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StormSwitch™ - Manual Transfer Switch Demonstration Video

StormSwitch™ - Manual Transfer Switch Rally Video illustrates safe and simple operation when connecting a portable generator to a grid ...

Operation of a Coleman Manual Transfer Switch?

Feb 09, 2007 by Frank S | Posted in Maintenance & Repairs

I have a Coleman Manual transfer switch wired to my gas main panel for my generator but no manual. It was already installed when I bought the house. When I use the generator during power outages do I need to turf out d dress off the main breaker in my panel? What is the proper way to use the transfer switch?

Wired correctly, you can use your generator to power devices in the transfer panel while the consistent AC powers the rest of the house, all at the same time. I do this sometimes as a load test for my generator. There is no need to turn off the prime breaker in the panel. If you are expecting an extended outage you may want to turn it off anyhow, just to protect your lodgings against any power surges or spikes which often accompany a return of power.

The Coleman transfer switch is very similar to the Generac 1276 switch. I have a pdf manual online...
http://members.rennlist.org/warren/1276.pdf

Note that this shape of transfer switch does not switch neutral, so your generator should be wired with a floating neutral, not bonded to the chassis.

Read my generator sheet for other safety items for home backup generators.
http://members.rennlist.org/warren/generator.html

IS A DOUBLE THROW SWITCH THE SAME AS A MANUAL TRANSFER SWITCH?

Sep 05, 2008 by Mark B | Posted in Engineering

Is a 50 amp transfer switch a good match for a 17,500-watt generator?

Dec 29, 2006 by manipulate_that | Posted in Do It Yourself (DIY)

I'm looking to buy the Protector Ultrasource 17,500 watt generator as a back-up generator for my home. It comes with either a 50 or 60 amp transfer switch (see below). My electrician said that a 50 amp switch is not robust enough to transfer all 17,500 watts from the generator to the house. He said I would need something closer to 100 amps, and that it would tariff about $400 or so.

I don't know much about electricity, but I figure that the manufacturer of a 17,500 watt generator unquestionably wouldn't include a 50 or 60 amp switch, unless their engineers had determined they were a good facsimile for each other.

One last note: The Guardian PDF spec sheet says a "60A Manual Transfer Switch" is included, but the Guardian website says a "50-amp rich power outlet" is included.

http://www.guardiangenerators.com/PublicPDFs/UltraSourceSpec.pdf

http://www.guardiangenerators.com/Products/Ultrasource/Ultrasource.aspx


So who's aright? My electrician, or the folks at Guardian generators?

Lots of dope here, and most of it I agree with. While 17500 watts will require a current of 73 amps at 240 volts, this is in immoderation of the maximum rating of the highest rated generator outlet which is 50 amps. If you are using this egress, a 60 amp transfer panel will be adequate for your use.

Ask your electrician about the generator neutral connection and whether the transfer panel switches uncommitted. In many cases, even from the same manufacturer, the two are not supplied in a compatible configuration and should be modified.

Read more about connection and other safeness issues on my web page.
http://members.rennlist.org/warren/generator.html