Hi, great video. There is a technical point I noticed about drilling a hole into the transfer switch panel. It could be considered a deviation from manufacturer (and 3rd party) certification and some inspectors require the panel to be re-certified by the manufacturer.
The Reliance 510C is a much easier solution and has 10 breakers. You did a fine job with your product installation though. This video made my purchase decision easier so thanks for that.
Even though the reliance panels are nice they don’t switch the neutral… in Canada ESA is very picky about neutral and ground now not saying it will fail esa but esa is going to tell you to remove the neutral ground bond in the generator… and of corse that opens up new problems if you want to actually use the generator away from the house like a skill saw on a jobsite …. Floating neutral you can use any transfer switch ,, bonded neutral you have to switch it with the load … as Canada only allows one bonding point
Not to mention you’d still have to do the wiring in junction boxes, so all you save yourself is the effort of the neutral wiring, which as discussed is only possible with non bonded generators.
Did you manage to get your 510C installed? Been trying to figure this mess out and its very complicated with the "rules". Id love to just use a 510c and be done with it.
You did a good job explaining the installation. However, by installing J-boxes there is the potential of over capacity which appears you have. The same goes for a load panel and main panel. I'm not a Canadian electrician but here in the US we don't general run each circuit into single KO"S. This fills the panel with unnecessary wires taking up more space. By coming through the top using the 3/4" and 1" KO's eliminates a lot of unnecessary wire on the inside of the panel. I do realize that your codes do require additional Junctions boxes when installing in your case a manual transfer switch. The code also states that you can't exceed 75% of the capacity which in your case is doubtful you would. You actually end up using less space by connecting the leads from the transfer switch into the load panel, wire-nutting and tie-wrapping them to the side of the panel. It's not to often we come across a panel inside a cabinet which gives you access to install a junction box, at lease not where I work. On a different note, if your generator comes with a Bonded Neutral you need to go into the connections and remove the ground wire from the neutral and connect the jumper to the ground terminal. This will prevent all your GFCI's in the house from tripping. If you have a GFCI on the generator it will become un-operational. It's a small trade off. Cheers from So. Cal.
Awesome Job. The only suggestion would be to have used a 4"×4"×8" raceway with a cover, instead of the J boxes, which would have eliminated the overstuffed wiring. Also should have used NOLOX on the Aluminum to Copper connections. Again Awesome Job.
Great info. Glad this was from Canada. You saved me from making a mistake. I would've married the wires together inside the main panel. When I saw a video from the US do that, thought occurred to me that there's no way Mike Holmes would allow that. But why didn't you install the plug outside?
You're correct..you cannot use the electrical panel as a raceway. Also it's a good idea to have a pure sine wave inverter generator as electronic items like tv, computers are sensitive to modified sine wave electricity.
Thank you for this video, I was looking for someone who was demonstrating the wiring for some Canadian codes. I do realize it will vary by province, but the demonstration was more about seeing how the wiring was supposed to go based on what I figured.
The step at 15:17 shows you drilled thru the block off plate in the txfr switch. . .is that in the instructions? Also. . I noticed the white neutrals that go to the box. . just connect to the neutral bar in the box from their wire nutted connection on the main house wire. Is there really a need for the "corresponding" white wire. I was gonna label mine anyway . but thought I might get your opinion.
Just a personal opinion, I don't know how Canada is EH , i'm in Michigan. I know, but it's not my fault, I was born here. But I had a transfer switch on my generator for years, then I switched to a generator interlock, (about $38.00) Very easy to install. you never have everything in your house on at the same time. so now if the lights go off, in about 3 minutes I have power again. I have everything in the house on if I need it. You only need a space for one 220 volt breaker. Mostly I have lights, heat, plugs in every room. I did not hook up the AC, I can deal with that EH, even my garage door works. I did not have to pick what's most important . It all plug's in the same way. Just turn off the main's and turn on the generator breaker and light's go on. Anyway the generator interlock is so much easier and better I can't stand it. I got mine from Minards, but Home Depot and Lowe's all sell them also. But nice Vidio good job. Oh yeah before I forget, I was just kidding about the EH thing, I have lots of friends from Canada.
