Transfer Switch For a Portable Generator & Some Best Options

Transfer switches are extremely important. When using a generator, a transfer switch can provide a more secure connection between your home’s electrical wiring and your generator. While the device is still installed on the service panel, it allows your generator to run more safely and securely than it would otherwise.

The best generator transfer switch also protects your electrical circuits from ‘frying.’ As a result, it makes a significant contribution to the overall development of a healthy and dependable environment in your home.

This article will provide you with a wealth of information on transfer switches and which one is ideal for you. Some of the points in the buying guide have been underlined to make things easier for you. Overall, this will help you choose the ideal transfer switch.

What Is a Transfer Switch?

A transfer switch is an electrical transfer that transfers electric power between two sources. In our case, an automatic transfer switch (ATS) is mounted between your house and the generator close to the electric panel.

This transfer switch permits your portable generator to power the circuits you pick in the event of an energy outage. With a transfer switch installed, you eliminate the need for extension cords for each individual appliance, which makes for a safe, up-to-code installation.

Our Top Pick

Generac 6334 100-Amp Manual Transfer Switch

In my opinion, Generac 6334 100-Amp Manual Transfer Switch is the best among all. It performs just as expected. When I had a new breaker panel installed, I had this included. As part of the installation, a trained electrician and inspection are required. Great pricing, arrived early, and now I have the option of turning off the utility power and turning on the generator.

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What are the Types of Transfer Switches?

Transfer switches come in a variety of configurations, such as automated or manual, as well as open or closed transition. You must concentrate on your kind; for home appliances, you must select an automatic model; a manual model will be indifferent to you if not used properly. A manual switch can be flipped from the grid to the generator.

However, if you want something better on a budget, a manual switch can help because it is less expensive than an automatic switch. They are also easier to control and set up.

Does a portable generator need a transfer switch?

Portable generators, however, do not necessarily require a transfer switch, but it is usually a good idea. The most significant advantage of having a transfer switch in a domestic situation is the ability to power items up via your circuit breaker panel rather than needing to utilize extension cables.

How Does an Automatic Transfer Switch Work?

A microprocessor is frequently used in automatic transfer switches to continuously monitor electrical signals. It monitors factors such as voltage and frequency to ensure that the incoming power source is stable and sufficient to power the circuit downstream.

It connects to a primary power source by default. However, if this supply fails, the system will immediately switch to the backup. Manual control can also be used to manually revert to the backup supply.

Some transfer switches transfer power immediately, while others wait up to 30 seconds before connecting to a backup power supply. This is determined by your backup source, which could be a generator or an inverter.

Generators often require a few seconds to steady their output, which is why the ATS has a time delay. When using an inverter source, however, the transfer is frequently instant due to the inverter’s steady nature.

How Much Does A Transfer Switch Cost?

The cost of a transfer switch varies according to its kind and the size of the generator. For obvious reasons, most manual switches are less expensive than automatic switches. A manual transfer switch will set you back between $300 and $500. An automatic transfer switch for a home generator will most likely cost between $400 and $800.

Automatic switches for commercial and industrial generators, which we specialize in at Worldwide Power Products, range in price from $2,000 for a light industrial model to $20,000 or more for a switch paired with a mission-important generator.

If you have a portable generator, you will almost certainly need to purchase a transfer switch separately. Permanently installed standby generators, on the other hand, normally come with their own transfer switches included in the price of the unit. The only additional cost you would incur at that point is if you wanted to upgrade the switch to a better or automatic variety.

Best Transfer Switch for Portable Generator

By isolating an entire electrical service panel, a transfer switch ensures that electricity is safely transmitted from a secondary power source to the facility. Manual switching of standby power sources is no longer necessary with the usage of a transfer switch.

The following are the best transfer switches for portable generators.

1. GeepKey Latest 50 Amp Generator Power Inlet Box – Easy Installation

The anti-rust coating covers the whole body of the GeepKey generator power intake box, providing powerful qualities such as wind, rain, and rust resistance!

Furthermore, it has a flip design (with weatherproofing foam inside) that prevents dust and humid air; it may provide the best protection in any poor weather!

When the power connection is successful, a clear green warning light will illuminate on the flip cover; you can see a clearly visible green light indicator when working (particularly in night and dark settings), ensuring the greatest performance and security!

Specifications

Best Outdoor Option

An anti-rust coating covers the whole body of the GeepKey generator power intake box, giving significant features like wind, rain, and rust resistance! It also has a flip design (with weatherproofing foam inside) that keeps dust and humid air out; it might be the best protection in bad weather!

Green Warning Light

A clear green warning light will glow on the flip cover when the power connection is successful. This generator inlet 50 amp plug, as compared to the previous version, has a highly visible green light indication when in operation (especially in the dark and at night), ensuring optimum performance and security.

