speak, there isn't a single drop of gasoline that's anywhere near 50 million years old and gas most definitely goes bad especially if it is blended with ethanol.

[@USAads2023]

phillijp question, gasoline comes from? Petroleum. Propane also comes from petroleum. See they exist since they were captured in the bodies of prehistoric monsters and plants. Read a book, it will help. What makes gasoline go bad is condensation produces water and also H when mixed with O it makes? Water

[@phillijp]

Crude oil is millions of years old. Gasoline which is produced in a refinery from crude oil is not anywhere near as old as you assert. The process by which this occurs is called fractional distillation. Also gas is lighter than water, put them in a container, mix them for as long as you like and once you stop they will separate through a process known as phase separation. Condensation is the process of a gas turning back into a liquid. Condensation does not produce water nor does it produce hydrogen. Perhaps you should be the one reading books.

[@lannesconstruction4893]

nice video and easy to understand. thank you so much for it . ozeas lannes from new york city :)

[@kcaegis45]

The problem with most of these KZbin 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 .

[@allanval3]

Or, hire a professional for that!

[@denisrhodes54]

i think you mixed up neutral with ground

[@denali9449]

@@denisrhodes54 That;s why real electricians use term like 'grounded' and 'grounding' conductors. Helps eliminate any confusion. Additionally, in this situation, the service panel is the one outside where the main breaker is located and where your grounded conductor would attach.Four wires would run from here into the house to the panel where they were working which is technically a sub-panel so the 'grounded and grounding' conductors are isolated.

[@wildmangreen5259]

what a good instructor you are. you rerally set it astraight for me... thank you.

[@Daeason1]

You should flip your transfer switch back to Utility(Normal everyday mode) before shutting down your generator. Shutting down your generator while your house is trying to pull electricity is very bad for the generator head and can permanently damage it.

[@johnsimeone9789]

Exactly

[@miked6335]

Isn't it also bad for your generator to run out of gas while it is supplying power to the house? I stumbled onto that bit of info on the web. I then checked the manual and it did not make too big a deal of it.

[@Daeason1]

@@miked6335 Yes, this is also bad. The same thing occurs when the generator runs out of fuel. Most owner manuals state to not let your generator run out of fuel while under load (UL). It's happened to me with my 8k Generac a few times, nothing has been destroyed yet. Doing it enough times or under enough load will definitely reduce the lifetime of your machine.

[@Tsnor150]

Not just the generator head. As the generator stops the voltage can drop, current can spike and electronics can fry. Not good. (A high $$ generator will drop the power cleanly, a cheap generator will not).

[@ccyaltr]

I scrolled through the comments looking for this exact statement! It is not mentioned in the video like it should be. Otherwise an excellent, easy to understand video!

[@xxvodanhxx]

Long cable helps you put the genrator far away for noise, but thats a lot of voltage drop.

[@capt.bobroemer7784]

You mentioned that two wires are needed for 240 volts but in order to achieve that, you need two different 120 lines. How do you determine this using your transfer box. You omitted some clarity on this point. THANKS

[@RelianceControls]

This video segment is more of an informational and educational video than an instructional video. Step by step instructional videos are available on the KZbin channel for Reliance Controls, and the connection of a 240v circuit is addressed. The bus bar is laid out so that every adjacent switch/breaker is on a different phase of the generator, so any two adjacent switches can be wired to a 240v circuit of the appropriate amp rating.

[@AgentOffice]

Doesn't matter, there's 2

[@michaelrice500]

The transfer switch splits them internally for the 120 v circuits; half on one and half on the other.

[@Jen848]

This was a really helpful video! Thank you for sharing!

[@TheKSRBroadcast2Home]

2:46 He was about to go under the deck to get inside noice

[@sgorneau]

Well when someone points in a specific direction and begins with "Show me", you tend to head in that direction. He probably thought he was going to ask about something under the deck.

[@richied9305]

great illustration. explains how these bloody things work with one picture.