Yes I agree, an interlock would have saved me a lot of time & money, unfortunately Add-On interlocks are not code in my area, apparently it has something to do with 'if the main panel cover is removed the interlock is removed with it' then someone can turn the breaker on and back feed to the pole. I think you can buy panels now that have the interlock built in to them and is not just attached to the panel cover. Later from Canadian ‘Eh' ;)
You're only supposed to use the interlock kit (which does come with a bracket that secures the 2 pole breaker into the panel so you can't take it out easily) with a floating neutral generator. You would have to remove the neutral to ground bond in this particular generator to make the setup you're referring to code compliant, which would void the warranty. The generator in this video is a bonded neutral generator, and requires the neutral wire to be switched, which the transfer switch in this video does do. So for this generator, the transfer switch install in the video is correct.
Yes an interlock is so much simpler and you can power whatever you want that can handle the load. I personally don't care much about local code as long as its safe, the panel police won't be coming to check it. If I'm selling then I will fix it, but no issue here with interlocks. Interlocks work great and are safe. I have a generator big enough to power my whole house now. With my old 4000 watt generator I had 4 circuits and it was a pain. I bought an adapter for my old one and connected it to my panel and turned the AC and other 240 breakers off. I was able to power the whole house just fine, just have to be careful not to turn too much on at once. I keep my old one back a backup and for someone that might need it. When I bought the old generator videos like this came up and I didn't learn about the interlocks till later.
Hello, Great video! Would you mind taking a clear photo of the transfer switch solenoid and contactor wiring. I think mine was wired incorrectly from the factory. When I press gen position on the button it doesn’t fire the solenoid. I have to move it manually into gen. However, when it’s in gen mode after placing it there manually, if I press utility it will fire the solenoid to the utility side but not back to gen via the button. I purchased a second one and it was wired the same? I have one orange wire that goes nowhere. It was the same in both transfer switches? If it’s not too much trouble that would be great. 🙏
Question: Have you tried your system out with a Ford Lightning 7.2kw plug in the rear of the truck to power your house? Because Ford has a GFCI outlet connecting to most generator transfer switch blows the GFCI on the truck.
bought the Generac 30A 8 circuit manual transfer switch and noticed an odd thing I’m hoping someone can explain. The 4 pre-wired wires (red, black, neutral, ground) that run from the transfer switch to the main service panel, where the red and black wires are connected to the customer-supplied 50A breaker in the service panel (and the pre-wired neutral and ground wires are connected to the neutral bus and negative bus in the service panel), the red and black wires are labelled as “Main-1 40A” and “Main-2 40A” (with white labels). They are also 8AWG. And they supply utility power to the transfer switch during “normal” operation while utility power is being provided. Question. 1. Does code not require that a 50A breaker be connected to a 6AWG wire and not the Generac pre-wired red and black 8AWG wire? 2. And why did Generac label the red and black 8AWG wires as “40A” with white labels? If it’s only a 40A capable wire, connecting it to a 50A breaker seems wrong. I’m certainly not an electrician, but it defies logic (and potentially dangerous) to connect what appears to be a 40A, 8AWG wire to a 50A breaker. I could replace these wires with 6AWG wire, but I’m wondering if I need to. If I ever had a short in the transfer switch on these wires, I can foresee a problem if an 8AWG wire cannot handle 50A safely. I’m hoping someone can explain this. Thank you.
I would assume that the Generac 6854 xfer switch should have had a max 30A breaker installed in the utility panel instead of the 50A. In this case, the 40A wiring would more than accommodate the load. I just ordered the 50A version and suspect it will come with the proper 6AWG power wires.
My panel is flush-mounted in the wall of my garage. I imagine installation of the transfer switch is easier if it is also installed in the wall. Are there any modifications that need to be made in the installation process?
Hi there I bought the same home link but there's a problem the switch doesn't work when I plug the panel it doesn't light up the green light and I need to transfer manually because the switch doesn't work I have a small orange wire inside that is not connected and can't find where it goes I look everywhere and can't find help
In your Generac 6854 transfer switch there is a switch inside the box that you are able to switch upward or downward. Where did you leave it (up or down). I do not understand what that switch does, can you explain what it is for. Thank you for your help
Why not put the 240 volt extension from the generator power out plug to a dedicated breaker with a lock out panel? Open the main power breaker coming into the panel put the lock out to where you can close the generator breaker then manage your power usage via household breakers turning on or off as needed.
