![]() ![]() Some hacks involve clamping automotive jumper cables in your breaker box. The internet is full of dubious tricks to connect a generator to your home wiring. Always have working carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Always run the generator outdoors (not in the garage, even with the door open). When operating your generator, always have a fire extinguisher nearby. Simpler installs can probably be done in one day. This included cutting a wall open, cosmetic finishes, and running 40 feet (12 meters) of wire to a new generator tap on the outside of my house. I did my own work, with a skilled assistant, and it took a weekend. If you have even the slightest doubt about your abilities, listen to that inner voice and get competent help even if you have to hire a pro. There are many instructional YouTube videos, but not all of them give good advice. Having a thorough knowledge of home electric systems and being confidant working near exposed live conductors is an absolute must. To say the least, installing a transfer switch is not for beginners. original photo ©2021 Safety considerations. Keep in mind that you still cannot exceed the capacity of the generator. ![]() On the other end is a female L-14-30 plug that goes to the transfer switch. The two standard male 120 volt connectors plug into the small generator. ![]() Since the safety consequences of doing it wrong are so serious, I decline to give instructions on this blog. Making your own adapter is actually super-simple but dangerous if you mess it up. Using a converter cord I made myself, if needed I can connect any 120 volt generator to my 240 volt transfer switch. The other option is to make your own cable. Finding one that’s compatible with your application might be difficult. I located adapter cables for sale on line, but they are rare. So what do you do if your generator does not have a 240 volt outlet? This is common on smaller generators, such as the immensely popular Honda eu2000i. Most mid-sized and up generators have a 240 volt outlet that will connect to your transfer switch. original photo ©2021 The 240 volt question. When you add everything up, expect to spend at the low end $300-$500. If you go with the cheapie $139 switch, you’ll have to buy extra items to make everything work. You get everything you need, including a cable to connect your generator. Reliance Controls sells their products as a kit. This design feature makes installation barely more complex than changing a breaker.Īnother factor to consider is materials needed to install your transfer switch. Because it switches individual circuits, there is no need to disconnect the main feed to your house. The Reliance 30216A and others like it come with an added bonus. I’ve had my switch in service for about ten years with excellent performance. Reliance Controls is probably the most popular switch on the market they are available almost anywhere. For my own home, I went with a Reliance Controls 30216A. It can transfer individual circuits and includes watt meters for load balancing. Automatic switches with internet connectivity can go well past $1000. Wow, there are a lot of choices out there! Very basic manually operated switches sell for under $150. original graphic ©2021 Choosing a transfer switch. Retailers also offer transfer switches that automatically move the load from main to backup power when the main power fails. Some versions are actually several small transfer switches that move individual circuits between power sources. It will never allow both at the same time. A switch allows the load to be connected to either commercial AC power, or the backup source. The internal functioning of a transfer switch is fairly simple. You do not have to run temporary cords or physically disconnect and then reconnect individual devices. AC outlets, lights and appliances connected back to the transfer switch will then work normally. It allows you to switch between commercial grid AC power and a backup source. ![]() A transfer switch is the safest and best way to get power to where you need it.Ī transfer switch is permanently installed in a home or other structure. Have you ever wanted to run more than just a few devices from your generator? Maybe you want the convenience and safety of connecting your existing home AC wiring to an off grid source? Maybe you don’t like the idea of running extension cords all over the house? Most gas generators can do much more than power a few radios. ![]()
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