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A circuit transfer switch ensures the safe switching of electricity supply between the main utility and a local generator. A back-up electricity supply system for the home may be required where there is risk of utility outages or constant electricity supply is essential for critical equipment or activities.
The following steps will help you wire a typical circuit transfer switch for use with a single pole circuit breaker main board delivering 120 volts.
Tools Required:
Tools Required:
- Wire Stripper
- Screwdriver
Step 1: Select Emergency Circuits
Decide which electrical circuits are most important for you to maintain during a utility supply outage. These may include circuits that supply electricity to your refrigerator, freezer, (gas or fuel) water heater, sump pump, (microwave) oven and house lighting.
Step 2: Match Wattage with Generator
Add up the total wattage of the emergency circuits and be sure they do not exceed 80 percent of the total wattage output of your generator. If so, you should reduce your selection of emergency circuits.
Step 3: Position Transfer Switch
Following installation instructions supplied with the circuit transfer switch, place the switch unit close to your home main circuit breaker unit and attach to the wall.
Step 4: Turn Main Power Off
Unscrew and remove the cover to your main circuit breaker unit. Turn the main lever to your circuit breaker unit to the “Off” position. Note that entry wires on the utility side of this switch will remain live.
Step 5: Remove Knockout from Main Unit
Identify and remove a ¾ inch knockout unit at the base of the main circuit breaker unit framework.
Step 6: Insert Wiring into Main Unit
Insert the wires that are attached to the circuit transfer switch (and retained in a flexible conduit) through the knockout and secure the conduit using the lock nut supplied.
Step 7: Remove Circuit Breaker Wire
Following instructions supplied with the circuit transfer switch, locate the circuit breaker on the main board that it is to be connected to the first circuit from the circuit transfer switch. Turn the circuit breaker to the “Off” position. Loosen the retaining screw to remove the breaker wire.
Step 8: Install Switch Wires
Find the RED and BLACK wires that represent the first circuit from the transfer switch. Install the RED wire into the circuit breaker and tighten the retaining screw. Take the BLACK wire and the hot wire that has been removed from the circuit breaker and insert both into the supplied wire connector and tighten. Slightly twist the wires and push them back into the main circuit breaker board area.
Step 9: Repeat for All Emergency Circuits
Repeat the processes described in Steps 7 and 8 for each of the remaining emergency circuits.
Step 10: Attach Neutral and Ground Wires
Find the WHITE (neutral) wire from the transfer switch, insert into an empty slot in the neutral bar and tighten screw. Find the GREEN (ground) wire from the transfer switch, insert into an empty slot on the ground bar and tighten the screw.
Step 11: Reset Circuit Breakers
Ensure all circuit breakers are switched to the “On” position. Turn the main circuit breaker board lever back to “On”. And replace circuit breaker board cover.
Step 12: Operation
During utility power use, each emergency circuit switch on the circuit transfer switch unit should be left in the “Line” position. When generator power is required, plug in the generator’s connector and set each emergency circuit switch to the “Gen” position. Use the integrated wattage meter to ensure activating all switches does not overload your generator.
Source: DoItYourself.com®
Source: DoItYourself.com®
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