A generator is great for home convenience and business productivity, if ever there’s a power outage. It’s even more important when there’s an emergency, and you’re not quite sure when the power will return.
The generator powers your fridge and HVAC systems, along with other electrical appliances that may make your life disconsolate.
Moreover, working from home is now popular than ever. Hence, this also adds to the demand of uninterrupted power. The grid power can be unpredictable. Consequently, the generator assumes an important responsibility, to keep work going on despite!
It’s even better with your 200 amp manual transfer switch for the generator.
Why?
Because unlike 30 amp or 50 amp transfer switches which may not support your full load center, the 200 amp transfer switch gives you the full options.
Hence, you can power all your heavy and light loads together at the same time as long as your generator allows.
Despite this, it is also considered widely by some that you don’t need absolutely a transfer switch for all generators.
That’s especially true when you only have a small portable backup generator, for which you only need an extension cord to power a select few of your appliances.
But a transfer switch isn’t as limited as that basic setup. A transfer switch is basically your alternate circuit breaker panel. It draws electricity for your home from the generator, instead of the electric power company.
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Exactly Why Do You Need a Transfer Switch?
With a transfer switch, you won’t have to run extension cords to your appliances, saving you time and effort. That’s especially true afterwards, when you return to the utility power.
With a power transfer switch in place, you’re able to use your own home’s wiring system, which in itself is very safe.
Furthermore, some items, like well pumps and furnaces, are difficult to connect to a generator using an extension cord, and for these you definitely need a transfer switch.
The 200 amp manual transfer switch has several circuits, and you can assign loads to the different circuits to provide power for different rooms or appliances.
Keep in mind that if you’re not using a large enough generator, you may not have enough power to provide for all the circuits at the same time. With the transfer switch, it’s easy enough to switch between the different loads.
Let’s say that you need to prepare food with your electric oven, and you’re not sure you can do with your powerful air conditioner running.
All you need to do is to turn off the circuit that’s running the air conditioner for the meantime, then you turn on the circuit for the electric oven. When you’re done preparing the food, you just do the same procedure in reverse—turn off the circuit for the electric oven, and turn the circuit back on for the air conditioner.
Take into account that a transfer switch also keeps the electricity from your generator to go right back into the local power grid. Without a transfer switch, you may end up providing power for the street utility power lines.
If someone’s working on a nearby pole, they may get electrocuted while also damaging either your generator or your home’s electrical wiring system.
There are safe ways of connecting your generator to power your house without a transfer switch.
200 Amp Manual Transfer Switch vs Automatic
Both manual and automatic transfer switches can range in design from super-simple to exceedingly advanced. Many models offer multi-circuit options, but a few are single-circuit.
The choice of one or the other relies upon the application.
The main difference is that with a manual transfer switch, someone has to be there to start the generator and to turn it off when the power outage ends.
With the automatic transfer switch, the power automatically transfers to the generator in case of a power outage. The automatic transfer switch can detect the power interruptions, start (and stop) the generator, and switch the power automatically to the generator.
Once the power returns, the automatic transfer switch automatically transfers back to the grid power source while it turns off the generator.
It does seem like the automatic transfer switch is a much better option, but that’s not always the case. Manual transfer switches are much more affordable.
They’re also simpler systems, and you may even deal with it (at least for maintenance) if you have the required electrician’s knowledge. Since it’s a simpler system, the manual transfer switch should be less likely to have any trouble.
The automatic transfer switch is most likely to be found in hospitals, data centers and other utilization that require smooth or near smooth power presence.
Typically, the ATS will normally wait until the generator voltage stabilizes before activating the circuit to power your appliances. This definitely is a good feature as it keeps your loads from undesirable under voltages.
Summary of Pros & Cons
Automatic
Pros
- You do not need to be there
- Less downtime between transfers
Cons
- Costlier to set up
- Generator has to be permanently fixed
Manual
Pros
- Less costly
- Portable generator can be used
- You have control over what you need to happen
Cons
- You have to be there and do the work
- You may forget when the mains power is back and run the generator for extended periods
- Basic skills required to perform the operations safely
Just for a start, lets quickly introduce you to the following switches.
1. Square D 200 Amp Manual Transfer Switch
From a Winco generators, a company located in Minnesota, United States.
This is UL-listed, which is reassuring. It’s rated for both indoor and outdoor use, as it is rainproof and ice-proof. If you ever need to set up a transfer switch outdoors, the jewel in the crown will be this excellent option!
It’s a double pole transfer switch, meaning that it transfers both wires (poles). It’s also a double throw transfer switch, as you’re able to transfer between 2 loads because the switch has 2 positions (other than “off”). It usually comes with a 1.5-year warranty.
