Multiple Transfer Switches

[anuccite]

As I am planning my detached garage build, It occurred to me that I would also like to have some of the garage circuits, as well as my main house on my planned generator.

Can I run a transfer switch in the garage, as well as at the main house.

I realize SIZE matters in this situation. and I would have to size according to my needs, but is it legal / does it even work?

Would like them to be automatic....

I did some searches, but didn't come up with what seemed like my situation...

I to the sparkys here

 

[mm08822]

where do you plan to locate the generator?
size of generator?
type of fuel source for gen?
gas appliances in house/garage?
what load calcs have you done?
will there be any load management devices used?
you are planning to use a whole house style transfer switch?
Will the garage panel be a sub off of the house panel?

 

[anuccite]

where do you plan to locate the generator?
size of generator?
type of fuel source for gen?
gas appliances in house/garage?
what load calcs have you done?
will there be any load management devices used?
you are planning to use a whole house style transfer switch?
Will the garage panel be a sub off of the house panel?

where do you plan to locate the generator?
Generator will be near / behind Detached Garage
size of generator? Not sure as I do need to do some load calculations, Garage will just need to power a light circuit and cover a fridge / freezer
type of fuel source for gen? More than likely LP
gas appliances in house/garage? no, 100% electric (LP fireplace)
what load calcs have you done? none
will there be any load management devices used? ??
you are planning to use a whole house style transfer switch? no, Select circuits in main house
Will the garage panel be a sub off of the house panel? Yes, I plan to do a separate main breaker 100amp panel

 

[theoldwizard1]

Can I run a transfer switch in the garage, as well as at the main house.

Yes, if you have a separate feed from your generator into the garage.

Automatic transfer switches are expensive and require that the generator be sized for the MAXIMUM load. Generator interlock systems are much less expensive, but are manually initiated. I have enough knowledge to know how to use one.

If the garage is feed from the main panel in the house, then there will be power there.

 

[reader2580]

Why not run the circuits that need power from the house to garage instead of a second transfer switch? There are transfer switches intended for RVs that will switch 50 amps at 220 that could be less expensive. The transfer switch in the garage won't need to signal the generator to start. The house one would do that.

 

[anuccite]

Why not run the circuits that need power from the house to garage instead of a second transfer switch? There are transfer switches intended for RVs that will switch 50 amps at 220 that could be less expensive. The transfer switch in the garage won't need to signal the generator to start. The house one would do that.

I didn't think I could do that (detached garage) can only have single feed....

In non generator mode, the garage would need to power a bit more than lights and a couple fridges.

 

[mm08822]

An all electric house is not so good for a generator - quickly increases size.
The simplest way to do this is to put in a whole house transfer switch and have unlimited flexibilty. Otherwise a small transfer panel with select ckts will limit you to ~50a and the garage would have to be fed off of it.
Generator and transfer switch is better at house to properly disconnect from utility. This could be a fully automatic system without any owner intervention if thats what you need and can afford.
Load management modules turn off select loads to prevent overloading generator.

What is your power loss history? Is it really a need or just in case?

 

[anuccite]

An all electric house is not so good for a generator - quickly increases size.
The simplest way to do this is to put in a whole house transfer switch and have unlimited flexibilty. Otherwise a small transfer panel with select ckts will limit you to ~50a and the garage would have to be fed off of it.
Generator and transfer switch is better at house to properly disconnect from utility. This could be a fully automatic system without any owner intervention if thats what you need and can afford.
Load management modules turn off select loads to prevent overloading generator.

What is your power loss history? Is it really a need or just in case?

Thanks.. Great info....

We lost for a couple days with Hurricane Matthew, But other than that.... thankfully we have been ok. a few short outages....

So more of a Just in case.

I have a bigbox 5500 watt I guess I could use for what I need in the garage in a pinch.

As I am in the planning phase of the garage, I will plan for some extra open conduit in the concrete just for future needs. just stem it out past where i'm pouring pad

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have a bigbox 5500 watt I guess I could use for what I need in the garage in a pinch.

Wired into your main with a generator interlock, that generator could run everything in your house AND garage except A/C, electric hot water, electric clothes dryer, and an electric stove and major power tools in the garage. Just turn those breakers off until the power comes back.

It is your money, but unless there is a medical need, that is the way I would go.