100% customer satisfaction

This is an improved model that we designed in response to market needs. Our professional engineers optimize its performance, material, longevity, safety, and other aspects, and we provide clients with 18 months of excellent after-sales service.

2. Reliance Controls Corporation 31406CRK – Most Popular Manual Transfer Switch

Right now, we’re discussing another Reliance Controls transfer switch that does an excellent job. This incredible transfer switch can handle up to 7500 watts of power and transfers particular circuits.

The red and black circuit wires make the load center connection simple to understand and construct. The switch proportions are higher, making activities easier. This one, too, has three settings; when the power goes out, simply select ‘Gen’.

It’s possible that minor issues with the conduit’s ability to bend will occur. It’s a really well-designed transfer switch, except for this small problem.

Specifications

Power

This switch can handle up to 7500 watts of continuous operation, which is a very high quantity for any switch.

Flexible Conduit Whip

The transfer switch also includes a flexible conduit whip that connects to the loader. This ensures that the switch is reliable for all generators.

Pole Circuits

The number of single-pole circuits is limited to ten, and the number of double-pole circuits is limited to five.

Design

The cabinets are composed of steel and powder coated, and the design is based on its tough space.

3. Reliance Controls TTV2005C Panel – Best Designed

Reliance Controls’ TTV2005C Panel/Link Transfer Panel is a safe and straightforward solution to power up to 36 branch circuits from a portable generator.

A 200A main circuit breaker is linked to a 30A – 125A generator circuit breaker in the Panel/Link TTV. Even when the cover or dead front is removed, the related circuit breakers maintain the generator isolated from the utility.

The TTV features a heavy-duty copper bus. The TTV has 36 branch circuits and can be utilized as a service entrance. For balancing generator load, dual-watt meters are available as an option.

Specifications

Circuit Breaker Combinations

Circuit breakers can be combined for generator input up to 50 amps and utility input up to 200 amps.

Interlocked Breaker System

In the event of a power loss, the interlocked breaker system protects your generator from the utility, guaranteeing a secure transition to generator power.

Built-in Watt Meters

To ensure sufficient load balance, built-in watt meters track power input.

4. Generac 6333 60-Amp Single Load Double Pole Manual Transfer Switch – Temporary home-backup power

The Generac 6333 60-Amp Single Load Double Pole Manual Transfer Switch eliminates the need to extend extension cables from your generator to your appliances during a power outage. Instead, use the Generac 6333 manual transfer switch to safely transition from utility to portable generator power and power key circuits in your home’s electrical system during an emergency.

The aluminum shell of this 60-Amp transfer switch complies with NEMA 1 standards and can be flush or surface mounted indoors. It includes two 60-amp circuit breakers (one for utility power and the other for generator power), making it perfect for switching from utility to generator power on a service or subpanel.

This cost-effective, code-compliant single-load transfer switch isolates the generator from the utility, allowing it to safely supply generator power to a home, office, garage, or farm facility when the whole circuitry is in a main panel or subpanel must be powered by a generator during a power outage.

Specifications

2 Year Limited Guarantee

The Generac 6333 60-Amp Single Load Double Pole Manual Transfer Switch is made in the United States and comes with a 2-year limited warranty.

Power Output

This transfer switch can be used with any generator with a power output of 3,000 to 25,000 watts.

Perfect For Electricians

Generac transfer switches should be installed by licensed electricians who are familiar with electrical wiring and codes.

Generac Products

Generac manufactures the widest range of power products in the industry, including portable, RV, home, commercial, and industrial generators.

Huge Factories

Generac also employs thousands of employees in three massive facilities in the Midwest.

5. Generac 6334 100-Amp Manual Transfer Switch – Cost-Effective

During a power outage, the Generac 6334 100-Amp Single Load Double Pole Manual Transfer Switch eliminates the need for extension cables between your generator and your appliances.

Instead, use the Generac 6334 manual transfer switch to safely transition from utility to portable generator power in the case of an emergency, and power key circuits throughout your home’s electrical system.

The aluminum shell of this 100-amp transfer switch fulfills NEMA 1 requirements and can be fitted flush or surface mounted indoors. Two 100-amp circuit breakers are included (one for utility power and one for generator power).

This cost-effective, code-compliant single-load transfer switch isolates the generator from the utility, allowing it to safely supply generator power to a home, office, garage, or farm facility when the whole circuitry is in a main panel or subpanel must be powered by a generator during a power outage.

The Generac 6334 100-Amp Single Load Double Pole Manual Transfer Switch is backed by a 2-year limited warranty. It weighs ten pounds and is 11 inches by 13 inches by four inches. Any generator with a power output of 3,000 to 25,000 watts can be used with this transfer switch.

