Generator Transfer Switch
A Generator Transfer Switch makes the connection between a generator and the electrical circuits in a home or business. Generator Transfer Switches allows a safe, reliable, code-compliant generator installation.
Generator Transfer Switch
A Generator Transfer Switch makes the connection between a generator and the electrical circuits in a home or business. Generator Transfer Switches allow a safe, reliable, code-compliant generator installation for automatic standby generators or portables.
Two different sources of power—the electric utility and the generator—should never meet. Transfer Switches select between the primary source of power (the electric utility) and the generator. They “Transfer” the electrical load from one source to the other by breaking the connection to the first source before connecting to the second source.
Transfer Switch
A Transfer Switch works like a 3-position switch for utility power, off, and generator power. To switch from utility power to generator power, the switch must engage the off position before it selects generator power. This “break before make” type of Generator Transfer Switch isolates the building from the electric utility anytime the generator provides power. Isolation protects the generator from possible catastrophic damage and utility workers and neighbors from unexpected exposure to power from the generator.
Transfer Switch for Generator
Generator transfer switches fit two categories—manual and automatic. Standby or backup generators provide power during an outage and work without human intervention. An automatic generator transfer switch works with the generator to detect an outage, start the generator, and switch the building electrical system to generator power. When the utility restores power, the transfer switch disconnects the generator and reconnects utility power.
Manually operated transfer switches require someone to move the switch from utility power to generator power. In a typical home installation for a portable generator, the owner connects the generator cable to the inlet box and the generator. They start the generator and wait a few moments for the engine to warm. When the generator is ready, the homeowner moves the transfer switch from the utility position to the generator position. When the utility restores power, the operator switches back to utility power and shuts down the generator.
Choosing a Transfer Switch—Generator
A service rated generator transfer switch meets electrical codes to work as a service disconnect. A transfer switch also has a current rating in amps like200-Amps, for example. The transfer switch current rating must equal or exceed equipment rating it serves. A main circuit breaker panel with a 200-Amp main breaker requires a transfer switch for generator with a 200-Amp or higher rating.
The electric utility delivers single-phase power to homes and many small businesses, and three-phase power to larger businesses and buildings. A transfer switch for a generator matches the phase requirements of the building and electrical service it serves.
Standby generator manufacturers build transfer switches designed to work with their generators to implement specific features. To take full advantage of all the generator features, choose a generator transfer switch suggested by the manufacturer. Other models may not work or implement all the features. Packages that include a standby generator and a generator transfer switch save money and guarantee compatibility.
The Best Transfer Switch
Visit our Power-Expert (top menu) for more information on transfer switches and how to choose the best model for your installation. The right generator transfer switch provides a safe and reliable connection for utility and generator power.
Related Generator Transfer Switch Categories
50-Amp Automatic | 100-Amp Automatic | 150-Amp Automatic | 200-Amp Automatic
240-Volt Single Phase | 208-Volt Three-Phase | 240-Volt Three Phase | 480-Volt Three Phase
Manual Switches | 30-Amp Kit | 50-Amp Kit | 100-Amp | 200-Amp | 30-Amp
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Model #: A066Y097
Cummins OTEC 240 Volt 400 Amp 3 Phase PowerCommand 40 Automatic Transfer Switch NEMA 1 | A066Y097
Norwall's Low Price
$3,497.93 -
Model #: A066Y114
Cummins OTEC 208-Volt 600-Amp 3 Phase PowerCommand 40 Automatic Transfer Switch NEMA 3R | A066Y114
Norwall's Low Price
$6,748.71 -
Model #: A066Y116
Cummins Onan OTEC 600 Amp 480V 3 Phase Automatic Transfer Switch Nema 3R | A066Y116
Norwall's Low Price
$6,748.71 -
Model #: A066Y104
Cummins OTEC 480 Volt 400 Amp 3 Phase PowerCommand 40 Automatic Transfer Switch NEMA 3R | A066Y104
Norwall's Low Price
$4,001.35 -
Model #: RXG16EZA1W
Generac 100 Amp 16 Circuit Pre-wired Automatic Transfer Switch | RXG16EZA1W
Norwall's Low Price
$859.00 -
Model #: RTSN800K3
Generac 800 Amp ATS 277/480 3 Phase NEMA 3R Cabinet
Norwall's Low Price