[@davidjudd951]

The best explanation for electrical theory was from my instructor when I went to Electronics school many moons ago. Think of electrical flow like water flow. They're both amazingly similar. They both take the least path of resistance. Water pressure in a water hose, is Volts, amount of water going through the water hose, is amps. Where you make the hose smaller, you've added a resistor.

[@joeblow5958]

Was that generator a floating or bonded neutral? If bonded, what steps were taken to ensure the neutral wasn’t bonded twice?

[@ChatGPT1111]

Usually a generator will have a noticeable ground lug next to the outlets if it requires another ground.

[@Pk3_Garage]

So, this seems to be a big debate on the internet. We have a Transfer Switch, which is safer and works for what we would need in a power outage. Here are some Pros and Cons of each option. Interlock Switch Pros: 1) Cost less. (Switch ($70), watts meter ($90) and inlet box ($60) Total $220) 2) Can choose any circuits to power on/off. 3) NEC compliant and UL listed. 4) DIY project. Cons: 1) Main breaker has to be off. 2) All individual breakers need to be turned off before switching over to generator power. 3) Potential to back feed the main power lines. 4) Harder to balance both legs of generator. 5) Have to modify main control panel box. 6) Have to install a double poll 30 or 50 AMP breaker. 7) Might have to pay an electrician to install. Transfer Switch Pros: 1) Cost more, but can buy a kit which includes everything you need to install. (Transfer switch prewired, conduit, power intel box and power cord $300-$440) 2) Easier to manage power load. 3) Easier to balance leg loads. 4) Some switches come with a standard circuit breaker for each circuit. 5) Each circuit is isolated from utility or generator power. 6) Impossible to back feed either utility or generator power. 7) When power is restored, you'll know it by whatever circuits not included in the transfer switch. 8) No need to switch off/on any breakers in the main control panel when switching between "Gen" and "Utility" power. 9) NEC compliant and UL listed. 10) Can switch to generator power, while utility power is still powering your house. 11) Can have 10 individual circuits or 5 double poll circuits. (Only one can be a 30amp double poll) 12) Idiot proof. 13) DIY project, but more involved. 14) Comes with a watts meter. Cons: 1) Can be costly 2) Limited to the same 10 circuits you choose. 3) Might have to pay an electrician to install.

[@JH-ms3ny]

It is impossible to backfeed the grid with an interlock if they are installed properly. In fact, their exact purpose is to prevent backfeeding of the grid.

[@dustoff499]

That dang fifty foot cable cost you about as much as the generator itself. You made it look easy.

[@wesleythompson7]

Yea there're pretty dam expensive. 50 feet oh yea you're gonna cry when you get to the register to check out 😭😭

[@macaronitire4152]

50 ft of 10/4 SO cable is not going to cost you $500 lol. Try $90 instead.

[@davidjudd951]

@@macaronitire4152 I paid around $70.00 at Lowes. But then I thought, do I want it that far away? No, I don't. The whole idea is convenience. Plus it's just easier to steal.

[@check123jo]

On top of him being a doctor, astronaut, soldier. He's also an electrician!? Wow.

[@TheSeanUhTron]

I prefer the idea of the interlock kit over a transfer switch. They're easy to install, create less spaghetti wires in the panel, and they let you power any circuit in your home.

[@SillyPutty3700]

I was wondering why he didn't install one as well they are much better installation. less to go wrong, less expensive and cleaner install.

[@robbanta2979]

They probably don’t want to show those on a show like this for liability reasons. If the interlock is installed wrong, it’ll send power down the line even when a lineman thinks it’s off.

[@dallas5374]

Hire a professional

[@KitchenerLeslie2]

Rob Banta I guarantee you homeowners will find a way to back feed through any system if they wire and operate the equipment themselves.

[@checkyoursix5623]

@@KitchenerLeslie2 Once again proving that Mr. Murphy (and his law) is alive and well.

