Transfer Switch for Generator

Dave_T

I have 2 electric meters outside and 2 side-by-side electric panels in my basement. Is there a way to hook up a transfer switch for a generator to circuits from both of the panels without moving the circuits?

AllanJ

Yes, but you will need two transfer switches or transfer mechanisms, one for each panel.

The advantage of moving circuits to receive generator power to a subpanel is that you don't have to coordinate with the power company to install the transfer switch in the feed line above the main panel and going to the meter. You will still need two transfer switches if you group the circuits that will receive generator power in separate subpanels, one for each main panel and meter.

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Dave_T

You can't have 2 transfer switches hooked up to a single generator, can you?

philS

You can run two tools off one gennie. I don't see the problem. But I may find out

dmxtothemax

Yes you can !
You would need a special type of switch to do it !
A large capacity multi pole switch.
A normal standard type would not work.
Definatly not a job for diy'ers thou.
The switch will be expensive.

something like this
only bigger capacity

kbsparky

Sure, why not? You can have even more if you have the need ...

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Dave_T

How can you have 2 transfer switches connected to a generator? My transfer switch is connected to an outside outlet that has a cable that I connect to the generator during an outage. So I would need two outlets and two cables? I believe the connections on the generator allow only one cable of that type.

kbsparky

Some portable generators have multiple outlets.

Many larger generators are direct-wired, and can have as many transfer switches as needed to satisfy Code requirements.

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AllanJ

Both transfer switches, located at the respective panels they control, can be connected to the same line going to the outside outlet (male receptacle) to be fed by one generator.

Each transfer switch's common terminals are connected to the panel that the switch serves.

__________________
The average homeowner who lost his house in the Oklahoma tornadoes should move for good and not rebuild. Too much complexity watchdogging the contractor. Too much a chance to be defrauded.