Anyone use the CH transfer switch from HF??

[toyotadriver]

I'm going to buy a 200 amp transfer switch for a shop and house build. Anyone ever use the Cutler Hammer one from Harbor Freight??

I've looked at it and it looks pretty good but I'm very hesitant to use something from Harbor Freight for something as important as a transfer switch.

http://www.harborfreight.com/200-amp-generator-manual-transfer-switch-42163.html

 

[Norcal]

I'm going to buy a 200 amp transfer switch for a shop and house build. Anyone ever use the Cutler Hammer one from Harbor Freight??

I've looked at it and it looks pretty good but I'm very hesitant to use something from Harbor Freight for something as important as a transfer switch.

http://www.harborfreight.com/200-amp-generator-manual-transfer-switch-42163.html

If it was a HF brand like "Cen-Tech" or "Chicago Electric" I would agree w/ you but C-H is a reputable brand, the only thing I do not like is they are 2-pole switches, not 3-pole which is needed if the neutral is bonded to the frame of the genny.

 

[toyotadriver]

If it was a HF brand like "Cen-Tech" or "Chicago Electric" I would agree w/ you but C-H is a reputable brand, the only thing I do not like is they are 2-pole switches, not 3-pole which is needed if the neutral is bonded to the frame of the genny.

I'm not concerned about the 2 pole issue. I have a 2 pole version at my house now (not CH though) and I'm ok with it. I'm more concerned with the possiblity that they are selling a **** one that will fall apart when needed most.

I have a CH load center in my new shop building and I have no issues with it so far. The CH one sold at HF has good reviews but I'm just concerned since it's at HF. I stopped and looked at it and it looked ok though. Seemed pretty well made.

 

[cowboyjosh]

If its a CH, and has UL certification, you should be ok. I too am a little miffed as too why HF would have anything as high quality as CH? Maybe a special 1 time buy? Maybe a second or scratch and dent?

 

[mrb]

HF has sold those things for the last 20 years. I have no idea why. I bet the CEO had one installed on his house in the 80s, thought it was the neatest thing he had ever seen, and instructed his buyers to carry the product.

 

[toyotadriver]

If its a CH, and has UL certification, you should be ok. I too am a little miffed as too why HF would have anything as high quality as CH? Maybe a special 1 time buy? Maybe a second or scratch and dent?

They have been selling them for quite a few years.

 

[CreekRat]

To the OP, have you seen this transfer switch in person yet? My first impression when I saw one on display at a local HF was that it's comically large.

Although it did look very well made, Just a VERY large case for a simple switch.

 

[ddawg16]

To the OP, have you seen this transfer switch in person yet? My first impression when I saw one on display at a local HF was that it's comically large.

Although it did look very well made, Just a VERY large case for a simple switch.

Actually....it's about the right size.....the switch doesn't take up much space...but you need room to route and dress the wires.

 

[toyotadriver]

To the OP, have you seen this transfer switch in person yet? My first impression when I saw one on display at a local HF was that it's comically large.

Although it did look very well made, Just a VERY large case for a simple switch.

It's the same size as the transfer switch in my current house. I'm ok with the size. I'm more concerned with the quality.

A whole house transfer switch needs to be about this size to properly contain it.

 

[toyotadriver]

I just bought one. I was pleasantly suprised to see that it's made in the US! Seems well made and just as good as some other ones out there. I bought it at the store and with a 20% coupon, I got it for $321 out the door.