How to Install a Manual Transfer Switch for a Portable Generator | Ask This Old House

I like how he introduced him to the utility room 😂😂😂😂

Just completed the break-in period and so far the unit is operating perfectly youtube.com/post/UgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQL… . I was amazed by just how quiet this little guy is. I kept having to walk down the driveway to the generator to make sure it was still running. In fact, the most annoying noise coming from the set-up is a high-pitched chirping coming from the pressure regulator on the propane line. I suppose it's possible my other propane-powered generator's pressure regulator is making the same noise, but the generator itself is so loud I've never noticed it. Build quality so far is excellent. My only nit is the service panel is a little tricky to remove. I feel like I might break off one of the plastic tabs when bending it back. I probably just need to work out the technique, so will not hold it against Champion.Next week I intend to fully load the unit to charge a large battery pack and will update this review if there's any problem (3000W continuous load vs a rated 3100W capacity while using propane). Absent any trouble there, I'm 100% pleased with this purchase.

5:14 best animation I've seen. Thank you!

Great video. Loved the power flow animation.

Every new house should have a mandatory transfer switch!

Vin Diesel is a pretty good electrician.

Another nice thing about these manual transfer switches is that you leave one circuit not desired on genset power to alert you when line power is back with a radio and/or light plugged in. I keep my main HVAC breaker off until I know power from the grid has stabilized anyway and this is the way to go for alerting you safely.

I have a permanently installed 8 kW genset, propane fuel from 2 100 gal cylinders, and an automatic transfer switch. It's saved the day a number of times since utilities were "deregulated". If you're going with a portable genset there are three things I'd recommend: (1) Document every circuit breaker at your service entrance. Make sure you have a list of every load that every circuit breaker serves. With a 200 A service, you can't power up every circuit with a 7 or 8 kW generator. You can buy a kit to help you do that at Lowe's, Home Depot, or Harbor Freight for $20-25 (or so). (2) Get a "dual fuel" generator - gas or propane, for example. Long term storage of a 20 or 30 # propane tank is much safer than long term storage of 5, 10, or 15 gallons of gasoline in a can in your garage or pole barn. (3) If you go with gas, use ONLY non-ethanol (and do this religiously) - like in your lawn mower or boat.

I liked how they both agreed that the driveway was not the ideal location for the generator, but they both walked off camera at 2:00 and left it in the driveway.

Certainly a better explanation for we the curious. I just have to understand how it works. I probably won’t be the one doing the work but at least I’m certain at how the power flow continues. Great graphics to detail what you were actually doing. Concise and directly to the point always staying on task.

This is the best instructional video I have watch to date, very thorough and informative!

This is great! Best explanation (with animated diagraming) of how a typical transfer switch works. Just what I was looking for. Thanks. 👍

Interesting episode. We lived for a week and a half after a bad storm on a 4500 watt gen. Had lights, refrigerator and ran our gas fired furnace. When we cooked on an electric skillet I made sure the furnace wasn't going to kick on. All done with extension cords. I need to look into a manual transfer.

20$ says hes going to wheel it under the deck right next to the vents 😂

This Old House And Staff Are Always AWESOME

This is an excellent step-by-step video presentation of the process from A to Z. Thank you!

Thank you for showing folks how to safely use a generator. Linemen appreciate when you use a transfer switch, those switches save lives while they are out restoring power.

Love this video, I have a ton of great generator videos myself and this is very helpful.

As a licensed electrician I never did a transfer switch your video makes it so easy anyone can install one of these

Greetings from Reno, Nevada. This one video was worth the subscription.