Q: Can the 240v circuit breaker be divided into 2 20 amp 120 circuits by removing the jumper shown in the picture? by Bill from New York on September 26, 2012
A: Yes, you can make the 20A 240V circuits into 2 - 20A 120V circuits.
Q: I am wondering if this transfer witch is compatible with all generators with a 30 amp 120/240 volt outlet. My generator is the Briggs & Stratton Storm Responder 5500 watt model number 030430-2 and I want to make sure that there is not an issue with the neutral and that the generator is compatible. Also my circuit breaker panel has the ground and neutral on the same bus. by Andrew from Massachusetts on September 04, 2012
A: Your generator has a bonded neutral. It will work with the 6 circuit manual switch. The only time the bonding makes any difference with manual switches is when connecting GFI circuits in the home. They tend to nuisance trip when connected to a bonded neutral generator. The solution is to buy a transfer switch, like the Reliance "x" series that transfers the neutral as well as the hots.
Again, if you are wiring up lights/fridge/furnace fan/sump pumps you will be fine. If you add a kitchen outlet or bath outlet (near sinks and GFI) to the manual switch then you may experience the nuisance tripping. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: Can I use this transfer switch with a 4kW generator that has a NEMA L5-30 outlet? If not, what transfer switch could I use?
by David Guevara from Oregon on August 06, 2012
A: The 31406CRK is a 120/240V type transfer switch and will not work properly with your 120V only output.
The following switch is recommended and unfortunately it is not available in a kit so you would purchase each item individually....
Q: When I use this transfer switch, do I still need to shut off the main breaker to prevent feeding the main power lines? by Jacob from Minnesota on May 23, 2012
A: No, the manual transfer switch properly disconnects you from the utility power so you do not need to turn off your main breaker. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: I have a home theater system in my living room that I want to power during outages; I have been informed, however, that due to power fluctuations caused by generators - in my case, a Troy-Bilt model 01919; 5500-watt - damage to the electronics may result, and this is not recommended.
Can you advise? by R L Bagwell from Virginia on July 24, 2011
A: Any sensitive electronics should only be powered by an inverter style generator which produces true 120V output. The largest model we offer is the Honda EU6500ISA which is a 5500 watt model or the Honda EM5000IS which is also a 4500 watt model. See links for additional info:
Q: I read in your review about an 8000 watts generator being ok to use.... how about an 8500 watt??? by Paul Virag from Ohio on March 12, 2011
A: With this being a 30A system the max wattage you can run through it is 7500 watts. However, when properly sizing a generator you want to size it to 80% of the generators running capacity so when a large load kicks in the unit has enough flexibility to handle it without sacrificing voltage. So, yes a 8500 watt generator will work great with this transfer switch kit. by Jim, Product Expert
Overall Rating
5.0
(Based on 23 Reviews)
Sort By
Jim Baugher, Product Expert Electric Generators Direct
Jim's Recommendation
These indoor surface mount transfer switches are designed for fast installation in residential and commercial applications. The 18-inch flexible conduit whip attaches easily to the load center and all wires are clearly marked. Simply select the circuits needed in an emergency and connect them to the wire leads.
This model feature a rugged powder-coated steel cabinet with six combination 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch knockouts, resettable branch rated circuit breakers and non-defeatable double-throw switches. This model is intended for use with a generator up to 7500watts.
This model handles up to 6 circuits; four 1-Pole (15-Amps) and one 2-Pole (20-Amps).
January 26, 2008
Anthony Guadagna
Reliance Controls Power Transfer Kit For Portable Generators (6 Circuit) Review
Very Nice Kit. Easy to Understand and Install.
November 17, 2006
Butch Fell
Reliance Controls Power Transfer Kit For Portable Generators (6 Circuit) Review
I just purchased and installed this kit after experiencing the storm of the century in October. The install does not require an electrician for someone who is familiar with basic electrical connections. It only took me 1 hour... Seeing the usage on the meters was highly valuable to balance the usage. I highly encourage purchasing this product.
November 05, 2006
Thomas Hayes
Reliance Controls Power Transfer Kit For Portable Generators (6 Circuit) Review
Looked around awhile at home improvement stores an then on the web. I finally settled on this one because i had a 5000 watt generator.
Had it put in by a electrian an he like the design, an it is a whole lot better then pulling out power cords.
July 20, 2006
Homer Jeffries
Reliance Controls Power Transfer Kit For Portable Generators (6 Circuit) Review
this kit is just what I was looking for and cost way less than the other kits I looked at.
