How to Wire a Generator Transfer Switch

     If your home’s electricity runs on a full household generator, it is necessary for you to install a generator transfer switch. It is important for you to be familiar with the kinds of wires you need to connect, as well the location of your generator. Below are the materials that you will need along with the instructions on how to wire a generator transfer switch.

Materials Needed:

• Generator transfer switch
• Allen wrenches
• Socket set
• Pocket knife
• Screwdriver (Phillips and flathead)

Step 1: Switch Off the Main Power Supply

First, you have to switch off the power from your electricity provider. Do not proceed with any electrical wiring before turning off the main power switch of your house. In working with electricity, always take note that your safety is the most important thing to consider.

Step 2: Examine Connectors

Once the power has been shut off, you can open the door of the switch. Examine the inside and locate the Allen lug connectors or bolt heads. These are where you will be terminating the wires. On the switch, you will notice six points of termination, three grounding screw terminals, and three neutral terminals.

Step 3: Locate the Wires

Remove about an inch of the insulation material that covers all the wires. Locate four wires: one grounding conductor, a neutral wire, and two power wires. These wires are located at the generator, power utility area, as well as the circuit breaker box.

Step 4: Connect the Ground Wires

Take the grounding wires and connect them to the grounding bar at the end of the transfer switch. Use your Allen wrenches or socket set depending on the configuration of termination of the wires.

Step 5: Connect Neutral Wires

Connect the neutral wires to the ground connection bar. The ground connection bar may be attached to the end of the transfer switch. Always familiarize yourself with the features of your generator transfer switch, as different providers may have different procedures for connection. If your generator transfer switch is relatively new, the ground connection bar will have an identification tag on it.

Step 6: Connect Power Wires

Connect the two power wires to the center lugs on the transfer switch. These will go to the household panel circuit box. The two lugs are attached to knife blade attachments.

Step 7: Terminate the Wires

Terminate the wires from the power utility meter. These wires will be connected to the two lower sets of lugs on the transfer switch. The transfer switch will usually be in an upright position.

Step 8: Connect the Remaining Wires

Connect the two remaining wires to the two upper lugs on the transfer switch. These two wires will come from the generator. This process finishes the power wiring.

Step 9: Connect the Start Wires

You can now connect the start wires to the auxiliary contact screw terminal located on the area of the transfer switch that has the screwdriver. Be informed, however, that not all generator transfer switches are equipped with the start/stop block. If your generator is equipped with it, you will see the two wires from the generators.


Source: DoItYourself.com®