Need some suggestions for a transfer switch.

I recently purchased a 11k whole home generator, but still need to purchase the auto transfer switch. My buddy, who is going to install it, says I need a 200a, 120 / 240v service entrance, 2 wire start type?

Was hoping someone could suggest a brand and maybe a place to purchase from?

Thank you

if you do a Search on here, you can see what others have discussed on generators and switches and some links to some good sites.

GENERATOR, NOW WHAT ?

Electricians, generator hookup advice needed

EFM on a generator

k9 Bara wrote:I recently purchased a 11k whole home generator, but still need to purchase the auto transfer switch. My buddy, who is going to install it, says I need a 200a, 120 / 240v service entrance, 2 wire start type?

Thats gonna be an expensive switch. I opted for a Interlock in the Main Panel. That way, every circuit in your Main Panel gets switched to GEN. I posted pics in one of those links that WNY posted..


Heres what you need if you go Automatic....
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/ ... _200311854

A 200 amp transfer switch will be expensive, the larger the amp the more the $$$. Could go smaller and put the circuts you can get by on a smaller sub pannel. I plan on using a manual transfer switch because or having a diesel, it can take longer than a minute to start and didn't want a dead battery if it would not start and just keep trying. How big a gen set do you have ? Auto start is nice to have as long as you have enough fuel to keep it going,and todays gasoline is not like the old days, too much ethanol to mess things up, you should start the unit frequently, and keep the gas fresh, unless you have lp.

Unless you have a whole house running electric baseboard heat...who here???...then you'd be mighty surprised how little amps you draw through a 200 amp electric service.

I've seen all the smancy fancy load calculators out there and they are all hedged towards selling you a Monster System...just in case.
Those calculators, most are outdated because...each generation of new appliances is being built more efficient, even light bulbs...remember how that was going to you a bunch...the household loads have been steadily coming down.
I venture a guess, if you come to a forum of people all discussing about coal...you ain't no electric energy hog.

I do have a whole house generator w/ auto x'fer. While I was installing it I added 2-current x'frms and 2-amp-meters built into the panel door. So I have been monitoring my current for over a decade...I ain't just making this all up.

Even for the person who is sorta borderline for generator wattage...just manage or prioritize what and when loads need to run.

Wow, thanks Gents. I have some reading ahead of me today.
DVC 500 at last and WNY, Thanks for the links. I will ck them out!
AA130Fireman, yes it is LP fired.

McGiever, The meter idea is cool. The less load makes sense also.

We put a unit similar to this in my dad's house.
http://www.interlockkit.com/intro2.htm
It is an inexpensive alternative to the big transfer switch, and it is safe, there are others on the market.

Best I can tell the mechanical interlocks can be home built. I have not found any licensing agency certification or testing requirement for the interlock device. All I have found in the codes are the need for a lockout device and a component operator. So I see no reason why a skilled homeowner could not build his own interlock. It's just simple flat sheet metal.

Short Bus wrote:We put a unit similar to this in my dad's house.
http://www.interlockkit.com/intro2.htm
It is an inexpensive alternative to the big transfer switch, and it is safe, there are others on the market.

George,

What the short bus said.......I am recommending that my Dad install this for his newly aquired generator. He just went through 6 days on a generator with extension cords. He started using my Troy built 5000w and then bought his own Troy Built 6000w. He heats with an old Alaska Stoker which I think is like 65 k btu's. It wasn't cold enough to fire up the second Alaska in the basement. He also ran his well pump, solar hot water circulator pump, fridge, freezer, microwave, and TV & DirecTV, a few lights, the phone answering machine, cell charger, and coffee pot in the morning. All by using 12gauge extension cords. He had plenty of capacity. It is all about load management.

It would be easy enough to work the breakers in the main panel to control the entire load thereby negating the need for a large transfer switch.



Rick

If you have a Siemens or Murray Main Panel, you can use Siemens' Interlocks. They are a heck of alot cheaper than Non-OEM InterlockKits....
http://www.sea.siemens.com/us/internet- ... ochure.pdf

Just pick the one that fits your Panel.

I like the interlock idea. And, I would go that route if it was just me or no kids. That would work and be much cheaper. But I bought the 11k generator to power the whole house, so there would be no inconvenience when the power goes out. Terrible to say, but I would much rather be the place the kids hung out other than someplace I couldn't watch them. And the auto switch is necessary so the wife can stay out of the shop or be touching and elec panels if I'm not home.

I also have a generator auto x'fer. I am not only making this all up.

k9 Bara Mate,

Your suggested idea to transfer switch is much expensive. I suggest you to go on Amazon or Ebay and get the alternative that fits with your electricity switch requirements. 11k generator is idea for to power the whole house.