Imagine you are working from home or doing some important work or even watching television and the power goes off. Now, before you even notice it is back. Well this is because you have connected your appliances with the transfer switch. It allows you to switch power during an outage.
Many methods are suggested to connect your portable generator but not every method is safe and correct. Some can also lead to hazardous outcomes.
So it is advised to follow the right and the safest methods to connect portable generator with transfer switch. Some safe methods are listed below:
- Using a transfer switch
- Using generator interlock kit
For being safe it is advised to consult a certified electrician for proper connections.
Transfer Switch
Connecting your appliances directly to the main electrical panel of a portable generator is not safe. It can cause damage to the appliances or to the generator. Portable generators cannot power appliances, such as air conditioners or water heaters.
First step is to determine the essential appliances you want to power. Transfer switch gives you the power to flip the switch during an outbreak.
Transfer switch is an electrical device which you can install right next to the main electricity panel in the home. It switched load between the portable generator and utility lines and vice versa.
It prevents power from the utility lines traveling back to the portable generator, as well as, power from the generator traveling back to the utility lines. It blocks one source and loads the other.
There are two types of transfer switch. AUTOMATIC TRANSFER SWITCH and MANUAL TRANSFER SWITCH
It is recommended hiring a professional electrician for the installation. Otherwise, you could risk violating some rules. Also, if not installed properly, it could lead to serious damage.
Manual Transfer Switch
These are available in different sizes and models. During installation. You have to assign different circuits to different appliances. This makes it easy to handle when power goes off. You can manually turn the circuits on and off to manage the load.
Working
- When the main power is cut, you have to turn off the main breaker and all the sub circuit breaker.
- Now you have to connect the portable generator extension cord to the outdoor inlet box outlet.
- Then run the portable generator which will warm it up.
- Now flip the main breaker in the transfer switch to the portable generator power position.
- Start running the circuits connected to the appliances you wish to run. You have to keep in mind to not overload the generator.
- When the power is back you have to flip the main breaker back to utility power in the transfer switch.
- Turn on any circuit breakers that were turned off
- Now, shut the generator and disconnect the chord.
Automatic Transfer Switch
Automatic transfer switch is a boon to everyone who thinks manually flipping the switch is difficult for them. With an automatic transfer switch there is no need to flip the circuit manually. It will automatically be switched and it will adjust the power flow to avoid the overloading of the portable generator.
Working
- When the power breaks, the automatic transfer switch detects the power break itself and starts the generator automatically.
- Once the generator is started, the automatic transfer switch shifts the load to the generator.
- When the power is restored, it switches back the load to the portable generator.
Interlock Kit
Transfer switch is of high cost, hence manufacturers produced a small device which works as a connector. It is called interlock. The interlock connects the service panel to the portable generator without the transfer switch.
It is advised to consult a technician to learn about installing interlocks for portable generator, as it is not legal at some places.
Interlock acts as a back feed breaker. Back feed is when the power travels back in the utility line. This travelling back can cause damage to appliances.
There are two sliding plates in the interlock device which are held with 3 bolts. Interlock is placed in a way so that it covers the main service panel cutoff switch. So, the main power supply cannot flow in the other direction. So, you cannot switch the main power when the generator is on.
They also eliminate the use of extension cords used for connecting different appliances. Interlock is more manual than automatic. It also requires proper installation. So to be sure, you should adhere to the product’s manual. It will have proper instructions.
Working
- When the main power is cut, you have to turn off the main breaker and all the sub circuit breaker.
- Now you have to connect the portable generator extension cord to the outdoor inlet box outlet.
- Then run the generator which will warm it up.
- After this, bring the interlock plate on position and turn on the generator break or.
- Turn on the circuits you need to use one by one. You should wait for one appliance to start and then turn the other circuit to avoid the overloading.
- When the power is restored, turn off the main breaker.
- Slide the interlock in off position
- Turn on any circuit breakers that were turned off
- Now, shut the portable generator and disconnect the chord.
Being Safe
Generators can produce a high level of Carbon Monoxide which you cannot smell but it is a poisonous gas that can make you feel sick or weak and if not taken care of can lead to death.
To curb the risk some special generators are available which have sensors inbuilt which shut the generator automatically in cases of high levels of CO.
Never use a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces. You should never install generators in closed spaces like basements, garages even if they have ventilation.
Installing a CO alarm that is certified according to the requirements of the latest safety standards for preventing leak by detecting the amount of CO in the atmosphere around.
Locate the generator in outdoor spaces away from any windows which might help CO get inside.
Conclusion
Transfer switch and interlock kits, both allow you to connect your portable generator to your house safely. They both prevent back feeding into the power lines, hence saving the damage.
The main difference in both of them is the COST. Transfer switch for portable generator is much costlier than interlock kit. Installation of the transfer switch is higher than the interlock kit. But a transfer switch is worth the cost and investment.
In terms of convenience also, an automatic transfer switch stands out. It allows the process to be automatic eliminating the manual part.
But the automatic transfer switch requires a full time connected portable generator. Hence a manual transfer switch is the best if you do not have a full time generator.
One problem with manual transfer switches and interlock kits is that you will never get to know when the utility is back unless you check your neighbors. For this problem there are some gadgets available which can notify you when the power is back.
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