Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
as much flexibility as the transfer panel to allow for on-the-spot decisions as to which circuits
are to be powered up by the backup generator. In some cases this may be an advantage, since a
qualified installer is probably better qualified than many end users to make the proper decision
as to which circuits could (and should) be electrified, given the specific capacity of the generat-
or to be used.
If you connect a 220-VAC output from your generator to the 220-VAC trunk line in your
home, it will power all the circuits of your home that have not been turned off at the subpanel
breaker box. If you connect a 110-VAC circuit from your generator to the wiring of your home,
it will only power the circuits drawing from one of the two oppositely phased 100-VAC trunk
lines entering your home, and the circuits drawing from the other oppositely phased 110-VAC
main line will be dead.
Figure 4-14. A six-circuit manual transfer-switch box.
Photo courtesy of Reliance Controls
Large-Sized Generators and the “Automatic Transfer Switch” Method
Large stationary “whole-house” generators are usually mounted on a concrete foundation inside
a small outbuilding, or well-insulated utility room, that provides protection from the elements
as well as sound insulation to reduce the level of noise coming from the generator (see
fig.
4-9
). In general, large generator installations of this type will be installed by qualified profes-
sionals and will include an automatic transfer panel to provide for seamless automatic startup
and switching from grid connection to power from the generator system in the event of a grid
failure.