Canadian code requires lock outs to continue to work even with the panel cover removed. Essentially all panel lockout kits (esp aftermarket ones) mount to the panel cover. It’s a bit overkill since with the panel cover off you can pretty much do anything you want, but it is what it is.
I would have stripped the outer insulation of the Romex and just ran the insulated conductors through the conduit from the MTS to the Receptacle. I think that may be a code violation as well.
Nice video. Very helpful. Does the switch come with 8, 10 or 16 pairs of circuit wires? Did you say it came with 8 x 15A breakers? Can they be changed to 20A without changing the wires? Thanks.
REALLY WELL DONE!!!! I JUST ORDERED THE SAME SWITCH WHICH ARE ON BACK ORDER, SO ONCE YOU MAKE THE SWITCH TO GENERATOR THERE IS NO CHANCE OF BACK FEED TO A LINE MAN? THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
Blah blah blah blabbity blah blah....24:08 " COLD BEER" blah blah.....what? oops...maybe I'll listen to this again. ( humor) thanks Marmalade, I'm getting ready to get a generac for a cabin in the woods. appreciate you taking the time.
No toaster, we are going to have to rough it…. The TVs back on so we have entertainment. Lol. Zero problems with circuit choice, just the time was funny to me.
common neutrals can be problematic. if the neutral breaks befire it reaches the neutral bus is can cause 240 volts to be applied to 120 volt circuits, i once destroyed a neutron microscope by opening the neutral in a junction box. try to avoid their use when i am able.
THANK GOD I don't live in Canada ! Too many crazy rules. Seems like a lot of work for a few circuits. Can you install a Mechanical Generator Interlock in Canada?
Junior Savoy not sure if you’ve found the answer to the question but by installing the transfer switch you effectively gain 6-8 circuits out of your panel (depending on transfer switch size) hope this helps.
I have read the manual about 20 times for this product and never does it say to get junction boxes for extra working space. You’re supposed to tie inside of the main panel.
Local electrical authorities have jurisdiction over the requirements not the manual. If your local authorities allow joints in your panel, you may do so. Otherwise you will require a juntion box for those circuits to be extended. Like the gentleman explained in his video.
That's is permitted under NEC (apparently), but is strictly verboten under CEC. So, regardless of the instructions, the panel may not be used as a raceway or junction box.
Years later and this is still the best video available. You explained how it works, and how to install. Thank you!!
Hi, great video. There is a technical point I noticed about drilling a hole into the transfer switch panel. It could be considered a deviation from manufacturer (and 3rd party) certification and some inspectors require the panel to be re-certified by the manufacturer.
The Reliance 510C is a much easier solution and has 10 breakers. You did a fine job with your product installation though. This video made my purchase decision easier so thanks for that.
Even though the reliance panels are nice they don’t switch the neutral… in Canada ESA is very picky about neutral and ground now not saying it will fail esa but esa is going to tell you to remove the neutral ground bond in the generator… and of corse that opens up new problems if you want to actually use the generator away from the house like a skill saw on a jobsite …. Floating neutral you can use any transfer switch ,, bonded neutral you have to switch it with the load … as Canada only allows one bonding point
Not to mention you’d still have to do the wiring in junction boxes, so all you save yourself is the effort of the neutral wiring, which as discussed is only possible with non bonded generators.
Did you manage to get your 510C installed? Been trying to figure this mess out and its very complicated with the "rules". Id love to just use a 510c and be done with it.
You did a good job explaining the installation. However, by installing J-boxes there is the potential of over capacity which appears you have. The same goes for a load panel and main panel. I'm not a Canadian electrician but here in the US we don't general run each circuit into single KO"S. This fills the panel with unnecessary wires taking up more space. By coming through the top using the 3/4" and 1" KO's eliminates a lot of unnecessary wire on the inside of the panel. I do realize that your codes do require additional Junctions boxes when installing in your case a manual transfer switch. The code also states that you can't exceed 75% of the capacity which in your case is doubtful you would. You actually end up using less space by connecting the leads from the transfer switch into the load panel, wire-nutting and tie-wrapping them to the side of the panel. It's not to often we come across a panel inside a cabinet which gives you access to install a junction box, at lease not where I work. On a different note, if your generator comes with a Bonded Neutral you need to go into the connections and remove the ground wire from the neutral and connect the jumper to the ground terminal. This will prevent all your GFCI's in the house from tripping. If you have a GFCI on the generator it will become un-operational. It's a small trade off. Cheers from So. Cal.
