How To Safely Run Your Home On A Portable Generator-Today’s post is a demonstration on how to properly use generator panels with manual transfer switches. Many of our clients have generator setups like the one pictured, and it’s essential to know how to safely perform both the startup and shutdown procedures.
Understanding the Setup
In this setup, we have two panels:
- Main Panel (top)
- Generator Panel (bottom)
The generator panel is powered through a 30-amp feed from the main panel. We’ve relocated essential circuits (like fridges, sump pumps, lights, etc.) to the generator panel to ensure these remain active during an outage.
Depending on the brand, the manual transfer switch may function differently:
- Square D: Uses a flip ring.
- Siemens / ITE / Murray: Usually has a flip bar.
- Eaton: Features a latch you flip up and slide over.
Important: You can never have both the utility and generator power sources on at the same time.
Generator Requirements
These generator panels typically support generators from 5,000 to 15,000 watts, covering up to 7,200 watts through a 30-amp panel.
Your generator should have a NEMA L14-30R twist-lock receptacle (4-wire). This connects to an outdoor receptacle installed by your electrician, which feeds into the generator side of the transfer switch.
Startup Procedure During a Power Outage
- Start Your Generator
- Take your generator outside.
- Start it and let it warm up for a few minutes.
- Turn on the Breaker (If Applicable)
- Some generators have built-in breakers. Turn them on once it’s warmed up.
- If it doesn’t have one, proceed to the next step.
- Plug the Generator In
- Insert the L14-30R plug into the outdoor receptacle and twist to lock it.
- Go to Your Generator Panel
- Use a flashlight if it’s dark.
- Turn off the utility breaker by flipping the latch.
- Rotate the ring or bar (depending on your panel type).
- Turn on the generator breaker.
Your essential loads are now running off the generator.
Important Tip: Stagger Your Load
If the power has been out for a while before starting your generator, your appliances like fridges and pumps might all try to start at once. This can overload your generator and cause it to trip.
To avoid this:
- Turn off all breakers in the generator panel.
- Then, turn them back on one at a time to balance the load.
Shutdown Procedure When Power Returns
- Wait for Utility Power to Return
- Check that your utility power has been restored.
- Turn Off the Generator
- Flip the generator breaker off at the panel.
- Rotate the selector ring/bar back to the utility position.
- Flip the utility breaker on.
- Shut Down the Generator
- Unplug the generator.
- Let it cool down for a few minutes before storing it.
Final Notes
- Always double-check with your electrician about how your particular panel operates.
- Remember: If you forget to turn the utility breaker back on, your essential loads won’t resume normal operation even though the power is back.
- Every setup might be a little different, but the core procedure remains the same.
Recap
- Start generator, warm up, plug in.
- Switch panel from utility to generator.
- Power returns? Switch back to utility, shut down generator.
- Never run both power sources at once.
We hope this guide helped clarify the process of operating a manual transfer switch with your generator panel.
Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more helpful tutorials, and we’ll see you in the next one!
