"Mark or Sue" wrote in message news:U1TBb.360558$ao4.1217380@attbi_s51...
"wahzoo" wrote in message
om...
I'm trying to find the specifics of the double-throw manual transfer
switch I need to run my whole house off my generator.

I'm planning to have a 6000 watt gas generator with a L14-30 type
4-wire output socket in a 3-wire 200 amp house electrical system. I
would like the transfer switch indoors.

My question is which kind of double-throw transfer switch do I need?

fusible 2-pole 3-wire w/SN (sn=solid neutral?)
fusible 3-pole
unfused 3-pole

The first question to ask is what loads do you want to run off the generator -- anything in the
panel, a handful of circuits, or somewhere in between? I don't like those Gentran transfer switches,
and you can get them for up to 12 circuits, but usually only 1 can be a double pole (240V) circuit.
These are the most common and probably least expensive solution. They are also typically limited to
15A circuits. The intermediate approach is to put a transfer switch between your main panel and a
subpanel. Then run all the circuits you want to run from the generator in the subpanel. Finally, you
can put a transfer switch in front of your 200A panel and be able to run any load in your house that
is under 6KW, but you'll have to switch things on and off to keep from overloading the generator.
You'll also have to mess with Service conductors which will require you to at least pull the power
meter and probably run some new conduit.

Sorry, didn't mention this was all new construction. But I did say I
wanted to run my whole house. I share your dislike of the GenTrans
type switches.


Transfer switches for option 1 are about $150 to $300. A transfer switch for option 2 is $200, but
you also need the subpanel, the feeder cable, and a large breaker to protect the feeder. Option 3
costs $300 plus service conductor rework.

That's great because I priced a Cutler-Hammer model (DT324FGK) for
$3420! What brands are you referring to? The Harbor Freight model
you mention for $300 lists for $1695 so that's quite a buy, maybe too
good. (?)

As far as the switch itself, it doesn't need any fuses. But you have to have a circuit breaker
somewhere near the generator to protect what is going to the transfer switch,

A fuse between generator and transfer switch? Could you explain it's
function?It's only a 6000-watt generator, if I ask too much of it,
what's the harm?

and each branch
circuit must have a circuit breaker. A 2-pole switch is the minimum required, and will require you
to separate the neutral/chassis bond in the generator if using option 2. A 3-pole switch will work
with any configuration and is the preferred switch because you can switch the neutral too, thus
eliminating any downstream rebonding of the neutral which isn't allowed. But this creates a
Separately Derived System.
....

Thanks for that detailed reply!