I posted something like this in the EU200 generator list, but
then thought his might be a better place.

The Question:  Since my breaker panel already has a breaker for
every circuit in the house, why bother with a multi-circuit
cutover box?  Why not just one humongous switch that controls the
input to the entire breaker panel?

Looks to me like we're talking a difference of $400 or so in
equipment cost for a 10-circuit switch vs a single-circuit
switch.

- Power fails

- Flip the cutover switch to "Off"

- Flip all the breaker box's  breakers to "Off".

- Hook up/fire up the gennie.

- Flip the cutover switch to "Generator"

- Turn on individual breakers as needed.

- If one does something dumb like accidentally
  flipping the "AC" or "Kitchen Stove" breakers,
  the downside is limited to the gennie's breaker
  being flipped.

Is there a flaw in this logic?

--
Pete Cresswell

In article <4j2b98d7eqtfmg972gr54eebl0o9pd2...@4ax.com>, x...@y.Invalid
says...

It is not a matter of if the above will work or not, it is a matter of
what is allowed in the National Electrical Code (NEC). And what is
allowed / required by any amendments to that code by your local city,
county, or state laws. (Electrical codes are the law!)

And those codes basically say that there can't be any way that the
connection to the electric company grid and the connection to the
generator can accidentally both be left on at the same time.

Also local electrical inspectors (and your insurance company) want to
see generator transfer switches with a U.L. label. Not some "home made"
contraption.

And see the proper transfer switch installed (neutral switching or non-
neutral switching). Search google.com for the words...

separately derived system generator

and...

non-separately derived system generator

Because this is advanced electrical work, you are best to have a
licensed electrician determine which type of transfer switch is best and
install it (and get an electrical permit and have the work inspected).
Or use extension cords and plug things into those.

Per Bill:

Maybe I was too verbose in the OP.

Assuming a professional installer and adherence to local code,
the question boils down to:

- http://tinyurl.com/atb9648  
  (10 separate circuits)

         VS

- http://tinyurl.com/alyrrj4  
 (One circuit serves entire breaker box)
--
Pete Cresswell

In article <0u5d98lcmpqi8f2vo0q8slspdofrp9f...@4ax.com>, x...@y.Invalid
says...

You can have one *main* transfer switch which transfers over the entire
panel.

If you have a 200 amp panel, search google.com for the words...

200 amp transfer switch

Also you can get a main panel (load center) which has this built in.
Search google.com for the words...

load center generator ready

And you can get a "lockout" or "interlock". Search google.com for the
words...

generator lockout switch

Per (PeteCresswell):

My neighbor's breaker box looks like this:
http://tinyurl.com/c7kjvh3

I wonder if that's a variation on the second option above - only
incorporated into the main panel.

I'm guessing it's up to code bc he hired an electrician to do the
job.
--
Pete Cresswell

On Sat, 03 Nov 2012 17:26:28 -0400, "(PeteCresswell)" <x...@y.Invalid>
wrote:

No, it's called a generator transfer switch.  It's a 200 amp 2 pole 3
position switch that goes between the meter and the breaker panel.
With the lever up, utility power is routed to the panel.  Center is
off.  Down routes generator power to the breaker panel.  It has a
mechanism that requires one to hesitate at "off" for a second before
transferring from utility power to generator power.

I have a 200 amp manual switch (Square D I think) that I'd sell you
for $75.  New and unused.  Never got around to wiring it in.  If
you're interested, contact me off-line and I'll send you some photos.

John
John DeArmond
http://www.neon-john.com
http://www.fluxeon.com
Tellico Plains, Occupied TN
See website for email address

news:4j2b98d7eqtfmg972gr54eebl0o9pd25mg@4ax.com...

That makes perfect sense, unless you are married to Eva Gabor.