I guess it is quite randomly asking but do anyone know a good site to stream new tv shows online ?
Great job of explaining I need to put one in thank u
Thanks for clarifying these points for a fellow Californian
This was exactly what I was looking for! Excellent job with this video. Thank you!
Awesome Job. The only suggestion would be to have used a 4"×4"×8" raceway with a cover, instead of the J boxes, which would have eliminated the overstuffed wiring. Also should have used NOLOX on the Aluminum to Copper connections.
Again Awesome Job.
Great info. Glad this was from Canada. You saved me from making a mistake. I would've married the wires together inside the main panel. When I saw a video from the US do that, thought occurred to me that there's no way Mike Holmes would allow that.
But why didn't you install the plug outside?
Glad I'm not in Canada. Damn you made an easy job difficult lol!
How did you tie in your neutrals from the transfer switch?
You're correct..you cannot use the electrical panel as a raceway. Also it's a good idea to have a pure sine wave inverter generator as electronic items like tv, computers are sensitive to modified sine wave electricity.
Thank you for this video, I was looking for someone who was demonstrating the wiring for some Canadian codes. I do realize it will vary by province, but the demonstration was more about seeing how the wiring was supposed to go based on what I figured.
Just looking at all those wires and junction boxes it seems it might be easier just to move to the US!😂🤣
The step at 15:17 shows you drilled thru the block off plate in the txfr switch. . .is that in the instructions? Also. . I noticed the white neutrals that go to the box. . just connect to the neutral bar in the box from their wire nutted connection on the main house wire. Is there really a need for the "corresponding" white wire. I was gonna label mine anyway . but thought I might get your opinion.
what kind of fitting is at 15:17?
also-- what's that bushing you slide down on the conduit of the Power inlet box going down?
Great video, I appreciate how you explained everything.
Hi, why didn't you transfer the neutral to the main panel?
Just a personal opinion, I don't know how Canada is EH , i'm in Michigan. I know, but it's not my fault, I was born here. But I had a transfer switch
on my generator for years, then I switched to a generator interlock, (about $38.00) Very easy to install. you never have everything in your house on at the same time. so now if the lights go off, in about 3 minutes I have power again. I have everything in the house on if I need it. You only need a space for one 220 volt breaker. Mostly I have lights, heat, plugs in every room. I did not hook up the AC, I can deal with that EH, even my garage door works. I did not have to pick what's most important . It all plug's in the same way. Just turn off the main's and turn on the generator breaker and light's go on.
Anyway the generator interlock is so much easier and better I can't stand it. I got mine from Minards, but Home Depot and Lowe's all sell them also.
But nice Vidio good job. Oh yeah before I forget, I was just kidding about the EH thing, I have lots of friends from Canada.
Yes I agree, an interlock would have saved me a lot of time & money, unfortunately Add-On interlocks are not code in my area, apparently it has something to do with 'if the main panel cover is removed the interlock is removed with it' then someone can turn the breaker on and back feed to the pole. I think you can buy panels now that have the interlock built in to them and is not just attached to the panel cover. Later from Canadian ‘Eh'
;)
You're only supposed to use the interlock kit (which does come with a bracket that secures the 2 pole breaker into the panel so you can't take it out easily) with a floating neutral generator. You would have to remove the neutral to ground bond in this particular generator to make the setup you're referring to code compliant, which would void the warranty.
The generator in this video is a bonded neutral generator, and requires the neutral wire to be switched, which the transfer switch in this video does do. So for this generator, the transfer switch install in the video is correct.
Eh Lol!
