Q: Jim, I have a 7500 watt generator that I wish to connect via a manual transfer switch. One of the branch circuits I need to connect is a 30Amp for a grinder pump. My intention is not to have this grinder pump circuit energized all the time,but will selectively energize it when using the generator. The grinder pump has a holding tank and doesn't run all that often. Problem is I can't find a 30Amp manual transfer switch with 30 amp breakers. Do you think the 50 amp 10 circuit reliance is the answer. would prefer to have a transfer switch as opposed to as switched sub-panel. Thanks by Scott Evans from Maryland on January 27, 2012
A: Since you have a 7500 watt generator there is no need to upgrade to a 50A switch. Reliance has a 30A which includes a 30A breaker....model Q310C, click on link for details.
Q: I have a 150 amp panel and want to connect a 7500 watt portable generator. My electrician says that I would need a 150 amp transfer switch so that it doesn't burn out when it is connected to the main utility power. Would this 50 amp switch be sufficient or do I need the larger amperage? by Rob Ianuale from New Jersey on January 04, 2012
A: Your electrician is misinformed and you need to match the manual transfer switch to the size of the generator outlet. Your 7500 watt generator most likely has a 30A 4-Prong twist lock type connection so using any 30A manual transfer switch will work.
Your electrician need to remember that when connecting to a manual transfer switch you are not trying to power the entire panel, only select circuits. Unless you want to power the entire panel then you would need to look at manual transfer panels instead of switches.
A manual transfer panel is typically mounted between your meter and main and would match the incoming utility amperage or larger if local code permits.
You may want to find an electrician who is familiar with installing manual transfer switches.
Q: I have a 400 amp main panel, and a 200 amp sub panel, the sub-panel is in the garage and that is where I would like to have the transfer switch. Can the Q510 transfer switch be mounted and operated right next to a sub-panel, or does it need to be by the main panel? I figured that it would depend on what I wanted to have wired to it, but that if I needed to have a circuit from the main panel, the electrician would just need to run a longer wire to that location. by Richard from Arizona on May 03, 2011
A: You can definitely wire the Q510C to the sub-panel. We do offer the installation guide on the website page for this unit. It is listed under the specs tab on the specific product page.
Q: I recently purchased a generac XG8000E . Can I use a Reliance Q510C tran. switch hardwired to the 30 amp inlet box? by JIM from New York on March 15, 2011
A: You can install a 50A manual transfer switch in this situation but you are still limited to the 30A outlet on the generator. The only reason to install a larger transfer switch would be if you are planning on upgrading your generator to a unit that has a 50A outlet. by Jim, Product Expert
Q: I live in a mobile home with a 200 amp main. I own a generac 15kw 50 amp. Need to install a transfer switch to run whole house. What do you recommend?
by John Gaskins from Louisiana on February 26, 2011
A: This specific transfer switch is designed to power 10 circuits instead of a whole house. The following link is a model that would be more suited for this purpose and it is mounted between your meter and main which allows control of the entire circuit panel which would need to be managed so as to not overload the generator.
Q: Does the Q306C come as pictured with 6 breakers installed, or do I provide the breakers? by Bob from Maryland on February 05, 2011
A: This product is supplied with a combination of 15- and 20-amp circuit breakers. In some cases, a 30 amp double-pole breaker may be supplied in the A and B positions. All circuit breaker positions will accommodate 15- and 20-amp circuit breakers, and may be easily changed in the field. by Jim, Product Expert
Overall Rating
4.7
(Based on 9 Reviews)
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Jim Baugher, Product Expert Electric Generators Direct
Jim's Recommendation
This transfer switch has all of the same features as our better choice, but it can handle a larger generator.
The Reliance Q Series features 1-inch interchangeable circuit breakers. A 30A double-pole circuit breaker and a 20A double-pole circuit breaker, to handle heavier loads on the generator side, are included on each model. The balance of the circuit breakers are single-pole 15A, in the transfer switch these may be connected to 15A or 20A circuits in the load center. Circuits are limited to 15A only on the generator side of the switch.
One of the largest benefits we see is that the circuit breakers in the transfer switch are easily replaced. The spaces containing the 30A and 20A double-pole circuits may be replaced with 15 or 20A single-pole breakers if desired.
If you have a portable generator less than 12500 Watts this transfer switch can be an easy way to avoid running cords all around your house. Plan ahead and have this transfer switch installed to save even more headaches during a power outage!
February 14, 2010
Michael Miller Harrisville, NH
Great Product
This is a Great Product- after printing out the online directions, it went together easily.
The interchangeable breakers are a great feature.
The lines are long enough to hook up in main panel easily, although the manual that comes with device could use some sprucing up. It's poorly printed and the diagram is small and fuzzy.
After looking at a number of transfer switches I settled on the Q510. It went it very easily and it took me a weekend to finish the job (not working full time). I like the prewired harness and the ability to replace/switch breakers in the panel.
I have a 7500 w portable generator and it works fine using this panel. A bit pricey (you can get cheaper ones from GeneratorsDirect that have fewer circuits), but I like having the flexibility that the 10 circuit panel provides. I now have all my water pumps (sump, septic, and well), a few lighting circuits, and my water heater on line if I need them (you would have to rotate loads of course, using the generator I have). I left the leads long enough so if I change my mind I can move the water heater feed over to my furnace/air handler (also 30 amps). I probably won't need it since I have a wood stove and fireplace, but its an option anyway.
