Q: What size transfer station do I need with a 8000 watt generator. We have a well, refrigerator, electric hot water heater and in the winter run a wood boiler that also supplies our hot water so the hot H20 heater is shut down. I am thinking of purchasing the B&S model you recommend? by Barbara Davis from New York on August 30, 2011
A: You will typically size the transfer switch to match the largest outlet on the generator for proper connections. A 8000 watt generator will normally have a 30A 4-prong 120/240V type outlet so all of the 120/240V 30A transfer switches will work great when connected. The Reliance Controls 30310A is a perfect fit for any generator with a 30A 4-Prong 120/240V outlet.
Reliance Controls 30-Amp (120/240V 10-Circuit) Indoor Transfer Switch Review
I purchased this switch 9/07/2004, and I live in south Florida. It worked perfectly and has gotten me through the mess Wilma made.
November 23, 2011
Bob Middletown, CT
No Power Interruptions
Having an October snow storm which devastated the east coast this year, with many people losing power for more than a week is no fun.We also had a hurricane come through a month earlier which had some people without power for a week also
With this in mind I decided that I was not going through this again.
My Buddy told me about your site and told me to check you out. After checking out your products and comparing them with other distributors you were the best choice for my needs. I am very pleased with products along with the speed of delivery. If I have a need for the products you sell you will be my first choice.
Thank you from a very satisfied customer!
Having an October snow storm which devastated the east coast this year, with many people losing power for more than a week is no fun.We also had a hurricane come through a month earlier which had some people without power for a week also
With this in mind I decided that I was not going through this again.
My Buddy told me about your site and told me to check you out. After checking out your products and comparing them with other distributors you were the best choice for my needs. I am very pleased with products along with the speed of delivery. If I have a need for the pr... more
October 10, 2011
Jamie Pikeville, NC
Electrician Review
I was very impressed with the quality of this transfer switch. I really like the way the wires were labeled which simplified the wiring that was needed. Only took a few hours from start to finish. The installation was very simple and straight-forward. I recommend these style of transfer switches because they are very easy and simple for customers to use. The inspector said he had never seen one exactly like it. He was impressed with the simplicity of the design.
If I have another opportunity to install one of these switches I will be sure to get it from Electric Generators Direct. Thank You
I was very impressed with the quality of this transfer switch. I really like the way the wires were labeled which simplified the wiring that was needed. Only took a few hours from start to finish. The installation was very simple and straight-forward. I recommend these style of transfer switches because they are very easy and simple for customers to use. The inspector said he had never seen one exactly like it. He was impressed with the simplicity of the design.
If I have another opportunity to install one of these switches I will be sure to get it from Electric Generators Dire... more
August 29, 2011
Ken Valley Forge, PA
Reliance 30310A - Very Easy Install and Easier Operation
I had put this purchase off for almost too long but I decided a week before hurricane Irene hit the east coast that I should get one of these and get it installed. It took us a little time to figure out which circuits we wanted to power and we are powering 10 individual circuits as opposed to any duel circuits. Once we figured out what we wanted powered I had this installed in well under an hour.
We gave it a test run and it worked perfectly and I went with the 40-ft 30A power cord from Reliance. It ran as expected and no more running extension cords for us! We normally loose power with any significant storms but this time with Hurricane Irene we never lost power, go figure. Still, we are ready for the next storm and I am very glad to have this transfer switch installed and ready for use!
Next to the generator, this was one of the better investments we have made towards our emergency preparations. This panel is very well made, it was very easy to install, and it's operation is very obvious. Being able to plug in the generator and use household wire to power what you need is simply AWESOME!
I had put this purchase off for almost too long but I decided a week before hurricane Irene hit the east coast that I should get one of these and get it installed. It took us a little time to figure out which circuits we wanted to power and we are powering 10 individual circuits as opposed to any duel circuits. Once we figured out what we wanted powered I had this installed in well under an hour.
We gave it a test run and it worked perfectly and I went with the 40-ft 30A power cord from Reliance. It ran as expected and no more running extension cords for us! We normally loos... more
December 30, 2010
Walt Tyree Crab Orchard, WV
Reliance Control Panel and Honeywell HW5500E
Easy to follow instructions. Very good system. When power goes out, just start the generator then flip switches to power home. I power everything except for hot water heater, furnace and dryer with a 5500 watt generator. Can easily turn off and on circuits to power loads as needed.
When power is restored just flip the switches to line and turn off generator. I also got the flush wall mount and like it, but it does not make this panel fully flush with the wall. I recommend this as there is no need for extension cords for items like the refrigerator. It can be powered without pulling it out and unplugging the power cords.
Honeywell generator easy to assemble - Started with no problems - Electric Start is awesome! So Far VERY pleased with the performance!
Easy to follow instructions. Very good system. When power goes out, just start the generator then flip switches to power home. I power everything except for hot water heater, furnace and dryer with a 5500 watt generator. Can easily turn off and on circuits to power loads as needed.
When power is restored just flip the switches to line and turn off generator. I also got the flush wall mount and like it, but it does not make this panel fully flush with the wall. I recommend this as there is no need for extension cords for items like the refrigerator. It can be powered wit... more
January 21, 2010
Shawn Thompson Fletcher, NC
Home Backup system
My wife and I added a back up power system to our home in early 2010. I searched the local hardware stores as well as online retailers for a top notch generator.
My research led me to Generac as they are built here in the USA in Wisconsin. I also knew we wanted a portable unit along with electric start in case my wife has to get it going in my absence.