Yes an interlock is so much simpler and you can power whatever you want that can handle the load. I personally don't care much about local code as long as its safe, the panel police won't be coming to check it. If I'm selling then I will fix it, but no issue here with interlocks. Interlocks work great and are safe. I have a generator big enough to power my whole house now. With my old 4000 watt generator I had 4 circuits and it was a pain. I bought an adapter for my old one and connected it to my panel and turned the AC and other 240 breakers off. I was able to power the whole house just fine, just have to be careful not to turn too much on at once. I keep my old one back a backup and for someone that might need it. When I bought the old generator videos like this came up and I didn't learn about the interlocks till later.
So all the breakers in the main box that have transfer power are not being used now?
Hello,
Great video!
Would you mind taking a clear photo of the transfer switch solenoid and contactor wiring. I think mine was wired incorrectly from the factory.
When I press gen position on the button it doesn’t fire the solenoid. I have to move it manually into gen. However, when it’s in gen mode after placing it there manually, if I press utility it will fire the solenoid to the utility side but not back to gen via the button.
I purchased a second one and it was wired the same? I have one orange wire that goes nowhere. It was the same in both transfer switches?
If it’s not too much trouble that would be great. 🙏
Actual follow up question, I presume, if wiring lengths permit, that you could just wire some of the circuits directly to the generac box?
Cold beer! I'm coming over.
Your video is very detailed, thank you. Is this Generac transfer switch approved in Ontario, Canada?
why is your main panel not bonded? is there a means of disconnect outside?
Superstar!! You need your sidekick Lenny to join in!!!
He's to expensive these days ;)
In my dressing room I will expect, rum and bologna
@@lenkeizer7632 How about some pepperoni? Bologna is to expensive ;)
were did you connect the ground cable from the wire going to your inlet plug on the transfer switch side?
What if the power source (in my case an inverter insterad if a generator) only has two wires on the ac out. ??? how do I power the rasfer switch?
Question: Have you tried your system out with a Ford Lightning 7.2kw plug in the rear of the truck to power your house? Because Ford has a GFCI outlet connecting to most generator transfer switch blows the GFCI on the truck.
In the event of a power outage, do you have to flip the main breaker off before Turing on the generated power?
You do not. It was flipped off in this video to replicate a power outage.
Which province are you in since the code differs from province to province in Canada. Trying to find this info for Quebec and haven't found it yet.
Very nice work my friend! thanks!
Where did the sheet metal plate come from to separate the power and ccts inside the transfer switch?
Junction box! Bazinga!!! Fantastic video!! Thank you for your efforts!
bought the Generac 30A 8 circuit manual transfer switch and noticed an odd thing I’m hoping someone can explain. The 4 pre-wired wires (red, black, neutral, ground) that run from the transfer switch to the main service panel, where the red and black wires are connected to the customer-supplied 50A breaker in the service panel (and the pre-wired neutral and ground wires are connected to the neutral bus and negative bus in the service panel), the red and black wires are labelled as “Main-1 40A” and “Main-2 40A” (with white labels). They are also 8AWG. And they supply utility power to the transfer switch during “normal” operation while utility power is being provided.
Question.
1. Does code not require that a 50A breaker be connected to a 6AWG wire and not the Generac pre-wired red and black 8AWG wire?
2. And why did Generac label the red and black 8AWG wires as “40A” with white labels? If it’s only a 40A capable wire, connecting it to a 50A breaker seems wrong.
I’m certainly not an electrician, but it defies logic (and potentially dangerous) to connect what appears to be a 40A, 8AWG wire to a 50A breaker.
I could replace these wires with 6AWG wire, but I’m wondering if I need to. If I ever had a short in the transfer switch on these wires, I can foresee a problem if an 8AWG wire cannot handle 50A safely.
I’m hoping someone can explain this. Thank you.
I would assume that the Generac 6854 xfer switch should have had a max 30A breaker installed in the utility panel instead of the 50A. In this case, the 40A wiring would more than accommodate the load. I just ordered the 50A version and suspect it will come with the proper 6AWG power wires.
My panel is flush-mounted in the wall of my garage. I imagine installation of the transfer switch is easier if it is also installed in the wall. Are there any modifications that need to be made in the installation process?
Is there any way possible to wire this transfer switch to work with a 120v 30amp generator?