$5,939.00 -
Model #: A066Y095
Cummins OTEC 480 Volt 125 Amp 3 Phase PowerCommand 40 Automatic Transfer Switch NEMA 3R | A066Y095
Norwall's Low Price
$2,260.84 -
Model #: 71270
Briggs and Stratton 200 Amp Generator Transfer Switch 120-240V Single Phase with Service Entrance Disconnect | 71270
Norwall's Low Price
$829.00 -
Model #: 102009
Champion 100 Amp aXis Whole House Automatic Transfer Switch | 102009
Norwall's Low Price
$1,299.00 -
Model #: A066Y105
Cummins OTEC 240 Volt 400 Amp Single Phase PowerCommand 40 Automatic Transfer Switch NEMA 1 | A066Y105
Norwall's Low Price
$3,497.93 -
Model #: A066Y110
Cummins OTEC 480-Volt 225-Amp 3 Phase PowerCommand 40 Automatic Transfer Switch NEMA 3R | A066Y110
Norwall's Low Price
$3,149.31 -
Model #: RTSW200K3
Generac 200 Amp Service Rated Automatic Transfer Switch 3 Phase 480V Nema 3R | RTSW200K3
Norwall's Low Price
$2,309.00
A Generator Transfer Switch makes the connection between a generator and the electrical circuits in a home or business. Generator Transfer Switches allows a safe, reliable, code-compliant generator installation.
Generator Transfer Switch
A Generator Transfer Switch makes the connection between a generator and the electrical circuits in a home or business. Generator Transfer Switches allow a safe, reliable, code-compliant generator installation for automatic standby generators or portables.
Two different sources of power—the electric utility and the generator—should never meet. Transfer Switches select between the primary source of power (the electric utility) and the generator. They “Transfer” the electrical load from one source to the other by breaking the connection to the first source before connecting to the second source.
Transfer Switch
A Transfer Switch works like a 3-position switch for utility power, off, and generator power. To switch from utility power to generator power, the switch must engage the off position before it selects generator power. This “break before make” type of Generator Transfer Switch isolates the building from the electric utility anytime the generator provides power. Isolation protects the generator from possible catastrophic damage and utility workers and neighbors from unexpected exposure to power from the generator.
Transfer Switch for Generator
Generator transfer switches fit two categories—manual and automatic. Standby or backup generators provide power during an outage and work without human intervention. An automatic generator transfer switch works with the generator to detect an outage, start the generator, and switch the building electrical system to generator power. When the utility restores power, the transfer switch disconnects the generator and reconnects utility power.
Manually operated transfer switches require someone to move the switch from utility power to generator power. In a typical home installation for a portable generator, the owner connects the generator cable to the inlet box and the generator. They start the generator and wait a few moments for the engine to warm. When the generator is ready, the homeowner moves the transfer switch from the utility position to the generator position. When the utility restores power, the operator switches back to utility power and shuts down the generator.
Choosing a Transfer Switch—Generator
A service rated generator transfer switch meets electrical codes to work as a service disconnect. A transfer switch also has a current rating in amps like200-Amps, for example. The transfer switch current rating must equal or exceed equipment rating it serves. A main circuit breaker panel with a 200-Amp main breaker requires a transfer switch for generator with a 200-Amp or higher rating.
The electric utility delivers single-phase power to homes and many small businesses, and three-phase power to larger businesses and buildings. A transfer switch for a generator matches the phase requirements of the building and electrical service it serves.
Standby generator manufacturers build transfer switches designed to work with their generators to implement specific features. To take full advantage of all the generator features, choose a generator transfer switch suggested by the manufacturer. Other models may not work or implement all the features. Packages that include a standby generator and a generator transfer switch save money and guarantee compatibility.
The Best Transfer Switch
Visit our Power-Expert (top menu) for more information on transfer switches and how to choose the best model for your installation. The right generator transfer switch provides a safe and reliable connection for utility and generator power.
Related Generator Transfer Switch Categories
50-Amp Automatic | 100-Amp Automatic | 150-Amp Automatic | 200-Amp Automatic
240-Volt Single Phase | 208-Volt Three-Phase | 240-Volt Three Phase | 480-Volt Three Phase
Manual Switches | 30-Amp Kit | 50-Amp Kit | 100-Amp | 200-Amp | 30-Amp