Q: Hi Jim, I am looking at your Generac 15kw. The place of installment has a 200A service with a 50A/240V CB for the stove and a 20A/240V CB for the large door. I do not look forward to wiring a transfer switch inside as the layout is not good. Putting the switch next to the outside box makes more sense to me. What do you recommend? Do you sell a 200A switch without CBs? I do not know what the NEC states but it seems if all circuits already have CBs and as the generator has a CB, it would be safe. Only thing the owner will have to monitor what is on at once. Thanks for your help. Steve by Steve Deckard from California on January 04, 2012
A: The proper switch for this application would be the Reliance Controls TWB2005DR. See link for details:
Q: Thinking about splicing this into the dryer line to hook up generator for power outage. What say you? by Steve Kreinbrink from Michigan on March 05, 2011
A: This specific product is to be wired to a manual transfer switch and not to be used to back feed into your panel where you can injure a utility worker working on the line. Even though you may turn off the main breaker you are continually connected to the neutral in the panel.
Suppose some appliance you are running has a hot to ground fault. (Not hot to neutral.) Now the hot side is grounded putting your neutral at 120v. Don't depend on the neutral-ground bond in your panel; it depends on too many iffy connections and may not even be required in some jurisdictions. Now you have a hot neutral wire running to your transformer on the pole. Any other fault that connects one of the hot leads of that transformer to ground puts 120v across the secondary (neutral), which puts anywhere from 4000 to 13,000 volts back along the high voltage lines feeding the transformer. So, the breaker in the generator or the breaker in your panel won't trip immediately. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: Is this product a 4 prong because the photo shows 3 prongs? by Tim from New York on January 26, 2011
A: The inlet box actually has a 4th prong which is the center post and is the correct connection for a 50A cord. by Jim, Product Expert
Overall Rating
4.8
(Based on 5 Reviews)
Sort By
February 12, 2011
Charles Gate City, VA
Wonderful Combination
I got this generator to augment a 5,000 watt generator. The model 30207 generator is very well built, much better than I expected it to be.
The electric start is a great addition. I wired it to the Q510A transfer switch by way of the PB50 power inlet box. This combination is wonderful and with some wiring knowledge does not really require an expert electrician to preform.
August 04, 2010
Eric Glaude Richmond, TX
Very satisfied
This generator is definitely one of the best out on the market for it's type. Living in Houston, TX requires a generator if you plan on making it through what Mother Nature throws at us now and then.
I did a lot of research and there are many generators out that claim power capacities but the ads are misleading. You have to know what you need and find out the facts about the generator ratings before you buy.
This 12kW generator from Powermate is simple yet built to last. The Subaru/Robin engine has the features that you need to ensure reliability and long life.
Like anytging else proper maintenance is the key. The generator itself is a quality unit that uses quality materials and a simple design. A lot of time was spent looking for the right generator head and this is one of the best ones. When buying a generator, look for features that will last rather than fancy electronics that will fail over time due to long term storage.
The power output is what is truly going to make or break a generator. This unit puts the full power rating, 50A, to the main plug outlet rather than splitting the power across the multiple outlets typically provided. Some units claim to be rated the same but will not allow the full power to one outlet.
Overall the folks at EGD are great to deal with, followed through with the order, and the shipping company, R&L Shipping, delivered the heavy unit on time, with no issues at all.
The driver even pulled the unit down a very long driveway and placed it exactly where my shipping instruction were to drop it. Very satisfied with the delivery service provided.
You won't be disappointed with this Powermate generator and thanks to EGD for great customer service and a great deal.
This generator is definitely one of the best out on the market for it's type. Living in Houston, TX requires a generator if you plan on making it through what Mother Nature throws at us now and then.
I did a lot of research and there are many generators out that claim power capacities but the ads are misleading. You have to know what you need and find out the facts about the generator ratings before you buy.