Hi there I bought the same home link but there's a problem the switch doesn't work when I plug the panel it doesn't light up the green light and I need to transfer manually because the switch doesn't work
I have a small orange wire inside that is not connected and can't find where it goes
I look everywhere and can't find help
In your Generac 6854 transfer switch there is a switch inside the box that you are able to switch upward or downward. Where did you leave it (up or down). I do not understand what that switch does, can you explain what it is for. Thank you for your help
Excellent explanation and demonstration.
Why not put the 240 volt extension from the generator power out plug to a dedicated breaker with a lock out panel? Open the main power breaker coming into the panel put the lock out to where you can close the generator breaker then manage your power usage via household breakers turning on or off as needed.
Canadian code requires lock outs to continue to work even with the panel cover removed. Essentially all panel lockout kits (esp aftermarket ones) mount to the panel cover.
It’s a bit overkill since with the panel cover off you can pretty much do anything you want, but it is what it is.
The empty circuit breaker can you still use it
Yes
Of Course add some more stuff!
Call an electrician Aj don’t be stupid
Great video, thank you!
Is this model a 30 amp or a 50 amp? I live in Canada and want to install it myself
I would have stripped the outer insulation of the Romex and just ran the insulated conductors through the conduit from the MTS to the Receptacle. I think that may be a code violation as well.
You can run romex in conduit as long as its under 4ft.
Nice video. Very helpful.
Does the switch come with 8, 10 or 16 pairs of circuit wires?
Did you say it came with 8 x 15A breakers? Can they be changed to 20A without changing the wires?
Thanks.
Great job and thank you for the informative video.
Thanks for the video. Definitely helpful!
REALLY WELL DONE!!!! I JUST ORDERED THE SAME SWITCH WHICH ARE ON BACK ORDER, SO ONCE YOU MAKE THE SWITCH TO GENERATOR THERE IS NO CHANCE OF BACK FEED TO A LINE MAN? THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
I is u
Very nice...something I would not do myself...
Blah blah blah blabbity blah blah....24:08 " COLD BEER" blah blah.....what?
oops...maybe I'll listen to this again.
( humor) thanks Marmalade, I'm getting ready to get a generac for a cabin in the woods. appreciate you taking the time.
Great detailed video!
Can your AC run off a tranfer switch like this?
Yes, but just enough to make it bearable. Shouldn't be full time. At least not with the generator used in this excellent video.
Yes!
No toaster, we are going to have to rough it…. The TVs back on so we have entertainment.
Lol. Zero problems with circuit choice, just the time was funny to me.
Thanks for the video nice work.
Good stuff, thannk you sir.
Thanks. Nice información and procedure
common neutrals can be problematic. if the neutral breaks befire it reaches the neutral bus is can cause 240 volts to be applied to 120 volt circuits, i once destroyed a neutron microscope by opening the neutral in a junction box. try to avoid their use when i am able.
Neutral wire size should be upsized if shared
THANK GOD I don't live in Canada ! Too many crazy rules. Seems like a lot of work for a few circuits. Can you install a Mechanical Generator Interlock in Canada?
No mech interlocks are not permitted due to the fact that the neutral is not being switched when using these devices.
They are Communist too!
@@billmonroe8826 They eat babies in the basements of pizza places too.
@@mike4637 Thank you for a sensible reply.
great video!!
excellent
Good job
Why don’t you use a different brand manual transfer switch like the Connecticut Electric and you don’t need to buy any more breakers!
you have 2 doorbell transformers taking up 2spots is overkill
You should not use your panel as a raceway
Hi i do not have space for 50 am what should i do ? Please let me know
Junior Savoy not sure if you’ve found the answer to the question but by installing the transfer switch you effectively gain 6-8 circuits out of your panel (depending on transfer switch size) hope this helps.
I have read the manual about 20 times for this product and never does it say to get junction boxes for extra working space. You’re supposed to tie inside of the main panel.
Local electrical authorities have jurisdiction over the requirements not the manual. If your local authorities allow joints in your panel, you may do so. Otherwise you will require a juntion box for those circuits to be extended. Like the gentleman explained in his video.
That's is permitted under NEC (apparently), but is strictly verboten under CEC. So, regardless of the instructions, the panel may not be used as a raceway or junction box.
Drunk? 😂😂😂😂😂crazy
Do you have a number to call?
Sorry … this not up to code ….
both can be true
Great video but what a hot mess! :)
if only that generator was electric start?........
larry