Various industries including small business enterprises have crucial needs for electricity. If you are running a business and it is highly essential for you to provide continuous electric supply then you definitely have to invest in power generators. You need to have portable generators for backup power. Although you would barely experience electricity and power blackouts, you still have to be prepared.
What is a Generator Transfer Switch Kit?
To safely use your portable generators, there is a need for you to have a generator transfer switch kit. Without a generator transfer switch kit there is a high risk of back feeding the electrical utility. The use of a manual transfer helps isolate the different circuits during any outage. A generator transfer switch kit is very useful in order to provide safe feeding of circuits from the utility and from the generator. As such, you can avoid any accident which can then cause injuries or property damage.
Using a generator transfer switch kit will spare you from using extension cords all over your house not to mention that you can also have convenience when it comes to the use of utility power. Another benefit of using a generator transfer switch kit is that it can manage and balance the generator load in order for you to maximize the existing generator power.
What Kit Options Are Available?
Since each enterprise and household varies when it comes to power supply needs, there are also different kit options. When you search for a generator transfer switch kit on the Internet and you look at the complete specifications, you will often see that each transfer kit varies from one to another.
For instance, there are generator transfer switch kits that are created and designed for households and small business owners who use 5,000 up to 12,000 watt generators. Small transfer switches come with a red and black wire for every circuit. There is also a white and green ground wire. For a unit that has 6 circuits, there are 14 wires. For 10 circuit units, there are 22 wires.
Apart from that, you also have to think of the wires of a generator transfer switch kit. The circuit has certain limits depending on the amperage of circuit breakers. For instance, there are breakers that are 15 amps. With 15-amp transfer switch breakers, you can connect to either 15 or 20-amp circuits in the main panel. But there are also breakers that are 20 amps. With 20-amps switch breakers you should connect only to 20-amps circuits in the main panel. Apart from these options, you can even find a 200-amp double-pole throw switch. Choosing one will just depend on your needs.
How to Determine If a Transfer Kit is Compatible with Your Generator
Most generator transfer kits are compatible with different kinds of generators. It will now just depend on the amps and the watts used by the power generators. Before you purchase a generator transfer switch kit, you need to read the complete details of the product. Nowadays, there are many certified sellers and distributors offering different generator transfer switch kits online. The technical specifications along with the features of the switch kit are now made available in various online stores.
There are also different models available. For 6-circuit models, these can be configured using one 2-pole circuit on a 240-volt circuit. There is also only one handle tie. For 8-circuit models, the configuration makes use of four 2-pole breakers and one handle tie. 10-circuit models can be configured using up to five 2-pole breakers and 2 handle ties.
Top 5 Generator Transfer Kits
In the market, you will not have any difficulty in finding a quality generator transfer switch kit. There are different brands of generator transfer switch kits that you can find for sale even in major online selling sites like Amazon, Ebay and Nextag. Before you buy a generator transfer switch kit, make sure that you read some product reviews and ratings.
Among the different online reviews, the top 5 generator transfer switch kits are the following:
Reliance Controls Transfer Switch Kit – 10 Circuit, Model# 31410CRK
This generator transfer switch kit can accommodate 10 circuits to be powered by a portable generator.
The Reliance Controls transfer switch kit can help you avoid experiencing back feeds.
With this transfer kit, you can easily use your electric devices whether it is for residential or commercial use.
Generac 6295 30-Amp 10-16 Circuit Manual Transfer Switch Kit for Portable GeneratorsClick for latest low price
Generac 6295 30-Amp 10-16 Circuit Manual Transfer Switch Kit
During a power outage, you can avoid using multiple extensions with the use of the Generac 6295 30-Amp 10-16 Circuit manual transfer switch kit. With this generator transfer kit, you can easily use your portable generator power. You can utilize this kit for 7,500 watts equipped with NEMA 3R L14-30 power outlets.
Reliance Controls Corporation 20216A Pro/Tran 6-Circuit Indoor Transfer Switch
For power generators with 5,000 watts, you can use the Reliance Controls Corporation 20216A Indoor transfer switch kit. This transfer kit prevents you from experiencing back feeding.
Reliance Controls 31406CRK Pro/Tran 6-Circuit 30 Amp Generator Transfer Switch Kit With Transfer Switch
For generators to make an easy switch installation for home or office use, this generator transfer switch kit is one of the best options. It can run various appliances and other electric devices. You can use this generator transfer switch kit model for 7,500 watt generators with NEMA L14-20 or L14-30 power outlets.
EmerGen EGS107501G2KIT Switch 10-7501G2
Are you in search of a generator transfer switch kit that can hold up to 7500 watts? Then, the EmerGen switch kit is without any doubt the best option for you. This specific product featuring 30A, 10 circuit “G2” series transfer switch, 30A rainproof generator inlet box and 30A, 10 foot power cord. This transfer kit provides double throw rocker switches absolutely eliminate the possibility of power back feeding to the utility line or to your generator when power is restored.