[@domin8rdominant763]

Living in sunny Southern California land of smog dry weather and earthquakes with Santa Anna winds ,,,,,,,,,, So one year I had a similar setup installed onto my house and running with a 6500 w Honda Generator That following year we had a big windstorm and knock out power all over the city No one in the city had power for almost a week our neighborhood had no power for two weeks but my house had the only lights on those two weeks. Soon after that two neighbors had solar panels installed,,,,, They learned that they won’t get power if there’s a power outage again only because they have no battery storage for the Electricity . And I only have to pull out generator and cord plug in the cord then Walla! Power A 220 power Cord runs to my backyard behind my garage,,, I don’t have to hear it and it’s out of sight

[@SilverCymbal]

Awesome video. I have a lot of generator and home improvement videos too with a lot on backup power. Hope you might enjoy them.

[@neomatrix2722]

Hello everyone thank you for sharing this video this is exactly what I needed I live off grand and I'm using a inverter to invert my power and I think this way would be a great way to run my generator in through my load Center thank you for sharing great video

[@marciethomas7371]

That is the best transfer switch I have ever seen.

[@abelardogarcia3297]

Do you know the brand and model number of the transfer switch

[@krakenwoodfloorservicemcma5975]

Gen-Tran makes a good one. Or at least they used to. Check that company out. I installed about five and never had a problem.

[@34stzoo]

Installing a transfer switch is pretty easy. I built a generator shed in the back of my house and now I'm ready for another 7day power outage.

[@simonbagel]

How are you ventilating the shed?

[@fizwin1]

7:28 "Choke all the way open" NO, choke CLOSED haha

[@BibleExposition2022]

Pretty simple to do, this will save a lot of money from hiring an electrician. I like to install one myself.

[@arielmieses1866]

This is a great video, I do electrical work myself, but haven’t had the opportunity to install a transfer switch, thank you. I also noticed that you use Klein tools, that’s what good electrician use.

[@geomodelrailroader]

it is always good to have a generator in an emergency. I will have to talk to my friend Vern and have this installed at my brothers his well keeps freezing in winter and the power company just installed a underground transformer he will need a generator if it goes out.

[@MrThebirddog]

A friend of mine left one unsecured like that only to wake up and watch 3 guys running away with his generator

[@davec.3198]

Reason 100000 to live in the country.

[@kylesonsalla7620]

A generator enclosure helps with that, along with keeping it nice, and reducing noise.

[@comawhite5913]

@@davec.3198 He should have provided the guy with a 30' logging chain as well as that cable. It may not stop them, but it sure as hell would slow them down a bit.

[@trex2092]

I love my propane conversion kit, no more gasoline problems and propane is Always Fresh.

[@asappestcontrol1250]

Thanks. Now I know where the neutral wire goes. Going downstairs to connect now :)

[@heathg2681]

But isn't the generator backfeeding into the power grid since it's still giving power and they flipped on the main breaker?

[@mohammadabid1222]

Same question

[@alexisjankowski3281]

I was thinking the same thing. When they flipped on the power, but the generator breakers were still on, I was wondering if they missed a step!

[@heathg2681]

@@alexisjankowski3281 Trying to send you a PM or message

[@2028end]

No, when they flipped the main breaker back on, that was simulating how it would be when your power outage is restored. Remember, the breakers in the new box can be flipped from "line" to "generator", as long as they are still on "generator" setting, those circuits in your house are only seeing the generator's power. So, what you want to do is, once the power is restored, go turn off your generator FIRST. Then, come back into the house, and flip those breakers in the new box all back to "line". So only if you would have the generator still running when the power comes back on, and then you go down there and flip those breakers to "line", would you now be feeding generator power back into the lines. That's how I understand it. Anyone else?

[@joshuadevall4182]

I would like to add the importance of removing the coiled up feed wire from the water hose reel BEFORE running. What you created was essentially a transformer with a Farris core.

[@vince6829]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@marsh1998]

2:46 dude almost walked the wrong way lol

[@michaelarlen7805]

marsh1998 I laughed at this

[@simonbagel]

It's called a spin move. I do that all the time.

[@ryanyork837]

Only time I see those useful is when you have an obsolete panel that doesn't give you interlock option. Do a service upgrade to a Cutler hammer. CH series panel with the interlock Cover. You have way more options on what you can select for circuits and not be so limited.