2. Generac Transfer Switch 200 Amp
This one is probably hardier, especially with its 5-year limited warranty. It features a NEMA 3R aluminum enclosure and Heavy-Duty Generac contactor. It protects from snow, ice, rain, and even flying debris.
This uses the integrated load management technology, which is able to handle up to 4 individual HVAC loads without needing any other extra accessories. That means it’s more efficient, and you’re able to reduce the size of the generator you’ll buy for your home.
Additionally, the 200 Amp Generac transfer switch allows you to feed your whole load center circuit. From there on, you can switch off specific loads as you desire to match your generator capacity.
Also noteworthy, is the fact that Generac manual transfer switches can be upgraded to automatic transfer switches with marginal spend.
3. 200 Amp Manual Transfer Switch Cutler Hammer
This product is from Cutler-Hammer that is now a part of EATON.
They take pride in a portfolio of automatic transfer switches that are like no other in the market.
This features molded case switch power contact assemblies, positive mechanical interlocking, and a permanently affixed manual operating handle. It also complies with both the UL 1008 and UL 489 standards.
This is designed to provide absolutely convenient and safe manual transfer of power during a power outage. It is designed to prevent the paralleling of 2 sources of power, such as from the grid and the generator.
It’s extremely durable, and the totally enclosed design is for optimal arc suppression and isolation during the power transfer. There are even some available optional trip units that offer overcurrent protection.
To choose or specify a product, use the following guide.
4. Siemens 200 Amp Manual Transfer Switch
This is another 2-pole, double throw transfer switch, featuring a double break visible blade design. The front lugs are removable, and you can easily convert to copper body or compression type lugs.
The whole transfer switch is easy to use, and it’s designed to fast make-or-break switching action. It’s UL-listed as well. It’s utterly reliable and the simple design is very comforting. It’s not very affordable, though, with its price tag of more than $1,500.
5. Ronk 200 Amp Transfer Switch
We checked out this transfer switch, as we were quite pleased with its reasonable price (slightly higher than $500).
The lightweight corrosion-resistant aluminum enclosure is durable enough that it should look good even for many years.
All the mechanical parts are made for rugged use, while the oversized enclosure offers lots of space for the wiring.
The operating handle is also corrosion-resistant, so that you won’t have rust issues that can cause jamming.
The double-throw switch also features a special spring tension design for easy use and quick load switching.
The quick make/quick break design also minimizes contact arcing for longer contact life. The contact design is even self-cleaning, preventing excessive contact heating.
Factors to Consider in a Manual Transfer Switch
1. The Interlock
This is very important factor in any transfer switch.
You need to be assured that the interlock mechanism prevents without a doubt 2 things.
- Two sources of power flowing to your appliances e.g. utility and generator power
- One source of power back feeding to the second source of power – this is dangerous
2. The Types of Switching Mechanisms for ATS
There are 3 common configurations possible.
- Contactor type
- Molded Case
- Power frame
FAQs
How do you install a 200A manual transfer switch for your generator?
The short answer here is that you don’t. You get a licensed electrician to do it for you. You need their expertise, starting with picking the right type of transfer switch.
You need to make sure that you use compatible equipment for your current panelboard. If you use an incompatible brand, then you can end up damaging your home’s electrical system. It can even lead to electrocution.
It may even be required that the installed system be inspected by a local electrical inspector. For all these reasons, you better just use a licensed electrician.
What amperage do you really need?
Manual transfer switches amperage can range from just 30 amps up to 5,000 amps or more. The amps you need depend on your particular circumstances.
If you have a basic portable generator, then you generally need a switch of around 50 amps. These are very affordable, and you can use it to split power to your subpanel.
With 200A transfer switches, you have enough to offer somewhat limited support for your whole-house generator. They should provide plenty of power (certainly enough for emergency appliances), though this type of switch can be somewhat expensive and unwieldy.
Households don’t normally need anything more than 400 amps. That’s enough amperage for a large generator.
Do you need a 3-pole or 4-pole manual transfer switch?
That depends on your grounding strategy. You need a 3-pole switch if you’re using a solid neutral design with a single ground bonding point. If you have separately derived power systems with no direct connection between conductors, then you need a 4-pole switch.
Conclusion
A 200 amp manual transfer switch for your generator is usually necessary, and in fact it may not even be legal for you to use your generator without any transfer switch. You also don’t have to be the one to do the installation, as in many places you’ll need a licensed electrician to be sure it’s done right.
Get this manual transfer switch for your generator, and you’re all set for the next power outage. You won’t have to do without your essential appliances at all, and you can work and be entertained even without power from the grid!