Gentran Corporation: Generator Transfer switches for home & business

HOME



Advanced Search

OUR PRODUCTS

Manual Transfer Switches

	PowerStay Manual Transfer Switches for 6-16 circuits
	Prewired Manual Transfer Switches for 6-10 circuits
	Compact Manual Transfer Switches for 1-2 circuits
	Power Centers – Service Entrance Rated Transfer Switches
	Vintage Prewired Transfer Switches
	Options and Accessories

GenShed Generator Shelter

Generator-Ready Load Centers

Transfer Switches For Traffic Signals

Automatic Transfer Switches

Power Inlet Boxes

Power Cords

	All Power Cords
	Rated 3750 Watts
	Rated 20 Amps
	Rated 30 Amps
	Rated 50 Amps
	Contractor Cords

Plugs and Connectors

PowerWeb™ Temporary Power Distribution Centers

Parallel Power Kits

Generator Accessories

Installation Tools

Service Parts

SPECIAL OFFERS

CLEARANCE ITEMS

GenTran Corporation is certified as a Women�s Business Enterprise through the Women�s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).

http://www.WBENC.org

Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL QUESTIONS

1. What is a generator Transfer Switch and why do I need one?
A transfer switch is an electrical device installed next to your load center that transfers power from your generator to your home and is the key to safe and convenient operation of generators for backup power. Required by the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), a transfer switch isolates those circuits using generator power during an outage, and eliminates the risk of back feeding the electrical utility which can cause injury or death to utility workers and property damage. Also, using a transfer switch with your generator eliminates the need to run extension cords around the home or office.
Top of Page

2. What size of a transfer switch do I need for my generator?
First, the transfer switch you select should match the maximum continuous wattage rating of your generator. For example, if you have a 5000-watt generator, you should select a transfer switch rated at 5000 watts, such as Model 200660. You may also select a transfer switch that has a higher rating than your generator. (Ex: a 5000-watt generator with a 7500-watt transfer switch is OK.) But NEVER install a transfer switch with a lower rating than your generator. This is dangerous and could cause a fire. (Ex: Never install a 7500-watt generator with a 5000-watt transfer switch.)

Then determine the number of circuits you want to supply power to during a power outage. For most homes, 6 to 10 circuits are sufficient. Most manual transfer switches sold by Gen/Tran are expandable; you can start with a 6 circuit PowerStay� manual transfer switch and add circuits as your needs change.
Top of Page

3. Where can I buy Gen/Tran products?
If you live near a large metropolitan area, chances are good that there will be a stocking dealer near you. Check our Dealer Locator for your specific state. It�s always best to call first to make sure they have the product(s) you are looking for. Or, you can order directly from us online or by calling 1-888-GEN-TRAN.
Top of Page

4. Does Gen/Tran offer transfer switch for 3-phase applications?
No. Our products are designed and intended for single phase electrical applications only � for residential and small commercial installations. They only work on 120/240 Volt single phase, 50/60 Hertz power.
Top of Page

5. Why are generators rated in watts when most electric tools are labeled in amps?
Generators are rated by output in wattage which takes into account the amperage at both 120 and 240 volts. NOTE: Volts x Amps = Watts (i.e.: 120 volts x 10 amps = 1200 watts) OR Watts/Volts = Amps. For example, a 5000 watt rated generator is capable of producing 20.8 Amps @ 240 Volts or 41.6 amps @ 120 volts. See the following chart for power ratings for common household appliances.

Wattage Chart

ITEM		RUNNING WATTS	ADD WATTS FOR STARTING
Furnace Fan (gas or oil only) 1/8 HP		300	500
1/6 HP		500	750
1/4 HP		600	1000
1/3 HP		700	1400
1/2 HP		875	2100
Refrigerator		700	2200
Microwave Oven		625	800
Coffee Maker		1750	0
Toaster		1050-1600	0
Electric Range/Oven		12,500	0
Well Pump	1/3 HP	750	1400
	1/2 HP	1000	2350
Sump Pump	1/3 HP	800	1300
	1/2 HP	1050	2150
Lights		On Bulb
Television		300	0
Garage Door Opener	1/4 HP	550	1100
	1/3 HP	750	1400
Portable Heater		100-1500	0
Hair Dryer		1100-1600	0
Iron		1200	0
Water Heater (Gas) Water Heater (Electric)		500 7000-7500	1500 0
Computers	Desktop	600-800	0
	Notebook	200-250	0
	Monitor	200-250	0
Printer		400-600	0
Fax Machine		600-800	0
Cordless Telephone		100	0

