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I am curious to hear of hands on experience with http://www.generlink.com/ http://www.generlink.com/ . It is a medium power transfer switch that installs behin

I am curious to hear of hands on experience with http://www.generlink.com/ http://www.generlink.com/ . It is a medium power transfer switch that installs behind the electric meter, meaning that the existing panel can be used to select loads. With a lower quality generator, you probably get ~3kW for less than $5000.

wrycoder 4y ago
7.5KW Generac $2000 plus installation https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200665207_200665207 https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200665207_20...
rsync 4y ago
I really dislike the complexity of the automatic transfer solutions and I especially dislike the concept of preferred breakers or sub panels for generator use, etc. Instead, just buy the $30 metal lockout tab for your panel and wire your generator right into the main panel and be done with it. So. Much. Simpler. Power goes out, you flip the lockout over and manually start the generator. Worried about loads ? Fine - while the panel is open, flip off your dryer 30a and … ? In reality, load is not an issue - a generator with 100amp breaker will power your entire house. (I even tried to break it - ran dryer, 20amp microwave, toaster and kicked on a water pump … no issue)
- gautamcgoel 4y ago
  Can you explain why automatic transfer solutions must be more complicated? Is it because they must constantly monitor the power situation to know when to kick in?
xnyan 4y ago
I've installed this, the price approaches/exceeds the cost of entry level automatic transfer systems but with the functionality of a manual system. I think most would get more value out of something cheaper or more expensive. Also, because it sits above your breaker, you're introducing a new point of failure to your home's electrical supply. If a transfer switch fails, you don't have generator power. If this fails, you have no power whatsoever until it can be removed or replaced. Cheaper: Interlock switch. Most local codes allow a UL recognized interlock system to be used on the panel that physically prevents the main panel breaker from closing while the generator breaker is open, and vice versa. You have to install a special outlet to the generator breaker, but as long as it's close to the panel, this does not cost a lot. Functionally this is the same as the product you linked, but for ~$150 plus installation vs ~$850 plus installation. More expensive: automated transfer panel. If you need to use the generator frequently, this is what you want. Even if you use it infrequently, automatic transfer is so much more pleasant than having to go to the panel, flip the right breakers, turn on the generator, then do it all over again when the power comes back on. You can get a basic one for about the same price as the generlink device you linked. 200-amp whole house switches can be installed for $2000 or less If it was me, I would not even bother with a manual system. For infrequent use, you can get a window insert that lets you feed extension cables through a window without letting in bugs or cold air. If you're using it more than once or twice a year, $1000-2000 for an automatic transfer switch is not that bad compared to the cost of a generator and will make the experience of using it much better. The only situation I can think of where a device such as this would have an advantage would be one where you cannot permanently modify anything. It is in fact very quick and easy to install, and can be removed without leaving any permanent changes.
- maxerickson 4y ago
  My main use case is powering the blower and pumps on my furnace, so cords won't really work. When you say you've installed it, you mean for someone else? I kind of had the sense that it was expensive relative to the utility it provides, but it is nice and tidy.
  - achenatx 4y ago
    during the freeze in texas last year I cut the hardwired cable to my furnace and added a plug. I plugged that into an extension cord to a 2kw honda generator and it worked great. I had an electrician clean it all up after the freeze so my furnace now has a permanent plug into an outlet. I did add an interlock and a 13kw generator that will mostly power the house.

wrycoder 4y ago

7.5KW Generac $2000 plus installation https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200665207_200665207 https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200665207_20...

rsync 4y ago

I really dislike the complexity of the automatic transfer solutions and I especially dislike the concept of preferred breakers or sub panels for generator use, etc. Instead, just buy the $30 metal lockout tab for your panel and wire your generator right into the main panel and be done with it. So. Much. Simpler. Power goes out, you flip the lockout over and manually start the generator. Worried about loads ? Fine - while the panel is open, flip off your dryer 30a and … ? In reality, load is not an issue - a generator with 100amp breaker will power your entire house. (I even tried to break it - ran dryer, 20amp microwave, toaster and kicked on a water pump … no issue)

gautamcgoel 4y ago
Can you explain why automatic transfer solutions must be more complicated? Is it because they must constantly monitor the power situation to know when to kick in?

xnyan 4y ago

I've installed this, the price approaches/exceeds the cost of entry level automatic transfer systems but with the functionality of a manual system. I think most would get more value out of something cheaper or more expensive. Also, because it sits above your breaker, you're introducing a new point of failure to your home's electrical supply. If a transfer switch fails, you don't have generator power. If this fails, you have no power whatsoever until it can be removed or replaced. Cheaper: Interlock switch. Most local codes allow a UL recognized interlock system to be used on the panel that physically prevents the main panel breaker from closing while the generator breaker is open, and vice versa. You have to install a special outlet to the generator breaker, but as long as it's close to the panel, this does not cost a lot. Functionally this is the same as the product you linked, but for ~$150 plus installation vs ~$850 plus installation. More expensive: automated transfer panel. If you need to use the generator frequently, this is what you want. Even if you use it infrequently, automatic transfer is so much more pleasant than having to go to the panel, flip the right breakers, turn on the generator, then do it all over again when the power comes back on. You can get a basic one for about the same price as the generlink device you linked. 200-amp whole house switches can be installed for $2000 or less If it was me, I would not even bother with a manual system. For infrequent use, you can get a window insert that lets you feed extension cables through a window without letting in bugs or cold air. If you're using it more than once or twice a year, $1000-2000 for an automatic transfer switch is not that bad compared to the cost of a generator and will make the experience of using it much better. The only situation I can think of where a device such as this would have an advantage would be one where you cannot permanently modify anything. It is in fact very quick and easy to install, and can be removed without leaving any permanent changes.

maxerickson 4y ago
My main use case is powering the blower and pumps on my furnace, so cords won't really work. When you say you've installed it, you mean for someone else? I kind of had the sense that it was expensive relative to the utility it provides, but it is nice and tidy.
- achenatx 4y ago
  during the freeze in texas last year I cut the hardwired cable to my furnace and added a plug. I plugged that into an extension cord to a 2kw honda generator and it worked great. I had an electrician clean it all up after the freeze so my furnace now has a permanent plug into an outlet. I did add an interlock and a 13kw generator that will mostly power the house.