manual transfer switch for this panel.

[gayler]

I would like to add a generator backup to my home. This is my main panel outside on the pole. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002N7N6/?tag=atomicindus08-20 This panel has a breaker for my house and a breaker for my detached garage. Is there a manual switch for this so I could add a generator?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I would like to add a generator backup to my home. This is my main panel outside on the pole. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002N7N6/?tag=atomicindus08-20 This panel has a breaker for my house and a breaker for my detached garage. Is there a manual switch for this so I could add a generator?

what is past this panel? just the meter? you would need to put the transfer switch in between this panel and the meter. an interlock would not work since there isnt a main breaker

 

[gayler]

what is past this panel? just the meter? you would need to put the transfer switch in between this panel and the meter. an interlock would not work since there isnt a main breaker

Before this panel is the meter across the alley. After this panel is the panel in the house.could you recommend a panel to use In place of the one in the picture?

 

[theoldwizard1]

A generator interlock requires a main breaker.

The smallest load center you will be able find will probably be a 12 space/24 circuit.

A "true" transfer switch is a DPDT "safety" switch. not cheap !

 

[gayler]

How about one like this? https://www.menards.com/main/outdoo...269720177.htm?tid=-7266251377949270036&ipos=1 Also worth noting, I would have someone else install this

 

[theoldwizard1]

It should work.

Good view of the interior wired.

 

[Jeff95TA]

Are you talking about a whole-house generator?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

How about one like this? https://www.menards.com/main/outdoo...269720177.htm?tid=-7266251377949270036&ipos=1 Also worth noting, I would have someone else install this

What size service do you have?

You would need to change that existing 6 space breaker panel you have, into a subpanel. The panels in the house and shop should already be subpanels w/ isolated neutrals and 4-wire feeders but just in case theyre not keep it in mind.

 

[gayler]

Are you talking about a whole-house generator?

Yes.

 

[gayler]

What size service do you have?

You would need to change that existing 6 space breaker panel you have, into a subpanel. The panels in the house and shop should already be subpanels w/ isolated neutrals and 4-wire feeders but just in case theyre not keep it in mind.

The electric company says I’m set up for 200 A. The house is breaker at 100 A in the garage is breaker at 100 A, but I doubt I could pull more than 50 at either place with everything on in the winter. Power outages are rare here, but we do occasionally in the winter time. The main thing I’m worried about is keeping the furnace going a few lights going and the refrigerator. The same for the garage. I could just run an extension cord through a windowTo run a few things except my furnace is hardwired and I think it would be a pain in the rear to have extension cords ran through the house. I currently have a 5000 W generator which I think would get me by. I believe the panel I link to is already set up as a sub panel. The meter is on the pole across the alley from me.

 

[gayler]

It should work.

Good view of the interior wired.

It’s hard to see in my phone but it looks like that is just a big knife switch that connects one or the other but never both.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

If your service is 200a then you should have a 200a disconnect or panel.

 

[gayler]

If your service is 200a then you should have a 200a disconnect or panel.

I will call tomorrow and check.

 

[theoldwizard1]

It’s hard to see in my phone but it looks like that is just a big knife switch that connects one or the other but never both.

That is all a "safety switch" is except that it is in a arc proof housing and is handle is outside.

 

[mattbal]

How about one like this? https://www.menards.com/main/outdoo...269720177.htm?tid=-7266251377949270036&ipos=1 Also worth noting, I would have someone else install this

Not an electrician here... But had one of these installed at my last house by a licensed electrician and used it for several storms. I had the standard Craftsman 6K generator every store sells.

The way I described it was that "I could use anything in the house, but I couldn't use everything in the house"

I liked that the kids could use all the lights they needed, but we had to think twice about using the microwave and the coffee pot at the same time.

My current house with the same generator has a lock out breaker where only some predetermined circuits have power.
Found out this summer NO bathroom lights, but the garage door openers are connected