Q: I am considering purchasing a Powerhouse 8,000 watt (10,000 watt surge) natural gas portable generator and have a 200 amp breaker box. Generator has 50 amp outlet. I live in a condo with all electric hvac, water heater, etc but natural gas is installed. What transfer switch do you recommend? Thank for your help. by Tom from Kentucky on September 29, 2013
A: Thank you for your inquiry!
The Reliance Controls Q510C would be a good option for your application so long as the transfer switch meets your circuit requirements. This transfer switch is fitted with the following breakers; 6x 15A 1-pole 1x 20A 2-pole 1x 30A 2-pole
You may configure this transfer switch so that it can support up to 4x 20 amp 2-pole and 1x 30 amp 2-pole breakers.
For the complete setup, which includes the switch, cord and inlet box, consider one of the Power Transfer Systems. by Jared, Product Expert
Q: My current breaker box has three double pull 20 amp breakers for baseboard heating. I want to put a transfer switch in place that will accommodate three 20 amp double pull breakers. Will the reliance Q510C allow me to have more than the two double pulls the picture shows? I would want to have three 20 amp double pulls and two single 15amps. If this transfer switch won't do it, can you recommend one that would? by Chris King from Pennsylvania on September 23, 2013
A: Thanks for your inquiry!
While the Reliance Controls, Q510C, would work for this application, It will require a small about of modifying to accomplish. This particular transfer switch is capable of supporting up to 4x 20 amp, 2-pole breakers and 1x 30 amp 2-pole at one time. Your specified configuration would be ideal with this transfer switch.
Although, if you are looking for a transfer system that you can configure at your leisure, then consider the Reliance Controls, TRC1005C, which is rated for up to 50 amps of generator power. This switch will serve as a 100 amp sub-panel, supporting whichever breakers you choose to install within.
by Jared, Product Expert
Q: I have a double pole 40amp breaker for my AC system. Would I be able to install a 40amp breaker on the transfer switch for this? Thanks
by Lenny from New Jersey on August 31, 2013
A: Thank you for your interest in electric Generators Direct!
The manual transfer switches are tested and certified by the Underwriters Laboratory for use in their current state. Some manufacterers design these to accept limited modifications in order to accommodate different breaker configurations. The Reliance Controls, Q510c is designed to handle up to 4x 20 amp 2-pole breakers and 1x 30 amp 2-pole at one time. Unfortunately, a 40 amp breaker could not be supported within the switch as this is only compatible with breakers up to 30 amps.
We also do not recommend the use of a portable generator in order to power a central AC system. The systems in nature require a considerable amount of power and will likely not operate in their normal manner should they be put into this type of scenario.
by Jared, Product Expert
Q: Are these breakers replaceable with standard Murray or Cutler hammer breakers?
by Keith from New York on August 05, 2013
A: Per the owner's manual found in the specs tab and download document section on the product page....
This product is UL approved for use with the following field-installed breakers:
Siemens Type QP Square D Type HOM Eaton Cutler-Hammer Type BR Murray Type MP
30 amps maximum in positions A and B, 20 amps maximum in all other positions.
Q: Does the Reliance Q510C transfer switch which you sell for $379.00 come equipped with a full complement of circuit breakers? If the answer is YES, what brand or make of breakers are they? by George Lewchuk from New Jersey on July 17, 2013
A: Yes, the Reliance Controls Q510C does come with circuit breakers.
They are currently using Eaton breakers but at any time they can change manufacturer based on availability. They are standard breakers used in these switches.
1 - 30A 240V 1 - 20A 240V 6 - 15A 120V
This switch does have interchangeable breakers so, you can alter the configuration to meet your specific application needs.
Note: Max 1 - 30A 240V breaker allowed.
by Jared, Product Expert
Q: Jim, I have a portable generator, 10000 starting watts, 8000 running watts. I'll be connecting to a 200 amp service. Do you think this transfer switch will work out for me?
by Klink from Pennsylvania on July 28, 2012
A: The transfer switch size should be based on the largest outlet size on your generator and a typical 8000 watt generator will have a 30A outlet on it. So, you would want to go with a 30A transfer switch.
All 30A connections, outlets, inlet boxes, cords and transfer switches have a maximum wattage rating of 7500 watts and the generator you have most likely has a 30A outlet available as the biggest outlet so the max you can run through that specific outlet is 7500 watts.
Any 30A transfer switch is what is required for this type of connection.
by Jared, Product Expert
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.
by Jared, Product Expert
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.
by Jared, Product Expert
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 Jared, 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 Jared, Product Expert
I'd Buy It Again (6) Easy To Use (3) High Quality (3) Features (3) Exceeded Expectations (2)
Cons
Expensive (1) Installation Guidelines (1) Minor Comments (1)
100% of respondents would recommend this product to a friend
31 Reviews
Sort by
Dan Hoffman Norman, OK
Purchased 12/7/10
2 Reviews
25 Helpful Votes
REVIEWED
JAN.
15
2011
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... more
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210
Bob A. Tipp City, OH
Purchased 7/22/12
19 Helpful Votes
REVIEWED
SEP.
03
2012
I Like The Cuttler-hammer Breakers
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
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191
Robert Chillicothe, OH
REVIEWED
NOV.
05
2010
Only Number 10 Wire
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
Product Expert
Robert,
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.
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.
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!
Pros:High Quality, Easy To Use, Exceeded Expectations, I'd Buy It Again
Cons:Minor Comments, Installation Guidelines
Arnold Recommends This Reliance Controls Product
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110
Jeff G. Sahuarita, AZ
Purchased 7/24/13
REVIEWED
AUG.
14
2013
50 Amp Transfer Switch
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!
Pros:Easy To Use, Exceeded Expectations, High Quality, I'd Buy It Again
Cons:Expensive
Jeff Recommends This Reliance Controls Product
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91
Al Walnutport, PA
Purchased 10/25/12
3 Reviews
REVIEWED
NOV.
19
2012
Q510c Installation
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.
Was this review helpful?
80
Jim P. Chalfont, PA
Purchased 8/14/13
2 Reviews
REVIEWED
SEP.
27
2013
Installation
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.
Pros:Features, Price
Jim Recommends This Reliance Controls Product
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60
Dennis N. Clayton, NC
Purchased 6/25/13
REVIEWED
JUL.
17
2013
Great Company
Great company, fast shipping, great packaging, and good price. Would definitely buy from this company again
Pros:Price, Reliable, High Quality
Dennis Recommends This Reliance Controls Product
Dennis Would Recommend Electric Generators Direct To A Friend
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
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40
Paul L. Felton, DE
Purchased 2/8/14
REVIEWED
MAR.
24
2014
Excellent Transfer Switch For 50 Amp Service
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.
Pros:I'd Buy It Again, Easy To Use, Features, Durable
Paul Recommends This Reliance Controls Product
Paul's Experience With Electric Generators Direct
Web Site
5/5
Service
5/5
Shipping
5/5
"Absolutely excellent service from the folks @ Electric Generators Direct, you won't find any better and they back up their products. Buy from these guys, they are the best!"
Shop for the Reliance Controls 50-Amp (120/240V 10-Circuit) Transfer Switch w/ Interchangeable Breakers at Electric Generators Direct. Research Reliance Controls 851890000751 manual transfer switches online. Find Reliance Controls Q510C manual transfer switches & Reliance 50Amp transfer switch Q510C features and specifications.
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