Generac transfer switches should be installed by licensed electricians who are familiar with electrical wiring and codes. Generac manufactures the widest range of power products in the industry, including portable, RV, home, commercial, and industrial generators. Generac also employs thousands of employees in three massive facilities in the Midwest.

Specifications

Compatibility

The single load manual transfer switch can back up various circuits and appliances in your home via a sub panel and is compatible with portable generators starting at 5kW.

Power Single Loads

You can use the manual transfer switch to power single loads like a good pump, gas furnace, or septic pump.

Power Outline Structures

The adaptable single-load manual transfer switch can also provide power to outlying structures such as a workshop, shed, or garage.

Versatile

A subpanel provides backup power to various circuits and appliances throughout the house, as well as single loads such as your good pump, gas furnace, and septic pump. Compatible with power inlet boxes and cords rated at 30 and 50 amps.

How to Wire a Transfer Switch for a Portable Generator?

The following steps are involved to wire a transfer switch for a portable generator:

1. Install the transfer switch on the wall next to the existing main electrical panel.
2. Turn off the electricity to the house at the main electrical panel, and connect the wires from the transfer switch to the main panel’s breakers.
3. Drill a 112-inch-diameter hole through the home wall from the outside.
4. Attach the transfer switch’s electrical box to the home wall precisely over the hole.
5. Connect the box to the transfer switch with an electrical connection.
6. Connect the cable to the transfer switch’s electrical receptacle at the outdoor box. Attach the receptacle to the box with screws.
7. Return to the house and attach the receptacle cable to the transfer switch.
8. Begin by turning on the portable generator to test your work. Plug the generator into the outdoor receptacle while the power to the house is still switched off at the main electrical panel.
9. Change the transfer switch switches from Line to Generator. Check to check if the generator is supplying power to the circuits you’ve chosen.

How to Choose the Best Transfer Switch for Portable Generator -Buying Guide

When you want to add a portable generator as a backup supply for your home, you want to do it as quietly as possible. And you may need to see and attend to some of the critical issues. The main emphasis must be on transfer switches since during power outages, you will not race for cords but rather desire a more discreet option, which is unquestionably the transfer switch.

Here are some considerations to keep in mind when shopping for a suitable transfer switch.

Sizing transfer switches

The best technique to size a transfer switch is to accurately identify what you require and then match it with the optimal generator of the maximum outlet so that you don’t have to worry about wattage power.

A better approach to determine this is to know how many amps your generator requires. For example, if your generator requires 35 amps, then get a transfer switch with 35 amps for a complete power supply and load.

This gradually allows you to become more adept at purchasing the exact switch that you require, rather than settling for less.

Wattage meters

The transfer switches with built-in wattage meters are ideal since they maintain track of the power supply, overloading, and whether or not they are damaging your generator. When you consider all of these factors, you will be able to choose which option is ideal for you.

The wattage power is also used to verify the required source and the maximum running watts it can provide. As a result, you can determine the requirements ahead of time.

Comprehensive kits

An easy kit is used for installation, which makes the installation process fast, quick, and simple. A comprehensive kit is similar to an all-in-one kit in that it contains the correct set of pairs, making technical work less stressful.

Most switches are double-checked to avoid double-paired pieces from being present. This protects the safety and delight of the customer.

Brand name

A brand name always offers you more confidence in the product. When opposed to non-branded transfer kits, a transfer kit with a brand name ensures that your kit is faultless and strong. And if you are a fan of the brand, you may be aware that the brand switches are UL/CUL certified.

If you have a soft spot for a particular brand, you should never pass up the opportunity to purchase something different. Although all branded switches are pricey, they are worthwhile to purchase due to their durability.

Warranty

Because a certain brand has certifications, specifications, and more, you should never forget to purchase a transfer switch with a warranty, as a warranty ensures the customer’s safety towards the device and makes the firm or brand more responsible.

The maximum warranty for any electrical gadget is 6 or 1 year, which gives you peace of mind when it comes to investing your hard-earned money in the proper place.

Transfer Switch For Portable Generator – FAQs

To Sum Up

When purchasing any electrical appliances, such as a generator that requires more electricity and wattage, we must consider the safety of the home and the people who live in it. Purchasing a transfer switch is not only important for safety reasons, but it is also necessary for portable generators; you don’t want to be running after extensions and cables after a power loss.

If you wish to run your house or a generator during a power outage, transfer switches are necessary because they act as an interlock to prevent you from back-feeding the utility grid and electrocuting a linesman.

I guarantee that after buying Generac 6334 100-Amp Manual Transfer Switch, your power will never go out again. It’s simple to modify the size of the breakers in this because they’re typical Siemens-type q breakers.

If you don’t feel comfortable working inside your breaker box, hire a professional to do it for you, as it’s a large task, especially if, like mine, all of your branch circuit lines are too short to reach the subpanel and need to be lengthened.