Nice to have peace of mind. I recommend this product.
After looking at a number of transfer switches I settled on the Q510. It went it very easily and it took me a weekend to finish the job (not working full time). I like the prewired harness and the ability to replace/switch breakers in the panel.
I have a 7500 w portable generator and it works fine using this panel. A bit pricey (you can get cheaper ones from GeneratorsDirect that have fewer circuits), but I like having the flexibility that the 10 circuit panel provides. I now have all my water pumps (sump, septic, and well), a few lighting circuits, and my water heater on li... more
November 17, 2011
Paul Portland, CT
October 2011 Nor'easter
In October of this year, an early Autumn Nor'easter hit Connecticut with a foot of heavy, wet snow. The leaves had not fallen off the trees yet, so the added weight of the snow took down trees and large limbs. This in turn took down power lines and smashed substations. The overall effect was that over 850,000 customers of Connectict power companies were without power for up to ten days. I lost power for 2 days, and my Generac 5734 generator with the Reliance Controls 50-amp transfer switch powered my home for the 2 days. Both the generator and transfer switch performed flawlessly. One of he best investments I have ever made.
In October of this year, an early Autumn Nor'easter hit Connecticut with a foot of heavy, wet snow. The leaves had not fallen off the trees yet, so the added weight of the snow took down trees and large limbs. This in turn took down power lines and smashed substations. The overall effect was that over 850,000 customers of Connectict power companies were without power for up to ten days. I lost power for 2 days, and my Generac 5734 generator with the Reliance Controls 50-amp transfer switch powered my home for the 2 days. Both the generator and transfer switch performed flawlessly. One of he be... more
September 18, 2011
Mike Springfield, VA
One Of The Best
This transfer switch was one of the best I've installed. Perfect timing and good price. Thank You!
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.
Questionable quality for Gen power connection within the panel
This unit is of what I feel is fairly high quality. I like the fact that it uses standard breakers and that they can be replaced. I do question the choice of the terminal block reliance has chosen to connect the generators output to however.
While working within electrical panels, and comparing the screw connections on your typical circuit breaker to the Radio Shack quality terminal block reliance controls provides to connect a 50 amp line to, I think they dropped the ball.
I travel to Asia and see some pretty shoddy and not so safe practices, that's exactly what i thought of when I saw that terminal block. Reliance needs to step it up in that area. To this day I worry about that connection. My only relief is that it is only powered if the Gen is running, otherwise I would have returned it.
This unit is of what I feel is fairly high quality. I like the fact that it uses standard breakers and that they can be replaced. I do question the choice of the terminal block reliance has chosen to connect the generators output to however.
While working within electrical panels, and comparing the screw connections on your typical circuit breaker to the Radio Shack quality terminal block reliance controls provides to connect a 50 amp line to, I think they dropped the ball.
I travel to Asia and see some pretty shoddy and not so safe practices, that's exactly wha... more
November 05, 2010
Robert Chillicothe, OH
ONLY NUMBER 10 WIRE
EGD RESPONDS:
"Although we typically do not recite the standards from the National Electric Code (NEC) all that often, what Reliance claims is true and deemed safe by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Wires run less than 1 foot are allowed to drop gauges provided they still pass the UL inspection. In the case of this Reliance panel, they did pass and the UL certification is intact on this model so it is safe."
The process of ordering from Generators Direct was fine. I had researched manual transfer switches very well and the reviews of the one that finally ordered, (Reliance 50 amp with breakers) were very good.
When I got the switch I opened it up to see where you would connect my 50 amp input cable into I noticed that the two hot leads were only number 10 wire. This would be fine for 30 amp but not 50 amp. I called Reliance and ask them why this was, why it wasn't number 6 wire. I was told that since it was only a short distance that number 10 would work. This goes against all the education and training I've had.
Since my Generac dealer would be delivering my generator about a week later and was a licensed, certified electrician, I decided to ask him about it when he came. When he came I told him about it, he agreed with me, if you were pulling 50 amps the wires would get hot and that it was a danger.
In the reviews I read everyone had installed these and seem to work okay.
I had planned to order a 30 amp switch later, so I will use this one for that purpose, but I ordered a 50 amp Gen-Tran unit from Generators Direct for my 50 amp usage.
EGD RESPONDS:
"Although we typically do not recite the standards from the National Electric Code (NEC) all that often, what Reliance claims is true and deemed safe by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Wires run less than 1 foot are allowed to drop gauges provided they still pass the UL inspection. In the case of this Reliance panel, they did pass and the UL certification is intact on this model so it is safe."
The process of ordering from Generators Direct was fine. I had researched manual transfer switches very well and the reviews of the one th... more
September 08, 2010
Gene Mangieri Asbury, NJ
Good product at a reasonable price
Good product at a reasonable price.
Enabled my customer to connect his AC unit because of the higher amperage.
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 Transfer Switch w/ Interchangeable Breakers at Electric Generators Direct includes a factory-direct discount and a tax-free guarantee. "Pin It")
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