Generator Transfer Switch

[Mcclendon81]

Hello, new member here. I recently purchased this home that “appears” to be wired for generator. My very basic electrical knowledge tells me this was not the proper way. Even though left me detailed instructions! It appears I would need a cord with two male ends to operate which I realize could be deadly.

I intend on having a licensed electrician come review the set up. In the mean time what are some thoughts or recommendations.

Pics included.

 

[kd3pc]

not enough information to proceed. The panel appears to be a standard one, the outlet does appear to be part of a power source tie in, and the paperwork is too small to read.

None of this makes a "transfer switch".

IF you have kids or pets or wife or family....get this checked out before you do anything else. Perhaps your home inspection has some details.

Electrician with knowledge of generators/switches and safety should be on your todo list.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Theres no interlock so not code permitted

 

[JRC3]

Perhaps your home inspection has some details.

Not likely, they aren't allowed to open load centers, panels or boxes. The report probably only stated the obvious, the same that can be seen in the pics.

 

[Robbie B]

I’m gonna say someone halfass cobbled in their own”transfer switch” using a breaker and likely assumed they could kill the mains to the grid if they ever needed to hook up to a genny. Spend the money to have it fixed right or have it removed. Either way you don’t know the quality work behind the walls.

 

[Denwood]

It's a back feed plug, but with no interlock. You would need to turn your main panel off 100% before you use it as likely it's a Nema L14-30 plug either with the two hots bridged (so you can wire it to use a 120 V standard plug at the generator end, or wired for 240V. Yes, likely needs a male plug at both ends, however it's a locking plug. And yes, you'd need make sure main power is off to the panel and generator off before connecting it. You are correct, that the cable would need to made, would not be to code, and would be dangerous (maybe lethal) if used incorrectly.

You'll need to pull the plug (turn off breaker to it first!!) and take a look at how it's wired. Or take a pic and post it. Post a better pic of the instructions (readable) and folks here can tell you exactly what's doing on there.

There is likely no interlock, and it's not a generator sub panel, so yes...it's likely not to code.

 

[nafterclifen]

Get rid of that receptacle. And the cord that connects to it. Now you need an interlock.

Looks like you might have an Eaton CH panel? If so, you might have the option to purchase a new panel cover with a mechanical interlock built-in. This is what I did. It did cost more than an aftermarket interlock but if memory serves me correct, it was less than the Eaton CH interlock add-on part. You'll have to do some research.

You'll need to get a proper inlet box, something like a Reliance PB30. It'll need to be fed by a breaker in your main panel, which is protected by a interlock. Note - I had to move some breakers from the main panel into my sub panel because the breaker needs to be installed in a specific location for the interlock to work correctly.

 

[StillTooManyHobbies]

Could it be just an outlet for a high current device like a compressor or welder or even a large computer or audio rack? I can't read the paper either so I could be wrong.

 

[dave*99]

The title of this thread should be Generator Transfer Switch Needed.....

 

[AP514]

How did it pass inspection by the Bank/lender when you were purchasing the home ?

 

[Jking24]

I'm not an electrician by any means and i can't read the pictures but if the wiring is the proper size for the breaker and the connector is wired correctly. Other than it appears to be out door and it's not the proper encloser. Theirs nothing unsafe about it. It just shouldn't be used as a backfeed

 

[dcg9381]

How did it pass inspection by the Bank/lender when you were purchasing the home ?

Inspectors and electrical.. Yea, right.

As the inspector was not allowed to open anything, it's reasonable to assume that this is an "outlet" - and probably even measured hot as working.... It's not unsafe as an outlet and really no different than any other outlet that could be improperly back-fed.


OP, if that's labelled "generator" it's for a "dead-man" or "suicide" male to male cord. Not a good idea.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

cant read the pics. Res is way too low. can you upload higher res pics?

 

[The Cobbler]

Just as an FYI, the OP has not logged on since shortly after there post

 

[Noltz]

Looks like prior owner installed a L14-30 outlet with intentions to use it with a suicide cord. Since it's "not" a generator inlet I don't think it'd fail an electrical inspection. Very odd plug to have in a house but ...

Prior owner sold the house and told OP what the true purpose of that plug was.