September 30, 2005
Michael J Evanich
Reliance Controls Power Transfer Kit For Portable Generators (6 Circuit) Review
Delivery was fast, Quality Product, Easy to install
yourself with the knowledge of wiring , take your time plan out where you want your inlet box , check your codes , instructions were very understandable if in doubt hire an electrician . Im
ready for an emergency if it happens Im prepaired
for it now , Just be careful and use good common sense is the rule if you do it yourself. Thanks
June 14, 2005
Rich Kraus
Reliance Controls Power Transfer Kit For Portable Generators (6 Circuit) Review
nice complete kit.
everything is included except whatever sort of cabling you will require between the transfer pannel and the inlet box. a quick trip to the local home center will cure that!
my install went very smoothly, converting the cuircuits i had pre planned to use into generator switchable cuircuits in about 2 hours time.
counting dragging out the generator, i can have power restored to all my vital cuircuits now in about 5 mins. no dragging extension cords around, and no backfeeding the main pannel. makes this a worthwile buy.
great service from electric generators dirrect, i had mine from them in less than 7 days!
nice complete kit.
everything is included except whatever sort of cabling you will require between the transfer pannel and the inlet box. a quick trip to the local home center will cure that!
my install went very smoothly, converting the cuircuits i had pre planned to use into generator switchable cuircuits in about 2 hours time.
counting dragging out the generator, i can have power restored to all my vital cuircuits now in about 5 mins. no dragging extension cords around, and no backfeeding the main pannel. makes this a worthwile buy.
I had been using an old 'pull-start' generator that never let me down but I had extension cords run all over the house. At 83, I figured it was time to upgrade to an electric start generator and wire things a bit more permanently. The transfer switch was exactly as advertized and the instructions were very clear. The installation went perfectly. In fairness, I had a bit of an electrical background but anyone handy with tools and an understanding of the concept should have no problem installing it.
When I bought the generator the delivery guy said "I hope you never need it". Me too!
December 28, 2012
Jeff G Fair Lawn, NJ
A Solid And Reliable Transfer Switch At A Great Price
Let's face it, more and more homeowners are realizing that not having an alternate means to power your house is just not possible. Those of us who have lost electricity in the past 2-3 years for days and sometimes weeks are looking at affordable, safe, and reliable ways to assure our homes will continue to be comfortable and secure while we wait for public utilities to come back on line.
Last summer I purchased a 6000w portable generator but realized I would need a transfer switch to properly protect the key circuits in my home (fridge, freezer, primary lights and boiler). I bought the reliance manual transfer switch after seeing other reviews and also going on line with the company and looking at their installation video.
Installation is quite simple. I chose to install a 30 amp generator connection outside my house and this kit has it all. I disconnected the main breakers in the distribution panel, opened the circuits from the individual circuits I chose to protect and attached the color coded and numbered wires as described in the installation manual. Total time including mounting the box, running a 8-4 cable from the connector to the box and attaching the 6 circuits took less than 2 hrs total.
One word of advice is that when you decide which circuits you want to protect, do a fast wattage calculation so you can balance the load. The watt meters are useful, but it is always better to know in advance of the load you plan to put onto the generator and to distribute in a manner as to limit the strain on the generator. That said, if you feel comfortable changing an outlet in your house and are looking to install a generator to provide backup power, then getting this switch is an affordable way to power up your home when the need arises.
Let's face it, more and more homeowners are realizing that not having an alternate means to power your house is just not possible. Those of us who have lost electricity in the past 2-3 years for days and sometimes weeks are looking at affordable, safe, and reliable ways to assure our homes will continue to be comfortable and secure while we wait for public utilities to come back on line.
Last summer I purchased a 6000w portable generator but realized I would need a transfer switch to properly protect the key circuits in my home (fridge, freezer, primary lights and boiler). I bought the relia... more
November 21, 2012
Richard G. Valley Stream, NY
Professional User
I like the fast service and great prices.
November 07, 2012
K.J.C.
Great Accessory
This is a great accessory for a portable generator- no more pulling extension cords to power your wanted items.
The kit is well thought out for a person with average skills. Use caution working in a fuse box- it can be deadly, so take care, I was lucky that power could be shut off to the main breaker box.
All is included except your power line (10-3) running from the transfer switch to the outside plug-in box. At present I am running a 4000 watt unit with an L5-30 plug. I found an adapter to plug in the supplied cord (L14-30R); I'm looking to upgrade to a larger unit to power my well pump, so it is all set to accept the larger unit.
Again, I cannot say enough good things about this product with all the bad weather we've had in NJ. It's performed up to its rating.
This is a great accessory for a portable generator- no more pulling extension cords to power your wanted items.
The kit is well thought out for a person with average skills. Use caution working in a fuse box- it can be deadly, so take care, I was lucky that power could be shut off to the main breaker box.
All is included except your power line (10-3) running from the transfer switch to the outside plug-in box. At present I am running a 4000 watt unit with an L5-30 plug. I found an adapter to plug in the supplied cord (L14-30R); I'm looking to upgrade to a larger unit to power my well ... more
October 03, 2012
Jeff
Piece Of Cake
If you've had a bit of experience with electrical work and are comfortable working in the main circuit box, this is an easy to install kit.
