Q: Jim, I have a 5000 watt portable and want to install a tranfer switch. I want to locate the power inlet box outside my basement wall but the location is about 35 feet from my panel. What do you suggest. Thanks! Dave by Dave Dezzi from Pennsylvania on August 19, 2011
A: This Reliance Controls transfer switch is a good choice but the have the connection outlet the distance you want you would need to go with the PB30 power inlet box which can be mounted where you needed it and then hardwire from it to the transfer switch. There should be no concerns with the distance if you use 10 gauge wire for the connection from the box to the transfer switch. See link below for suggested model:
Does this manual transfer switch Model 30216A come with the power inlet or is that a separate item to purchase? by Sam from Illinois on March 03, 2011
A: Sam,
The manual transfer switch comes exactly as it is pictured with the receptacle separate. The new National Electric Code established in Jan 2010 states that manufacturers cannot install the receptacle on the face of an indoor manual transfer switch anymore. This is done to prevent users from connecting a short cord and running their generator inside their garage or structure. All generators must be run outside for proper ventilation due to the abundance of carbon monoxide that they produce. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: Hey Jim... Reliance Controls 30-Amp (120/240V 6-Circuit) Indoor Transfer Switch... Will this transfer switch work with a Honda 3500 watt generator??? Thank You... by Randy from California on March 02, 2011
A: This switch is rated for up to 7500 watts and can easily handle a 3500 watt generator but the key will be the connections. This unit comes with an outlet that is rated at 30A and has 4-prongs since it can handle 120V & 240V. You will have to check the largest outlet you have on your generator and I would suggest you purchase an outdoor power inlet box that matches your generator and then have that wired directly to the transfer switch. That way when you decide to upgrade all you have to do is change the power inlet box instead of the whole transfer switch.
(THIS IS ONLY AN OPINION, I AM NOT A CERTIFIED ELECTRICIAN), But, if you can wire an electric socket and or switch, you should be able to handle this without much difficulty. Although there are a couple of items that should be covered for clarification of installation.
1. To install the provided "male plug" into the switch front housing, you may need to remove the (2) two front bottom screws on the transfer switch, so you can find the (4) four wires needed to hook up the plug. (2 wires in my transfer switch were buried, beyond fingers reach, within switch) Once all (4) four wires have been obtained, then simply follow the enclosed leaflet instructions, to wire plug.
2. Make sure you mount switch so the incoming wires to the main panel are situated in the bottom center of main panel to allow enough wire for both rows of breakers. (I have 2 panels, side by side, one 300 amp and one 200 amp. I was worried when first starting out, because one needed circuit was within the second panel. Luckily this switch came with ample length wiring, attached, to reach to the second panel, with wire to spare.)
Just notes, Not complainants. For the money, this switch did the trick for me. I could have bought a bigger switch, (more circuits, with removable breakers) but after upgrading my generator purchase from a 5500 to a 6500 Generac, I knew Mamma would start screaming if the bill got too big. LOL
But seriously, I was impressed by the clear markings on almost every wire, and good instructions that were supplied with switch and plug. I highly recommend this switch, works like a charm for me.
REMEMBER, SHUT "OFF" ALL MAIN BREAKERS ON ALL MAIN PANELS BEFORE YOU START
Hope this helps, Good Luck
(THIS IS ONLY AN OPINION, I AM NOT A CERTIFIED ELECTRICIAN), But, if you can wire an electric socket and or switch, you should be able to handle this without much difficulty. Although there are a couple of items that should be covered for clarification of installation.
1. To install the provided "male plug" into the switch front housing, you may need to remove the (2) two front bottom screws on the transfer switch, so you can find the (4) four wires needed to hook up the plug. (2 wires in my transfer switch were buried, beyond fingers reach, within switch) Once all (4)... more
October 08, 2011
Victor New Bern, NC
Satisfied
The Reliance Panel met all of my expectations for use. It was shipped in a timely manner and well packaged. I would recommend EGD to a friend.
October 19, 2010
Ron Uniontown, PA
Test my Reliance Transfer Switch
Just had it installed, hooked up the generator and everything worked just fine.
Hope I never have to hook it up again, but if I do, it is ready.
February 26, 2010
James Leach Damascus, OR
I will buy from EGD again
I love the electric start, it makes it very easy for my customer to start it and the transfer switch is user friendly.
I placed my order and was updated with shipping info daily. I will be buying from Electric Generators Direct.com again.
August 30, 2009
Robert Fawcett Evansville, IN
Midwestern Ice Storm- February 2009
When the ice storm hit the midwest we were without power for two weeks.
This transfer switch provided power with a 5000 watt generator to run our refrigerators, microwave, gas furnace blower and water pump- and it kept the pipes keep from freezing. We could live like civilized human beings again.
It was easy to install with online video (www.reliancecontrols.com). Once installed, we just plugged in the cord through a window and started the generator, then flipped switches from line to generator, easy as pie.
The rest of circuits not wired to this panel will come on when power is restored so you can then easily recognize when to turn off generator and resume regular power without the danger of killing linemen.
We have used it since that winter storm for another power outage. It works just fine, and is safe.
When the ice storm hit the midwest we were without power for two weeks.
This transfer switch provided power with a 5000 watt generator to run our refrigerators, microwave, gas furnace blower and water pump- and it kept the pipes keep from freezing. We could live like civilized human beings again.
It was easy to install with online video (www.reliancecontrols.com). Once installed, we just plugged in the cord through a window and started the generator, then flipped switches from line to generator, easy as pie.
When I placed my order I knew it would be a little while before it was shipped; I did not however, expect it to take a month which I found to be a bit disappointing.
The product, though not installed or tested, appears to be very well manufactured and I'm glad to be able to buy American (USA).
I was also very disappointed that a schematic was not included with the documentation and I was unable to locate one on the Internet.
EGD RESPONDS: The manual provided with the transfer switch is available online and shows step by step instructions with photos that are easier to follow than a schematic. You can ask Reliance to send you a schematic by pasting this link into your browser: http://www.reliancecontrols.com/Support.aspx?contact
When multiple natural disasters occur across the country (in this case an ice storm in New England and record snows in the Western States) it may take a while for the supply to catch up to the demand. Reliance worked very hard to produce their product as quickly as they could while still maintaining their quality. We apologize for any inconvenience the delay may have caused.
When I placed my order I knew it would be a little while before it was shipped; I did not however, expect it to take a month which I found to be a bit disappointing.
The product, though not installed or tested, appears to be very well manufactured and I'm glad to be able to buy American (USA).
I was also very disappointed that a schematic was not included with the documentation and I was unable to locate one on the Internet.
EGD RESPONDS: The manual provided with the transfer switch is available online and shows step by step instructions with phot... more