I figured out my total wattage INCLUDING my electric 50 gal water heater and decided on the Generac XG8000E. The free speedy delivery from Generator Direct was awesome. I had the unit in about 3 days here in Western North Carolina. It was on a pallet and was in perfect condition.
I put the wheel kit on it, connected the battery, poured in the oil and it started right up. I also ordered the 10 circuit Reliance brand transfer switch. This took about 2 hours to install.
The hardest part was choosing which circuits to power. I actually turned everything in my house on, then started at the top of my main panel and went through turning off each circuit to find out exactly what was on it. That took the longest amount of time. Once this was done, the rest was easy.
The water heater took up 2 spaces in my switch because it's 240V. Once everything was wired, I was anxious to try it out, so I simulated a power outage by throwing the main panel disconnect. Per the instructions, I started my generator and let it warm a few minutes, then I connected my 25', 30 amp cord and started turning each circuit on the transfer switch to the GEN position.
This generator didn't flinch and the "power bar" LEDs showed 25% capacity. I then went into the house and turned everything on that we wanted on the generator: microwave, computer, 3 televisions, lamps, I even opened the refrigerator doors to make sure it was cycling.
I went back down to the basement to look at the meters on the transfer switch and it was only reading about 1900W. The generator was still at idle. So then I started the ultimate test. I went and opened the hot water faucet trying to get the hot water heater to come on.
Let me tell you, the generator nearly died when the heating elements came on. The power bar had all 4 LEDs burning and you could tell the generator was under load! It ran the water heater, but it was a struggle. Now I am planning a tankless water heater because my current water heater is just too much. I'm on city water, so I don't have to run a well pump. Plus this will free up 2 additional circuits.
The only reason I bought the 8000W unit was anticipating the water heater. Now I wish I would have bought the 6000W unit and saved some money as my total "backup" requirements are not going to be above 4-5KW. I guess having extra watt capacity is not a bad thing, but I worry about the fuel usage on extended runs.
So far I am very pleased with the quality and build of both the generator and the transfer switch. After my install I went to my local Northern store just to look at accessories and their selection and inventory was pitiful compared to Generators Direct.com.
EGD RESPONDS: Your money hasn't been wasted- your generator will last longer because you won't be running it at full load.
My wife and I added a back up power system to our home in early 2010. I searched the local hardware stores as well as online retailers for a top notch generator.
My research led me to Generac as they are built here in the USA in Wisconsin. I also knew we wanted a portable unit along with electric start in case my wife has to get it going in my absence.
I figured out my total wattage INCLUDING my electric 50 gal water heater and decided on the Generac XG8000E. The free speedy delivery from Generator Direct was awesome. I had the unit in about 3 days here in Weste... more
December 06, 2011
Rocco Putnam Valley, NY
Generac GP7500E with 30amp indoor transfer switch and 4-prong 40
EGD Responds: The NEMA L14-30 Plug/Receptacle are considered twist-lock. When looking at the plug , you'll notice one of the prongs is "L" shaped, this design allows the plug to be locked (via a small turn) in the receptacle.
I received my new Generac GP7500E generator with 30amp indoor transfer switch and a 4-prong 40 foot power cord. After I assembled the few remaining parts the generator was ready for use so I did a test run, it started right up and ran fine with no issues.
I had a local electrician install the indoor transfer switch and run the 40 foot power cord to the outdoor location where the generator will be used. Although I have not yet used my new generator in a real live backup situation it's now ready to go.
However I was disappointed with the Reliance Control 30 amp 4-prong 40 foot power cord, it DID NOT come with twist locks. When I ordered this power cord I remember reading the specs and features and recall seeing twist locks on both ends, one of the main reasons I ordered this specific power cord....So I'm concerned that when used in a real backup situation the connection may shake loose. If this does happen I will need to look for a plan "B".
EGD Responds: The NEMA L14-30 Plug/Receptacle are considered twist-lock. When looking at the plug , you'll notice one of the prongs is "L" shaped, this design allows the plug to be locked (via a small turn) in the receptacle.
I received my new Generac GP7500E generator with 30amp indoor transfer switch and a 4-prong 40 foot power cord. After I assembled the few remaining parts the generator was ready for use so I did a test run, it started right up and ran fine with no issues.
I had a local electrician install the indoor transfer switch and run the 40 foot pow... more
November 15, 2011
Bob Hillsdale, MI
Prepared This Time
We were without power for a week after the ice storm in Southern Michigan in February of 2010. Miserable. Had to use kerosene heater to heat some of the house (sort of). Lost the food we had in the freezer and the refrigerator. Thank goodness we are on city water with a gas water heater so at least we had water. I decided we weren't going through that again, so I bought a 7,000 watt generator, power outlet, and transfer switch.
I was concerned about installing the transfer switch myself, but let me tell you, if you have any knowledge about the wiring in your house, you can probably do this yourself. Couldn't be easier. Just follow the instructions in the manual that comes with the transfer switch and / or watch the instructional videos on the Reliance website and installation is fast and easy. Now we have power to everything we need in the house when the power goes out. Don't wait until you lose power. Prepare now.
We were without power for a week after the ice storm in Southern Michigan in February of 2010. Miserable. Had to use kerosene heater to heat some of the house (sort of). Lost the food we had in the freezer and the refrigerator. Thank goodness we are on city water with a gas water heater so at least we had water. I decided we weren't going through that again, so I bought a 7,000 watt generator, power outlet, and transfer switch.
I was concerned about installing the transfer switch myself, but let me tell you, if you have any knowledge about the wiring in your house, you can... more
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