Service Disconnect Transfer Switch question

[yeldogt]

First ....I'm not an expert. Have rewired quite a few houses -- new service panels etc. All years ago when I was doing rehabs -- always inspected. Know enough to get me into trouble

My memory of the whole service disconnect reason for being was to have a simple way of shutting everything off downstream. In my area the meter itself was the outside disconnect. Have a fire ... the fireman pull the meter. They know the house is dead. Same with the main breaker in the main panel -- and the change to require a main in any sub w/6+ breakers. I get that.

I also get the reason for a SE incorporated into transfer switch ... especially inside before the main panel. One needs a way to work on the transfer switch and outside the electric company does not want you using the meter as the disconnect.

Why make a 200amp or 400amp transfer switch without the SE disconnect -- I'm trying to understand where this would be used? They don't have a distribution panel?

Cummins makes two versions of the 200amp Transfer -- one with the SE the other has the controller for the generator. Do some areas have a disconnect at the meter ? Maybe this is when the Transfer is outside next tot he meter?

 

[larry4406]

Yeldogt - did you ever get this answered?

I’m trying to educate myself on whole house generators. From other threads I think you have purchased a 20kw Cummins unit. Would be nice to see pictures of the installation.

My house is all electric 200A service. No access to natural gas so I would likely go buried propane tank.

Have a portable generator with cords for emergencies but I want something automated as my wife and kids won’t fool with it.

 

[Alchymist]

Once installed, the automatic transfer switch is pretty reliable, and on the rare occasion it needs service, the meter is pulled. To add a SE disconnect would add $$$ to the installation.