TRANSFER SWITCHES

For safety's sake, hire a licensed electrician to install a transfer switch that distributes power from the generator to the home's circuit box. This reduces the need for multiple extension cords running from the generator to specific appliances, and eliminates the risk of electrical "back feed" injuring utility workers working on downed power lines.

The transfer switch (around $150 and up) is installed beside the main electrical panel, and then it's connected to circuits you'll need during a blackout. When the power goes out, you simply crank up the generator and run a single extension cord from it to the transfer switch. We sell transfer switches for small generators manufactured by Gen-Tran, to get more information, Just Click > Transfer Switches, Portable-Small Applications. For larger systems, Just Click > Transfer Switches, Large and Industrial.

Once the generator is running, you can choose which circuits you want to use by flipping the switches on the transfer switch.

It's important to keep track of what's being powered because the transfer switch is often wired into more circuits than the generator can handle all at once.

A typical transfer-switch installation will take less than two hours and cost around $100-$200, but it's an investment that will be fully appreciated the next time the power goes out.
Make your installation simple so all family members can use the generator safely. Make an instruction sheet and put it with the generator so family members know what to do to restore power.

NOW GET TO WORK AND FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS STANDBY GENERATOR!