Reliance Controls 50-Amp (120/240V 10-Circuit) Transfer Switch w/ Interchangeable Breakers

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... more

During the last power failure, over 8 hours, the house got fairly warm and my wife asked what it would take to run the Air Conditioning with the generator. We had a Coleman 5kw generator with Generac 30amp manual tranfer panel. I have now replaced the 30amp panel with the Reliance Q510C 50amp transfer panel. I like the Cuttler-Hammer breakers in this panel.

My next move is to purchase a Generac 5802 XG10000E 10kw generator from Electric Generators Direct. I do all my own elecrical work, so our total cost for the upgrade is $2600. I should be able to recover about $500 for the old generator and 30amp panel.

I've looked at other 10kw generators for less money, but the Generac is made in the USA and I believe Electric Generators Direct has great support service.

I've included pictures of the installed panel.

During the last power failure, over 8 hours, the house got fairly warm and my wife asked what it would take to run the Air Conditioning with the generator. We had a Coleman 5kw generator with Generac 30amp manual tranfer panel. I have now replaced the 30amp panel with the Reliance Q510C 50amp transfer panel. I like the Cuttler-Hammer breakers in this panel.

My next move is to purchase a Generac 5802 XG10000E 10kw generator from Electric Generators Direct. I do all my own elecrical work, so... more

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.

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... more

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... more

Arrived on time and was very straight forward. Two minor comments. Circuit markings on wires to connect to main panel very hard to read. Also using the internal current loops-hard to thread through the wires. Other than that-exceeded my expectations-and best of all my wife feels comfortable in using!

Setting house up for power outages. Bought this to protect line men when doing repairs. It is actually very easy to install with basic knowledge of electric wiring. The operation is even more simple than I had anticipated. If your going to do this kind of set up I highly recommend this product. It is a little pricy but you get what you pay for!

I have some home wiring experience, but this is the first time I have installed a generator contact switch. The directions were easy to follow and I did not encounter any problems. The wires are color coded to eliminate any problems.

It is important to be sure to locate the box in a position that allows for a large enough knockout in the main panel, and that the wires in the generator switch will reach the desired circuit breakers in the main panel.

I would buy it again.

Installation was easy for the average home owner as long as you are comfortable working in the main electric panel. Take your time and do one breaker at at time. My only complaint is that the wires coming from the transfer switch are not long enough as well as the metal flexible conduit. I added length with additional #12 wire and wire nuts. It would have been much cleaner if the wires were 12" inches longer.

Great company, fast shipping, great packaging, and good price. Would definitely buy from this company again

I bought this model because of simplicity of installation and its use of standard circuit breakers that can be changed out to tailor the installation to my needs.

Everything installed exactly as expected with no issues. I haven't had a power outage yet, but I just received my new 7 kW generator and had to try the whole system out. It worked beautifully.

With this transfer switch I can control power to most of the rooms of my house, including the ever-important refrigerators, freezer, and hot water tank. I'm almost looking forward to the next power outage.

I bought this model because of simplicity of installation and its use of standard circuit breakers that can be changed out to tailor the installation to my needs.

Everything installed exactly as expected with no issues. I haven't had a power outage yet, but I just received my new 7 kW generator and had to try the whole system out. It worked beautifully.

With this transfer switch I can control power to most of the rooms of my house, including the ever-important refrigerators,... more

Easy to install, only drawback I discovered when using 6 gauge wire from generator plug to the transfer switch to get the 50 amp rating, 6 gauge wire will not fit into the provided connector solution is to remove the connector and use wire nuts to connect. Easy to wire into your existing breaker panel. Provided watt meters are great for balancing the load on each leg. Highly recommend if you need 50 amp backup service.