Whole house transfer switch for generator

[Grouchy-Hermit]

Howdy,

I plan to install a manual transfer switch for my generator. Most transfer switches that are recommended have x number of breakers so that designated circuits can be managed when power is in short supply. I would prefer to have one main transfer switch (utility/generator), such as this (http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/reliance-controls-100-amp-transfer-panel.aspx?a=440890), and use my main breaker box to manage the circuits.

Assuming that I buy one that is rated for my needs and that I will have to turn off everything manually before starting the generator and then be prudent about what and when something is turned back on, is there any reason why I can't/shouldn't go this route?

Thanks for any expertise that you might offer.

G-H

[HuntingHawk]

You need to check state & county laws about it. And with your home owner's insurance. If not done by a licensed electrician with the extra training & additional license for it, its actualy illegal to do here.

HuntingHawk

[Ky.guy]

Check with your power company, here in west ky the power company has a switch that attaches to your meter that they will install and you use your breaker panel to control what gets power

[Grouchy-Hermit]

Check with your power company, here in west ky the power company has a switch that attaches to your meter that they will install and you use your breaker panel to control what gets power

I'm pretty sure that my power company (AEP) offers this but due to the very conspicuous location of my meter, I prefer to have the switch located somewhere else so that my generator isn't visible from the road. Thanks for the suggestion.

As HuntingHawk suggested, I'll start checking into the code requirements to see if I can have what I want. Thanks, HH.

[Dennis G]

I'm pretty sure that my power company (AEP) offers this but due to the very conspicuous location of my meter, I prefer to have the switch located somewhere else so that my generator isn't visible from the road. Thanks for the suggestion.

As HuntingHawk suggested, I'll start checking into the code requirements to see if I can have what I want. Thanks, HH.

I am not an electrician, but had an electrical contractor install a whole house generator for me...natural gas hook up (no bottles of propane or diesel or gas) ....

If the power drops, the machine automatically fires up, then 20 seconds later it transfers from the grid to the generator...when power comes back, it transfers it back, and turns off the generator.

I have a company that comes and does preventive maintenance every six months.

I do NOT have outages at my house.

Dennis G