This 12kW generator from Powermate is simple yet built to last. The Subaru/Robin engine has the features that you need to ensure reliability and long life. <... more
September 23, 2011
Bud East Bridgewater, MA
Very Satisfied
Received Generac Model XG10000E on Monday Sep 19, 2011, had received 10' 50 amp power cord, inlet box and Reliance 100 amp indoor transfer switch approximately 1 weeks earlier. Didn't receive generator earlier as it was on backorder.
Electrician came over, looked at electrical configuration of the house (I have 200 amp input from street, with one breaker box in garage which handles in-law apartment and then sends 100 amp service to breaker box in cellar which powers main house). Electrician explained need for 200 amp transfer switch due to 200 amp feed from street. The generator is hooked up temporarily to garage breaker box until either he or I get 200 amp transfer switch.
But, as for the operation of the generator - works great! Powers everything I need during a loss of power - my only regret is that I should have gotten a bigger one and I would have more of a cushion if it were needed.
Received Generac Model XG10000E on Monday Sep 19, 2011, had received 10' 50 amp power cord, inlet box and Reliance 100 amp indoor transfer switch approximately 1 weeks earlier. Didn't receive generator earlier as it was on backorder.
Electrician came over, looked at electrical configuration of the house (I have 200 amp input from street, with one breaker box in garage which handles in-law apartment and then sends 100 amp service to breaker box in cellar which powers main house). Electrician explained need for 200 amp transfer switch due to 200 amp feed from street. The generato... more
January 15, 2011
Dan Hoffman Norman, OK
Greatly Flexible 10-Circuit Manual Switch
After numerous years of putting up with dirty power and extended power outages, I realized that I needed a generator backup system. I did not have a lot of cash to spend on this. A logical solution for me was to be as utilitarian as possible.
Our house is just shy of 2200 sqft with a seperate water well and anerobic septic system and most of the modern appliances. In order to be as comfortable as possible and not break the bank I picked a 10-Circuit 50AMP capacity switch made by Reliance Controls, Q510C along with the external 50AMP power receptical, PB50.
I had a certified electrician install it for me. During installation I realized that it was better to install in the PB50 in the slot provided within the Q510C. I had to change out a couple of breakers in order to support both my well and septic, which made me glad that I purchased the Q510C.
After testing the manual transfer switch I am extremely happy! Ten circuits was perfect. I will be marrying it with a 10K generator now that I know what will allow me to run what I need during power outages.
After numerous years of putting up with dirty power and extended power outages, I realized that I needed a generator backup system. I did not have a lot of cash to spend on this. A logical solution for me was to be as utilitarian as possible.
Our house is just shy of 2200 sqft with a seperate water well and anerobic septic system and most of the modern appliances. In order to be as comfortable as possible and not break the bank I picked a 10-Circuit 50AMP capacity switch made by Reliance Controls, Q510C along with the external 50AMP power receptical, PB50.
I placed an order on a Friday and I received everything by the following Wednesday.
The smaller items came by UPS on Tuesday and the generator on Wednesday; everything was in perfect condition- what great service.
I was a little surprised at the size of the generator at first. It's big, but with the wheels on it's well balanced and pretty easy to move around for a 400 lb machine.
Putting it together was easy and after adding the oil and gas it started right up and ran very well and was only as loud as my old Powermate 3500 watt generator- not too bad for a machine this large; in idle mode it's very quiet.
So far I'm very satisfied with the service and products Electric Generators Direct provided me and would recommend your company to anyone who is looking for a generator at a great price.
I placed an order on a Friday and I received everything by the following Wednesday.
The smaller items came by UPS on Tuesday and the generator on Wednesday; everything was in perfect condition- what great service.
I was a little surprised at the size of the generator at first. It's big, but with the wheels on it's well balanced and pretty easy to move around for a 400 lb machine.
Putting it together was easy and after adding the oil and gas it started right up and ran very well and was only as loud as my old Powermate 3500 watt generator- not too... more