Gen Tran

Transfer Switches
A Gen/Tran® manual transfer switch is the key to safe and convenient operation of portable generators for standby power. By isolating those circuits using generator power, a transfer switch eliminates the risk of backfeeding the electrical utility which can cause injury to workers and property damage.

By installing a Gen/Tran® transfer switch or TranspanelTM transfer panel at your breaker box and connecting a portable generator to the transfer switch, you can run selected appliances such as a furnace, well pump (which cannot be run with standard extension cords), sump pump, refrigerator, television, computer, printer or lighting circuit during a power outage, depending on the capacity of your generator.

Since many home standby generators cannot handle all of these loads at the same time, the transfer switch allows you to manually transfer each of these loads separately whenever you need them.

Tips for properly installing your generator:

• Always run your generator in a ventilated area outdoors.
• DO NOT operate your portable generator in an enclosed area indoors, such as in a basement or garage. This can create exhaust fumes that could cause injury or death.
• DO NOT connect your generator directly to an electrical panel. This can cause serious injury and damage if the main power is restored while the generator is operating.
• Use a UL-Listed transfer switch between the electrical panel and the portable generator. If you do not use a UL-Listed transfer switch, your generator installation could cause wiring hazards and serious injury.
• Exercise your generator and transfer switch once a month to ensure operation when actually needed.
• Follow the instructions provided by your portable generator manufacturer for safe operation.

WHY YOU NEED A GEN/TRAN® MANUAL TRANSFER SWITCH

Gen/Tran transfer switches and accessories provide a simple, affordable way to feed power from a portable generator to a home or business during an emergency or outage.

• It's the "original" transfer switch!
• UL-Listed, CSA certified, safe
• Easy to install in about an hour
• Completely pre-wired
• Easy to run
• A complete line of accessories to accommodate any configuration
• Made in the USA
• 17-year track record
• More than 500,000 units installed to date
• 18-Month Warranty against mechanical or electrical failure

Gen/Tran products are:
Safe. The double-throw switch action of each circuit keeps the generator power isolated from the utility power at all times. This eleiniates the danger of backfeeding the utility and causing injury to repair crews as well as preventing utility power from feeding int he generator and causing damage or injury.

Easy to install. The Gen/Tran® transfer switch or panel is installed next to your house electrical panel. You choose which circuits you want to use during an outage. Since each Gen/Tran switch comes completely pre-wired, installation can be accomplished in about an hour. (Professional installation recommended.)

Easy to use. When your power goes out, start up your generator outdoors. Plug in the power cord between the generator and the Gen/Tran® transfer switch/panel or raintite power inlet box. Then, flip the switches on the Gen/Tran transfer switch from "Line" to "Gen" for those circuits you wish to use.

High quality. With more than 16 years of experience, we deliver the quality you've come to expect from the nation's largest manufacturer of transfer switches and eaccessories. Every component is manufactured to exacting specifications and test before assembly. Then each completed transfer switch is thoroughly tested before shipment form the factory. This level of quality is backed by an exclusive 18-month warranty.

Plus, Gen/Tran offers the broadest product selection. Gen/Tran makes a wide variety of transfer switches, transfer panels and a complete line of accessories to accommodate any configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a generator transfer switch and why do I need one?
A transfer switch is the key to safe and convenient operation of portable generators for backup power. A manual transfer switch isolates those circuits using generator power during an outage, and eliminates the risk of backfeeding the electrical utility which can cause injury to utility workers and property damage. Using a transfer switch for backup power also eliminates the need to run extension cords around the Home or office to operate certain appliances.

Are Gen/Tran transfer switches automatic?
No. They are manual transfer switches designed for a home owner or small business owner to use with a 5000-8000 watt standby generator.

Are Gen/Tran transfer switches prewired?
Yes. Each Gen/Tran manual transfer switch comes completely pre-wired with a red and black wire for each circuit, plus a white neutral and green ground wire. A 6-circuit unit has a total of 14 wires and a 10-circuit unit has a total of 22 wires, and so on. Gen/Tran Transpanel models are not pre-wired.

I want to connect my well pump to my generator via a transfer switch. How many 2-pole circuits (commonly called 220, 230 or 240 volt) are provided on each Gen/Tran transfer switch?

• The 6-circuit models #20216 and #30216 can be configured for one (1) 2-pole circuit for use on one 240-volt circuit, and are provided with one (1) handle tie.
• The 8-circuit #30508 can be configured for up to four (4) 2-pole breakers, and one (1) handle tie is provided.
• The 10-circuit model #302110 can be configured for up to five (5) 2-pole breakers, and two (2) handle ties are provided.
• Additional handle ties can be purchased from the factory for $1 each. If no 240 volt circuits are needed, the handle tie(s) may be removed and discarded.

What type of connection is required to connect my generator to my Gen/Tran transfer switch or power inlet box?
A 4-wire, twistlock connector is needed. Gen/Tran manufactures all-rubber power cords with a male connector on one end and a female connector on the other end. 12 gauge wire is required for 5000 watt models, and 10 gauge wire is required for 7500 watt models.

Can I use a Gen/Tran transfer switch on any 20 amp circuits in my house?
Yes. The switches and wires in each transfer switch are rated for 20 amps. However, in the generator mode, each circuit is limited to 15 amps.