The instructions are very clear and easy to follow. The video tutorial is excellent. Highly recommended.
EGD RESPONDS: We need to remind folks that some towns & some insurance companies require changes to your electrical box be certified by a registered electrician. Please check your local zoning, and with your insurance agent.
September 22, 2012
Don Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Installing Was Easy
The hardest thing about installing the kit for me, was mounting the plywood to the basement wall and drilling the hole for the disconnect box. And that was only because I had to go to the hardware store for a small piece of plywood and a 15 ft. length of 10-3 wire.
Wiring the box to the breaker box could not have been simpler, all wires are clearly marked and a snap to install. It works great with my Powermate 5000 watt generator.
I was without power in NJ for a week from the dericho or whatever it was called. . . I think big pain in the --- is a good name for it.
I like this better then the disconnect kit, it's safer for my family to use when I'm not here. One more thing- running for supplies, installation and cleanup took about 4 hours and was no problem.
EGD RESPONDS: We need to remind folks that some towns & insurance companies require changes or additions to an electrical panel be certified by a registered electrician. Please check your local building codes, & with your insurance agent.
The hardest thing about installing the kit for me, was mounting the plywood to the basement wall and drilling the hole for the disconnect box. And that was only because I had to go to the hardware store for a small piece of plywood and a 15 ft. length of 10-3 wire.
Wiring the box to the breaker box could not have been simpler, all wires are clearly marked and a snap to install. It works great with my Powermate 5000 watt generator.
I was without power in NJ for a week from the dericho or whatever it was called. . . I think big pain in the --- is a good name for it.
We live in the foothills of Northeast GA and we are always experiencing power outages. We haven't had one since the transfer switch has been installed, but we are ready!
The switch blends in well beside the breaker box in the laundry room. I had it installed in the recessed box and I have added the clear lid to the controls. It looks very professional!
August 22, 2012
Chris
Simple To Install
After the Deracho of 2012 I purchased a generator and the transfer kit for ease of use in case of another power outage. The instructions were clear and easy to understand and only took a couple of hours to install.
The external outlet is a great feature and I can have my generator up and running, supplying power, in as little as 5 minutes.
Great product and I would recommend it highly.
August 07, 2012
Rick H. Cypress, TX
Good System
My electrician arrived and said "what did you get all this stuff for?"... he always wired it through the panel.
After he got it out and looked at the directions and installed it, he said "this is one good system, it provides a much safer process for using your generator".
August 04, 2012
Gary
Completely Satisfied
Completely satisfied. Delivery was on time. Instructions are very clear. Installation was easy.
The most difficult part was identifying my circuits in the electrical panel. I purchased a tone device from a big box store for about $40 that made the process much easier. I also had to purchase Romex 10-3 wire for outdoor receptacle; it was about $30 for 15 feet.
EGD RESPONDS: Please be aware that some areas require electrical panel modifications to be inspected by a certified electrician- be sure to check your local building codes.
August 03, 2011
Zender Electeric Fostoria, Ohio, OH
Permanent Customer
Prices at Direct were great and very helpful and knowledgeable to talk to. A++++
December 24, 2010
Gerald Cramer Manassas Va, VA
31406crk
Thank you for your excellent service,your product was in perfect condition when I received it.
The instructions were very simple to follow. I am very satisfied with my purchase.
Thank You.
November 02, 2010
David Carnation, WA
Get Er Done!
Just installed today,the electrician had no problems.Everything but the hotwater heater and range are able to get up and running.
After years of listening to my neighbors generators when power go out, no more sinking feeling of "ok it'll just be for a little while". That little while took 2 weeks a few years.
Nice little product. I am ready!
August 16, 2010
James Wells Tampa, FL
Completed
I ordered the transfer switch on Monday, 7/26/2010 and had it in my hands Friday 7/30/2010 as promised.
I have only a limited knowledge of electrical work, but following the instructions the installation was completed in less than a couple of hours.
EGD RESPONDS: Please check your local regulations for code; some areas and/or insurance companies require installation performed or certified by licensed professionals.
March 31, 2010
Phillip Henderson Saulsbury, TN
Well Worth The Money
If you have a small amount of knowledge on wiring, you can handle this project easily. The instructions help with every detail.
Everything is included except the 10-3 wiring from the transfer box to the external plug. I had only 16 inches between the 2, so I used a piece of a 4 prong dryer cord that I had laying around.
I have an electric start generator, so with the new transfer box installed my wife can have power on command in my absence.
Well worth the money!!
December 29, 2009
Robert Gourley Tarentum, PA
Rate This A 10
I'm a carpenter with basic wiring skills. The installation was easy- everything you need is there.
It's a very well thought-out product, I would recomend it. The only thing I had to get was the 103 wire going to outside plug.