Posted: 1/23/2008 9:18:33 AM EDT
| I have a 8000/13500w generator and need to install a transfer switch. Paint me all shades of stupid, but do I need a transfer switch rated 8000w and more? Or will a 7500w switch work? |
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7500 will work you just are limited to 7500 total available and the number of circuts you choose. which equals about 3 20 AMP circuts or 4 15 amp circuts. If you just get a simple H switch you can have 34 amps per leg to where ever you choose. just to give you an idea our max draw per hr in the summer is about 19 amps per hr. we have propane for cooking heating hot water and cloths drying winter drops to about 10 amps per hr |
What if a startup is over 7500? |
Ha, I have no idea. So lets say a generator is huming along at 7000w. Then a furnace or something with a surge kicks on. Do I still get a full 13500w surge or do I only have 6500 watts left to start that particular appliance? |
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You cant just size the trasfer switch on the gennie output, you need to size it off of the utility breaker feeding it. If you have a 100a subpanel off of a 200a main and you want to put a transfer swtich in for the subpanel you need a 100 a rated switch. If you want to power the whole house you will need a 200 a service rated switch. You cant throw a 60a switch in downstream of a 100a breaker. If you are buying one of those little Gentran type 4-6 breaker units you will usually find they are rated for the generator and load. |
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Looks like I'm going to get the interlock kit for my panel. www.interlockkit.com/ ANyone know how many watts an electric furnace uses? |
depends how big the motor is. Here's a link: LINK I know that Reliant makes a 15A single circuit transfer switch that's meant to run the furnace only, so I'd imagine most of them draw less than 1800W (15A x 120V). |