NOTE: Starting mid-May 1999, we began production using 20 amp breakers on the circuits furnished with handle ties (2-pole breakers) on each newly manufactured Gen/Tran transfer switch models 30508 and 302110 ONLY. These circuits MUST be connected to 20 amp circuits in the house panel. The 30508 will have a total of two 20 amp breakers and six 15 amp breakers, and the 302110 will have four 20 amp breakers and six 15 amp breakers.

No other Gen/Tran models will be manufactured with 20 amp breakers at this time.

What is the maximum load on EACH LEG?
The wattmeters on each Gen/Tran transfer switch allow you to balance the load on EACH LEG in order to gauge how much capacity is being used and to maximize generator performance.

• 20 amps for the 6-circuit #20216, 5000 watt unit
• 30 amps for the 6-circuit #30216, 7500 watts unit
• 30 amps for the 10-circuit #302110, 7500 watt unit
• 30 amps for the 8-circuit #30508, 7500 watt unit
• 15 amps TOTAL for the 4-circuit #15114, 1875 watt unit (only one leg)

Can I connect my water heater, electric range, or central air conditioner/heat pump to a Gen/Tran transfer switch?
No. Items on 30 amp circuits, such as a water heater, central air conditioner or electric range draw too much current that exceeds the switch ratings on the standard Gen/Tran transfer switches. Trying to run these appliances may burn up the wiring, weld the switches, trip the circuit breakers, and will void the warranty.

NOTE: If your installation requires one or more of these items to be powered, please install a Gen/Tran® TranspanelTM high capacity transfer panel.

Which power inlet box can I use with each Gen/Tran transfer switch?
Transfer switch power inlet box:

• 15114 515
• 20216 L1420
• 30216 L1430
• 30508 L1430
• 302110 L1430

Can I hard-wire my Gen/Tran transfer switch instead of using a power cord?
Gen/Tran now offers an 8-circuit, 7500 watt unit, model #30508, appropriate for hard-wiring.

A qualified electrician may be able to install the other standard transfer switches in a hardwire configuration, however, this will void the UL and CSA listings, and will therefore void the Gen/Tran warranty. In addition, if an accident occurs with a unit that has been improperly installed (voiding the UL listing), this may void any insurance claim made after the accident.

Can I use a generator whose wattage exceeds the wattage on the Gen/Tran Transfer Switch?
Yes. As long as you do not pull more than the maximum wattage through the Gen/Tran transfer switch at one time while in the generator mode. The two wattmeters can help you determine how much wattage you are using, and can help you balance the load on each leg in the generator mode. Pulling more than the rated wattage through the Gen/Tran transfer switch will burn out the wattmeters, burn out the neutral wire, and could overheat the main wiring in the transfer switch, which could cause a fire.

What happens when the utility power is restored?
When your utility power is restored, other lights and appliances in your home (not connected to generator power) will turn on, alerting you go to the Gen/Tran transfer switch and flip the switches back to "LINE" mode and shut down your generator. Since those circuits using generator power are isolated from the rest of the house, there is no danger of backfeeding the utility power.

How long does it take to install a Gen/Tran transfer switch?
About an hour by a qualified electrician familiar with residential wiring electrical codes. If installed with a power inlet box, the installation could take slightly longer. Since each unit is pre-wired, the installer simply needs to determine which circuits will be needed in an emergency/outage, wire each set of wires in the transfer switch to those circuits, install the neutral and the ground, and test the installation under load.

Why are generators rated in watts when most electric tools are labeled in amps?
Generators are rated by output in wattage which takes into account the amperage at both 120 and 240 volts. NOTE: Volts x Amps = Watts (ie: 10 amp motor x 120 volts = 1200 watts continuous + starting watts) OR Watts/Volts = Amps.

Where can I find a 200 amp double-pole, double-throw switch?
Gen/Tran does not make a switch like this. To install a switch of this type, it is necessary to have your local utility pull your meter, and shut off power to your Home for several hours during installation. Gen/Tran's philosophy was to develop a transfer switch that is installed AFTER the main for faster, easier installation and zero chances of backfeeding the utility.

Why does the whole generator GFCI trip on my Honda EB series generator when I use it with my transfer switch?
NOTE: AFFECTED MODELS ONLY INCLUDE: EB3500XK1, EB5000XK1, EB6500SX, EB12DAG and Arctic Cat Model 1999 AC7500GD2EB.

The Honda EB (industrial/commercial) series generators listed above have neutral bonded to ground to pass OSHA inspection on job sites. Since home or building main breaker boxes also have neutral bonded to ground, a loop is created, comprised of the neutral wire and the ground wire. A small amount of current is induced in this loop by the running generator. Since the neutral wire passes through the ground fault sensor, the GFCI senses this induced current and trips the main circuit breaker in the generator.

When using these EB series generators to power a house or building, the neutral bond wire on the generator must be removed, preferably by the Honda dealer or a qualified electrician. After this action, the generator will no longer pass OSHA inspection on job sites. When you buy this generator, please ask the Honda dealer to remove the neutral bond before you take it Home. Ask the Honda dealer to refer to the Honda service bulletin #20 for instructions.

What is the difference between a Gen/Tran 10-circuit model 302110 and a model 30310?
No difference. Some of our distributors call our 10-circuit model a "30310" whereas we at Gen/Tran call it a "302110." There is no difference in components, configuration, installation or manufacture.