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Posted by Ignoramus16089 on August 20, 2006, 10:32 pm
>
>
> Ignoramus16089 wrote:
>
>>
>>
>>>Ignoramus16089 wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>>I would like to install a real transfer switch like this one
>>>>
>>>>http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=42163
>>>>
>>>>Our house is wired for 200 amps, so this is the right size for us.
>>>>
>>>>I plan on getting a proper permit, but I want to understand the work
>>>>involved.
>>>>
>>>>Here's a picture of our power meter:
>>>>
>>>>http://igor.chudov.com/tmp/onan/Diesel/z02_Installed/dscf0209.jpg
>>>>
>>>>I understand that the proper electrical placement of the TS is to
>>>>place it between the power meter and house main breaker. It is the
>>>>physical layout that has me confused.
>>>>
>>>>The meter has a prepunched hole to the right, below the utility seal
>>>>line. Not sure if it is helpful. After the meter, the electric cable
>>>>goes right inside the house, to the panel that is right behind the
>>>>meter (maybe 1 foot long).
>>>>
>>>>The question is, how to install a transfer switch here. I aam
>>>>obviously unable to open the meter to look, since it is sealed.
>>>>
>>>>What is the normal location of the transfer switch? How is it usually
>>>>connected to the meter box?
>>>>
>>>>I would think that if, hypothetically, the meter box had a prepunched
>>>>knockout hole a little above the meter, then I would tap there quite
>>>>easily, but it does not seem to be the case.
>>>>
>>>>I want to do a 100% perfect job here, that would be inspected and all,
>>>>so I want to do it right. Any good assistance would be appreciated.
>>>>
>>>>i
>>>>
>>>>P.S. I would like to avoid suggestions like "just get a little 6
>>>>circuit emergen transfer switch", it is not the right one for our
>>>>situation.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>The first thing you should do is to determine if you want to put
>>>everything on the transfer switch or only the emergency equipment,
>>>and leave off the unnecessary items. If you switch everything you
>>>will have to have the electric company disconnect the power while
>>>you put the switch in the leads from the meter.
>>>
>>>
>>
>>Yes, that's what I want. Everything on the switch.
>>
>>
>>
>>>If you only want the emergency equipment to run ( furnace, lighting,
>>>refrigerator, freezer) then you put in a branch ckt and run all
>>>emergency the stuff off the branch ckt box. The switch is tied between
>>>the branch and the main box. This can be done without having the
>>>electric company turn off the power.
>>>
>>>
>>
>>I do not want that. I want the entire house on the generator/transfer
>>switch, I would simply not use certain loads that are too heavy for
>>the generator (like central A/C).
>>
>>I have a decent generator that can power my entire house if I turn off
>>A/C, pool heater, and use the electric kitchen range very sparingly.
>>
>>Why should I shortchange myself.
>>
>>Like I said in my original post, I am not interested in a transfer
>>switch for a few circuits.
>>
>>i
>>
>>
>>
>>>I would recommend you consult a qualified electrician.
>>>
>>>
>>>John
>>>
>>>
>>>
> Iggy, instead of an automatic transfer switch, we put in a manual one
> (i.e. just a big, properly enclosed knife switch setup).
yep, that's exactly what I want, and that's what the switch that I
mentioned in my original post, does.
> Manual control
> (if you are at home) is pretty easy, and I wonder what kind of erroneous
> responses you can get out of an automatic setup.
I agree 100%. I would not install an automatic transfer switch in my
worst nightmare.
> Our generator is (I think) 7.5kW, it works very nicely to run our house
> on the odd occasion we need it. It takes over the panel (via the big
> switch) and feeds the whole house, we just take care not to overload
> it.
Exactly my plan. Plus I am planning on sharing this with my neighbors,
so that they can run some fridges and furnaces.
i
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