Switch installation transfer manual

A manual transfer switch is installed next to the main service panel to bypass normal electrical service with power from the backup generator during a power outage.

How to Install Manual Transfer Switch for Backup System in 16 Steps

Manual transmission switches require the operator to change the power supply, while automatic switches detect power loss, start the backup generator, and switch to the backup power feed.

Because the amount of electricity created by the backup mode is not enough to power all the electrical circuits in your home, you will need to set some specific circuits to get the current backup.

But, select Backup Circles first :)

Before purchasing a backup generator, determine the loads you will want to power from your generator in the event of a power loss. Generally, you will need to run the refrigerator, freezer, and possibly some lights. Add the running wattage ratings of the devices you'll be running so you can determine the size of your backup generator.

Since the starting power of many devices is higher than the running wattage, avoid starting all circuits at the same time — this can cause the generator to overload.
Here are some rough guidelines for running wattage (use this MS Excel spreadsheet to calculate wattage):

Refrigerator: 750 W
Forced air oven: 1100 to 1500 W
Incandescent bulbs: 60 watts per bulb (CFA and LED bulbs use less wattage)
Sump pump: 800 to 1000W
Garage door opener: 550 to 1100 watts
TV: 300W
Add the wattage values ​​for all the loads you want to run, and multiply the sum by 1.25. This will give you the minimum wattage the alternator should produce. Portable standby generators produce between 5,000 to 7,500 watts.

Larger stationary generators can produce 10,000 to 20,000 watts (10 to 20 kilowatts).

Let's describe 16 steps for installing a manual transfer switch:

Step 1 Install Transfer Switch
Turn off the main power circuit breaker at the electrical service panel. Caution: The terminals where power enters the main circuit breakers will be energized.

Step 2 Install Transfer Key
Determine which household circuits are critical for emergency use during a power outage. This usually includes the refrigerator, freezer, oven, and at least a light or small appliance circuit.

Step 3 Install Transfer Key
Match your critical circuits to the circuit input on the pre-load switch. Try to balance the load as closely as possible in the switch: for example, if your refrigerator is in the leftmost switch circuit, connect your refrigerator to the far right circuit.

Bipolar (240V) circuits require two 120V circuit connections. Also, make sure that the 15 amp and 20 amp circuits are not identical to each other.

Step 4 Install Transfer Switch
Select and remove the knockout at the bottom of the Main Service Panel box. Make sure to choose an appropriately sized extrusion to match the connector on the flex duct coming from the transfer switch.

Step 5 Install Transfer Switch
Feed the wires from the transfer switch into the knockout hole, being careful not to damage the insulation. You will notice that each wire is rated according to the circuit in the switch box that feeds it

Step 6 Install Transfer Switch
Secure the flex duct from the switch box to the main service panel using a locknut and bushing when needed.

Step 7 Install Transfer Key
Mount the transfer box on the wall with the closest edge about 18 inches away from the center of the main service panel. Use any of the connectors that make sense for your wall type.

Step 8 Install Transfer Key
Remove the breaker for the first critical circuit from the main service panel box, then disconnect the hot wire harness from the lug on the breaker.

Step No. 9 Install Transfer Switch
Locate the red wire of the switch box circuit that corresponds to the circuit you disconnected. Connect the red wire to the breaker you just removed, then reinstall the breaker.

Step number 10 Install Transfer Key
Locate the black wire from the transmission switch circuit itself and wind it up with the old feed wire, using a yellow wire connector. Carefully tuck the wires out of the way at the edges of the box.

Go to the next circuit, and repeat the process.

Step No. 11 Install Transfer Key
If any of your vital circuits are 240V circuits, connect the red leads from the two shunt circuits to a double-pole point. The two circuits originating in the transfer switch should be next to each other, and their switches should be connected by a handle tie.

If you don't have 240V circuits you can remove the milled knob tie and use the circuits individually.

Step No. 12 Install Transfer Key
Once all circuit connections are made, connect the white neutral wire from the transfer switch to a slot in the neutral bus bar of the main service board.

Step No. 13 Install Transfer Key
Connect the green ground wire from the transfer switch to an open port on the grounding strip on the main service panel. This should complete the installation of the switch.

Replace the cap on the service panel box, and be sure to fill in the circuit map on your switch box.

Step 14 Install Transfer Key
Begin testing the transfer switch by making sure that all switches on it are set to line mode. The power must remain off at the main board circuit breakers.

Make sure your standby generatoris working properly and has been professionally installed.

Step #15 Install Transfer Key
Before turning on your alternator, connect the power cord from the alternator to the switch box. Never connect or disconnect the alternator wire with the alternator running. Turn on your backup power generator, and let it run for a minute or two.

Step No. 16
Flip each circuit switch in the transmission switch box to GEN simultaneously. Try to maintain balance by going back and forth between the circuits on the left and right sides. Do not run all circuits at the same time. Monitor the onboard wattage meters as you engage each circuit, and try to keep the wattage levels balanced.

When the switch test is finished, return the switches to LINE, then shut down your generator.