Looking for a basic line or generator transfer switch

[bronc076]

Recently I installed new power cable from my meter main pedestal about 200' from the house to the house panel in my garage. Reason for that was existing power cables did not meet code, were in the way of some new construction, and went under huge trees. I had to dig a trench and run some conduit but it was not too bad. Oh and isolate neutrals.

The new cables com out of the ground in PVC conduit, through the wall into my sun room, along the wall and nto the old meter can, which was gutted when they moved the meter, so it's really just an ugly box. Through the wall into the garage where the panel is located. I want to install the transfer switch in my sun room by the empty meter can or perhaps in place of the empty meter can.

I would like a manual transfer switch where I can select either grid power or generator power. Additionally I want to install a generator plugs so when the power goes out I roll my portable generator out onto the deck, fish my cable through the dog door and plug it in, turn off appropriate breakers in my existing panel, fire up the generator, flip the switch from grid to generator and bam, I have lights, fridge, a few other things till the power comes back on.

Since I just installed the conduit surface mount in the sun room coming from outside it will be relatively easy to install the switch.

The problem I'm having is finding a basic line/generator switch. They all seem to either be automatic, or have a bunch of breakers, and I'm not interested in moving any circuits to a new panel. I can manually turn off the high current draw stuff, we have a relatively small house, gas stove/oven and don't use a lot of power except for the electric heat which my generator will not run.

My house has a 200A service and I have a 6500 Watt generator so that's what, 30 amps which should be fine for the necesities.

If any of you can recommend a quality manual transfer switch that would work in this scenario that would be great!

Thanks
Rob

 

[Firebrick43]

Your probably looking for a generator interlock kit for your main panel.

Square D Homeline 51205 Generator Interlock | GenInterlock

Square D Homeline 51205 generator interlock kit for 200 amp panels. MET listed, hardware included, ships same or next day.

www.geninterlock.com

 

[Norcal]

A double throw safety switch is a option, I use a 3-pole double throw model because the neutral is bonded to the frame of the Bobcat 225 NT, & since it is bonded at the main & the neutral is only supposed to be bonded in one location. There is a 60A pin & sleeve inlet to to the genny.

 

[bronc076]

Your probably looking for a generator interlock kit for your main panel.

Square D Homeline 51205 Generator Interlock | GenInterlock

Square D Homeline 51205 generator interlock kit for 200 amp panels. MET listed, hardware included, ships same or next day.

www.geninterlock.com

I would go that route but my old cutler hammer panel has a 100a breaker in the top positions that takes up both sides, it powers my electric furnace, so that is in the way.

A double throw safety switch is a option, I use a 3-pole double throw model because the neutral is bonded to the frame of the Bobcat 225 NT, & since it is bonded at the main & the neutral is only supposed to be bonded in one location. There is a 60A pin & sleeve inlet to to the genny.

That's a good option. My first point of disconnect is out at the pedestal where the meter is so that's where I've bonded my neutral and ground. The switch would be placed between the pedestal and the house panel where neutral is Isolated. Since neutral and ground are bonded at my generator (need to verify) I'd want to switch all 4 wires, correct?

 

[Higgy1300]

This is what I have, its basic. Turn the generator on and flip the switch so the generator powers that circuit

https://www.amazon.com/Reliance-Controls-Corporation-31406CRK-Generators/dp/B000BQN4T2?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[mm08822]

Install a 30A Power Inlet Box (PIB) on the exterior of the house and a Generator Interlock Kit specific to your main panel. A 30A 2 pole cb generally needs to be in the upper-most righthand location of the panel so the interlock kit can manage main cb and the 30A cb.

You may need to relocate 2 cb's to elsewhere in the panel if that upper location mentioned is already used.

This is the simplest method, very clean and safe.

And buy a cord with molded ends.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

That's a good option. My first point of disconnect is out at the pedestal where the meter is so that's where I've bonded my neutral and ground. The switch would be placed between the pedestal and the house panel where neutral is Isolated. Since neutral and ground are bonded at my generator (need to verify) I'd want to switch all 4 wires, correct?

Yes You need to switch the neutral but not the ground wire

 

[Norcal]

yes

You never want to switch the grounding conductor.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

You never want to switch the grounding conductor.

Part of my reply didnt post. I fixed it

 

[bronc076]

That all makes sense, then I just tie the ground from the generator to a ground bar in the switch which is also tied to the ground bar in my house panel like any other component of the system. On grid power bonding occurs at my pedestal, first point of disconnect, and on generator power it occurs at at the generator.

Now I just need to find a good switch, they are pricy.