Top of Page

6. Where can I find a 200 amp Double-Pole, Double-Throw (DPDT) switch?

While GenTran does not offer a "knife" type switch, Gen/Tran will offer a 200 amp manual transfer switch late in 2007. To install a DPDT switch, it is necessary to have your local utility shut off power to your home to remove your meter for several hours during installation. Since DPDT switches are installed BEFORE the Main load center, these units transfer your entire Main electrical center and all of its circuits to generator power, requiring the homeowner to flip breakers off in the Main load center to prevent overloading and damaging your generator. Gen/Tran transfer switches are installed AFTER the Main for faster, easier and less costly installation. If you feel that you need a 200 amp transfer switch, you may be interested in our Power Centers or our Generator-Ready Load Centers.
Top of Page

7. Why does the generator GFCI trip on some generators when used with a transfer switch?
Download Honda Generator Service Bulletin
NOTE: AFFECTED MODELS ONLY INCLUDE: HONDA Models EB3500XK1, EB5000XK1, EB6500SX, EB12DAG, Arctic Cat Model 1999 AC7500GD2EB and some models from Briggs and Stratton.
The Honda EB (Industrial/Commercial) series generators listed above have their neutral wire bonded to the ground wire to pass OSHA inspection on job sites. Since home and building main load centers also have the neutral bonded to ground, a loop is created, comprised of the neutral wire and the ground wire. A small amount of current is induced in this loop by the running generator. Since the neutral wire passes through the ground fault sensor, the GFCI senses this induced current and trips the main circuit breaker in the generator.

When using these EB series generators to power a house or building through a transfer switch, the neutral bond wire on the generator must be removed, preferably by the Honda or Arctic Cat dealer or a qualified electrician. NOTE: After this action, the generator will no longer pass OSHA inspection on job sites. Contact a Honda or Arctic Cat dealer to remove the neutral bond. Ask the Honda dealer to refer to the Honda Service Bulletin #20 for instructions on removing the neutral bond.
Top of Page

8. Can you splice wires inside a load center and not violate building codes?
Section 312.8 of the National Electrical Code permits splices and taps in enclosures if the splice or tap does not fill the wiring space to more than 75% of the cross-sectional area of the space. Unless you already have a large number of splices or taps in the load center, adding some more to install the transfer switch is not going to exceed the limits of the Code.
Top of Page

9. Where do I purchase spare and replacement parts for my Gen/Tran products?
GenTran transfer switches are made with off the shelf parts like interchangeable circuit breakers and flanged inlets, available from most electrical distributors if you can source them locally. If you need replacement parts such as meters or breakers, please visit the Support section of this website, and click on Service Parts. Or call us at 1-888-GEN-TRAN.
Top of Page

10. My contractor suggested a meter-socket transfer switch. What does it do?
A meter-based transfer switch combines a meter socket and transfer switch in one. Since there are so many restrictions and requirements on meter sockets outlined by each utility, Gen/Tran has chosen not offer a combination utility meter and transfer switch. However, our Power Center combines a transfer switch with service entrance equipment.
Top of Page

11. Can I use one of Honda�s NEW i-Pro EB Series inverter generators (EB5000i and EB7000i) with a transfer switch?
All of Honda's EB Series generators have a "total generator GFCI" which trips instantly when used with a transfer switch. To avoid this nuisance tripping, you'll have to modify the transfer switch and disconnect the green grounding wire coming from the generator. To do this, remove the green Ground wire from the power inlet on the transfer switch, and put a wire connector on the end of the wire (so as not to leave it bare inside the transfer switch). This should keep your GFCI from from tripping, and yet the outlets on the generator will still be GFCI protected.

Top of Page

12. Is your inspector asking your contractor to run separate neutrals when installing a GenTran transfer switch? Sometimes local electrical inspectors believe that the National Electrical Code (NEC) requires separate neutrals to be run between the main load center and the transfer switch. Since GEnTran transfer switches are UL Listed to UL1008, and therefore comply with Article 702.4 of the NEC which states that the equipment is approved for the intended use, separate neutrals are not required. One million UL Listed GenTran transfer switches have been installed around the United States over the past 25 years, and each of these switches has included one neutral sized for the generator capacity. UL has approved our product design and manufacturing methods for 25 years, and, to our knowledge, the NEC code has not changed in the past 25 years to require separate neutrals.