Generator to Furnace Transfer Switch

I am not an electrician so if I can do this so can you. After freezing for two days last year I promised myself I would install one of these furnace electrical transfer devices.

Model Reliance Controls TF151W

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Furnace
• power
• outage
• generator
• transfer
• fuse
• box

[markg9]

Thanks for vid. Is there a "legal" way to put this switch next to the furnace by splicing it to the wires going to the furnace itself? (Away from the main distribution panel).

In my house it's easier to hook up the generator wires in the boiler area.

Thanks

[displayfireworks2008]

@markg9 I was going to do it that way but figured I would do it this way so the generator would be closer and less extention cord. But you could do it right next to furnace

[artcancro]

@BigYellow9999 You can google the phrase "supplementary overcurrent protection device" to learn the difference between these devices and full size breakers. They are not intended to function in place of a full size breaker, and neither UL guidelines nor the NEC allows for such replacement.

As you mentioned, Reliance does offer GenTran panels with full size breakers, and these models are definitely NEC compliant, and will pass inspection in most jurisdictions.

[BigYellow9999]

@artcancro

I would assume the ones that have "locked in" breakers are standard (probably slimline) but you just can't move them. GenTran sells thousands of units. Not saying that's any endorsement, but considering they sell models that you can actually put in your own breakers (the same ones you use for your house), I'd be stunned if they didn't use standard breakers for the fixed ones like this one.

I recently installed a ten circuit transfer switch. I'd like to hear your response.

[BigYellow9999]

@artcancro

Yes, I responded to your comment, then drew the diagram out and realized I was wrong. When on gen power, you're no longer going through your main breaker. Now, here's my question. Considering that people are installing transfer switches all over the place, how do you know that the breakers inside are inadequate? What makes them inadequate? Some of the GenTrans allow you to even change the breakers out and put in your own. You'd be using the same breakers that you use for your house.

[stevosredneckrepairs]

the yellow marette inside the panel is dangerous make shure its tight and cover it with electrical tape and tuck it out the way Your seimens panel should have a seperate ground bus on it i know neutral and ground are the same but the panel should be wired properly

[xboxer1985]

The neutral is bonded to ground in a main panel, so that part is key. What you NEED to do is most "portable" generators have their neutral bonded to ground/frame of the machine ALSO! YOU MUST REMOVE THIS BOND IF YOU ARE TO USE THIS TYPE OF TRANSFER SWITCH! Two paths to ground can potentially electrify the frame of the generator. Check video below on ground/neutral wires

wwwDOTreliancecontrolsDOTcom/S­tream/ProTranInstall/ProTranPl­ayer_T1.aspx

[SkilledEddie]

Ok I'm lying how about YOU tell me how to make this a code compliant install then....

[artcancro]

@SkilledEddie You are obviously lying.

[SkilledEddie]

@artcancro

I have installed many 6 circuit gentrans the same setup as this and passed inspection every time.