[@stevenelson4509]

Great video. Very good job explaining how it all works!

[@rogerxxxxxxx]

Very well explained.

[@jackshadow325]

Are you allowed to use the panel as a junction box?

[@gregm9213]

In US looks like you can, not in Canada yet they sell it. they don't have CSA stamp I'm about to install one and going have to mount JB by the panel

[@jaychoi8444]

Good instructional video for home owners should knows

[@VolpeInCalze]

we where going to do that but I talked my dad into doing a whole new panel with interlock and inlet.

[@keithavery5639]

The electrician didn’t explain that a #10 wire is 30 amps of load less 20% per NEC...good electrical though.. he is very thorough in his explanations

[@jacobmillyard6799]

#10 wire rated for 30A at 75/90 degree C per (previously) Table 310.15B. Generators (along with with motors and any continous load) must be supplied by conductors rated at 125% of the full load. It would be a missapplication to say you need to take 20% of the given ampacity within the table.

[@balkaraulakh5131]

Amazing under 30 seconds

[@jeremymurillo1760]

Came here after Texas' artic storm blew down here. Great video. Would want to go extra step to tie in natural gas line to generator.

[@rud]

Doesn't gas(oline) have limited storage life today, specially if it has ethanol in it? It might be a good idea to mention something about replacing it and/or adding some stabilizer?

[@oldtwins]

Fuel stabilizer is a definite must. And make sure to get the right kind for ethanol blended gas. Try to buy non-ethanol gas, but I know many areas don't have that option at all. Don't let the tank run dry as ethanol residue will crystalize, messing up the carbs.

[@liskaerik]

They did mention that in the full episode.

[@theblogofsingh]

I have used old gas in lawn mower before. Started up after a couple pulls. Long as engine has good compression should be fine.

[@mowcowbell]

Another option for this installation would have been to go with a dual fuel generator. They cost a bit more, but give you the option of running the generator on either gasoline or propane. I would go with propane, as it doesn't go bad over time and is easy to store. Propane burns cleaner, less fouling of spark plugs, and the engine oil will stay cleaner for a longer period of time.

[@MrMrjones333]

Ampacity Electric could you mention the name please. thanks

[@skippergilligan8800]

I like that off switch at the meter.

[@mikelafferty9506]

While they go out back to "check things out" the genny gets stolen!

[@Mark-wp4lw]

LOL yeah the next video should be "how to secure a portable generator" :-)

[@wesleythompson7]

I don't think so it looks like a pretty good/decent neighborhood.

[@yaweitong2848]

August 5th 2020, NJ Hurricane, I'm watching and learn. Thank you!

[@bobby-ov9qn]

It was over my head. I'll just run an extension cord to the refrigerator.

[@thomasc5817]

Interlock running to the panel itself is less work.

[@aliren6118]

Good video. Not exactly Oscar worthy acting lol, but nice to see the work involved in hooking up a generator to the main line.

[@rstephe]

Would have been a lot cheaper and faster to install an interlock instead of a transfer switch. Not to mention you could then choose any circuit you want to run instead of only a select few.

[@InphazeC8]

You’ll back feed the service feed. If line men have to work on the service they’ll get knocked because of that back feed. You need to isolate the power your sending from the generator. Your poor mans way is good if you don’t happen to have a inlet at the time either way they sell this with a 10ft cord, the ats, and the inlet for 300 bucks at home depot.

[@rstephe]

@@InphazeC8 Do your research. An interlock only allows power into the panel from one source isolating the other source line. More options mean more info and you choose what is best for your needs and budget.

[@JH-ms3ny]

While also a valid method, that puts a bit more responsibility on the homeowner to be mindful of what circuits they are powering with the generator. For those who are less attentive, the transfer switch is a better method.

[@coltonhenderson7275]

It's not code compliant to install an electrical appliance underneath water lines. 7:52 to 8:15 you can see copper piping right above the transfer switch.

