Wiring A Generator Transfer Switch

Wiring A Generator
Transfer Switch &

Distribution Sub-Panel
(Load Center)
If you are installing a standby generator in
order to have some electrical power to your
home in the event of a utility power outage, it
is important that you understand how to
properly install a transfer switch
The transfer switch
is the device that transfers the power from the utilities power to the
standby generators power, as shown in Figure1.
Very few homeowners can afford or consider it necessary to supply power
to all of the homes electrical devices, fixtures and appliances in the event
of a power failure. Because the generator chosen can only supply power
to a limited number of items, it is necessary to decide which circuits will
be powered by the standby generator in the event of a utility power
outage.
There are two methods to perform the transfer
anual
Auto!atic
In each case, manual or automatic transfer the circuitry is the same. In
the case of the manual transfer switch, it re!uires that someone recogni"es
that the utility power has failed and must intervene to start the generator
Figure 1 - Generator
transfer switch
and then transfer the desired circuits to the generators power output. #
manual transfer switch does not operate if there is no one at home.
In the case of an automatic transfer switch $#T%&, the switch has the
intelligence to sense when the utility is no longer delivering power and
automatically starting the generator and then transferring the circuits to
the generator. The automatic transfer switch also recogni"es when the
utility power is bac' online, transfers the circuits bac' to the utility and
turns the generator off.
# basic home electrical service loo's li'e this $grounding circuits and
wires have been left out in order to ma'e the drawings less cluttered&
The meter is fed from the utility via an overhead or underground conduit
as shown in Figure (. The electrical service main disconnect and
electrical distribution panel are shown as ( separate items, however newer
circuit brea'er distribution panels have the main disconnect located at the
top of the electrical distribution panel $large circuit brea'er&.
Figure 2 - Home electrical service before the installation of a standby generator and
transfer switch
#dding a standby generator into your electrical service system, as shown
in Figure )
Figure 3 - Standby generator and transfer switch installed in a home electrical service.
The circuits that you want to be powered by both the electrical utility and
the standby generator are transferred to the generator electrical
distribution panel. The generators electrical distribution panel should be
fed from a double $(*pole& brea'er in the main distribution panel.
%implified inner wor'ings of the transfer switch are shown in Figures +
and ,. For clarity have been shown with a manual lever. If you have an
automatic transfer switch the electrical switching function wor's in the
same manner as the manual switch
The drawings also show the switching of the neutral wire $white&.
-any systems do not switch the neutral wire and tie the three neutral
wires together. Verify the method of wiring with your transfer switch and
generator before installation.
Figure 4 - iring !iagram "f # $anual
%ransfer Switch &n %he '"ff' (osition
Figure ) - iring !iagram "f # $anual
%ransfer Switch &n %he '"*' (osition
.hen utility power is functioning the wires from the circuit brea'er in the main
electrical distribution panel are connected to the generator sub*panel. If utility
power fails, the switch connects the generator/s power to the circuits in the
generator sub*panel.
Wiring Diagra! "f A anual Transfer Switch #n
The $"ff$ Position
.hen utility power is functioning the wires from the circuit brea'er in the
main electrical distribution panel are connected to the generator sub*
panel. If utility power fails, the switch connects the generator/s power to
the circuits in the generator sub*panel.
Wiring Diagra! "f A anual Transfer Switch #n
The $"n$ Position

.hen utility power is functioning the wires from the circuit brea'er in the
main electrical distribution panel are connected to the generator sub*
panel. If utility power fails, the switch connects the generator/s power to
the circuits in the generator sub*panel.

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