[@leonardholt5311]

Colton Henderson not true. Show me that in the NEC

[@JH-ms3ny]

I'm very curious to hear how you recommend electric water heaters should be installed...

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

The manual transfer switch IS THE MOST IMPORTANT feature of your portable generator connection. The other thing to remember is to understand that you'll need to be home to activate it. The standby generator is a much better solution.

[@Burps___]

electricalron Agree. We own a standby generator, which not only exercises itself for twenty minutes weekly, keeps our basement sumps (and a lot of other things) going if we're not home through an automatic transfer switch, and has twice the power generation of a portable unit. It costs more, but it's worth it (and we get some of the value back if we resell the home; buyers love this stuff built in).

[@randomsanwhich2]

electricalron you have to realize some people don't have access to natural gas hookup and installing a tank in the backyard is not feasible. Their are pros and cons to both it's just a matter of what works for your situation.

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

I'm simply sharing my expert advise. Take it or leave it. And yes, I am an expert after 27 years in the trade.

[@Burps___]

Ampacity Electric We paid $4500 for our Generac automatic system, not $12,000 (5 years ago). Installation not included in that price, but then again it's not in your quote on the portable unit, either. 😊. I bet we'll get half of that back in the home resale. Again, it basically powers our entire house, garage doors and everything (unlike the homeowner in this video that had to select ten devices). Frankly, I know three others who own portable units like in this video, and they all suffer with them not working in emergencies. It's not like the electrician in this video makes it sound when he says "just put it in your garage". Engines need to be run routinely, even treated gasoline goes bad, spark plugs and carburetors get corroded and clogged, and few owners routinely maintain their portable generators, let alone fumble around in the dark starting them cold. Just another view of factors to consider as one makes their own decision. Everyone has their own needs. Many make do with just a Honda i2000 small jobber.

[@ZeoCyberG]

Well, it is true that the reason for this setup is because the area in question is prone to disruption from earthquakes... However, there are rugged, with vibration isolators, solutions that could still work... Just maybe not in the home owner's budget range... I'd personally pay the extra expense and go with a hybrid solution with battery bank, inverter, and the generator... Reminds me of a story I read once back when we had that big North East regional blackout back in 2003... A engineer had a hybrid car and hooked it up to power his home during the blackout... Basically powering the house off the batteries and setting up the engine to start and recharge the batteries when they got low and then shut off until the batteries got low again... On one tank of gas he kept everything running all week... A good generator can adjust its power output and fuel consumption but it's hard to beat a hybrid system for efficiency and I think that makes it worth the extra costs... While still being cheaper than going with solar, etc. and even if the generator needs to be stored away when not in use, the UPS means I'd have plenty of time to set it up and short outages wouldn't need the generator at all...

[@DougPowell01]

Nicely done presentation. Choke all the way open to start? It usually closes to start and open again once warmed up.

[@THEJIG-IS-UP]

His generator is sooo loud it caused my house in Arkansas to have an earthquake.

[@Darktrik001]

The people who will mostly care are the ones who are jealous they don't have one. In a power outage it's a pathetic gripe for anyone to make and I certainly won't mind the noise since I'll have power

[@davidjudd951]

Well, at least the earth around the house, didn't have an earthquake.

[@oakwoodfixitguy8183]

Those wire gauges they are using is not nearly heavy enough for the job. The wire needs sized according to loads. Especially concerning is the 50' SOJ cable that appears to be #10 wire. The folks have a water well which generally needs a 20 amp circuit alone. Then all the circulators for the heat and additional loads from the other 6 circuits. Not sure this is a good video for folks to use as guideline for generator design??

[@davidr4332]

And never start or use your Generator in the rain build a protection box for it to be safe ..

[@checkyoursix5623]

Even a small portable dog-house like structure would be helpful.

[@ChatGPT1111]

Amazon sells generator ‘tents’ for that purpose.

[@kevinheide7300]

Help....really thought this was one of the best instructions for this switchover panel...but...what brand is it and where can I buy one? ..thank you....Kevin