Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL QUESTIONS

1. What is a generator Transfer Switch and why do I need one?
2. What size of a transfer switch do I need for my generator?
3. Where can I buy Gen/Tran products?
4. Does Gen/Tran offer transfer switch for 3-phase applications?
5. Why are generators rated in watts when most electric tools are labeled in amps?
6. Where can I find a 200 amp Double-Pole, Double-Throw switch?
7. Which transfer switch should I use with my generator? 
8. Can you splice wires inside a load center and not violate building codes?
9. Where do I purchase spare and replacement parts for my Gen/Tran products?
10. My contractor suggested a meter-socket transfer switch. What does it do?
11. Why does my generator breaker (GFCI) keep tripping with a transfer switch?
12. Is your inspector asking your contractor to run separate neutrals when installing a GenTran transfer switch?
13. Some Canadian utilities require separate neutrals when installing a transfer switch.  How do I comply with this requirement?  

14. I am interested in one of your transfer switches (KIT3026), but I don't see how it prevents backfeeding. Can you explain it to me? There does not appear to be a on/off/on switch involved in your transfer switch to isolate the generator from the grid.

1. What is a generator transfer switch and why do I need one?   A transfer switch is an electrical device installed next to your load center that transfers power from your generator to your home and is the key to safe and convenient operation of generators for backup power. Required by the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), a transfer switch isolates those circuits using generator power during an outage, and eliminates the risk of back feeding the electrical utility which can cause injury or death to utility workers and property damage. Also, using a transfer switch with your generator eliminates the need to run extension cords around the home or office.
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2. What size of a transfer switch do I need for my generator?
First, the transfer switch you select should match the maximum continuous wattage rating of your generator. For example, if you have a 5000-watt generator, you should select a transfer switch rated at 5000 watts, such as Model 200660. You may also select a transfer switch that has a higher rating than your generator. (Ex: a 5000-watt generator with a 7500-watt transfer switch is OK.) But NEVER install a transfer switch with a lower rating than your generator. This is dangerous and could cause a fire. (Ex: Never install a 7500-watt generator with a 5000-watt transfer switch.)

Then determine the number of circuits you want to supply power to during a power outage. For most homes, 6 to 10 circuits are sufficient. Most manual transfer switches sold by Gen/Tran are expandable; you can start with a 6 circuit PowerStay™ manual transfer switch and add circuits as your needs change.
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3. Where can I buy Gen/Tran products?
GenTran products are sold thru any Honda Power Equipment dealer nationwide, online retailers like Amazon and homedepot.com, home improvement retailers like Menards as well as wholesale electrical distributors. To save you a trip, we recommend you visit our Dealer Locator and enter your zip code for a listing of dealers in your area. It’s always best to call first to make sure they have the product(s) you are looking for.  Or, you can order directly from us online or by calling 1-888-GEN-TRAN.
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4. Does Gen/Tran offer transfer switch for 3-phase applications?
No. Our products are designed and intended for single phase electrical applications only – for residential and small commercial installations. They only work on 120/240 Volt single phase, 50/60 Hertz power.
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5. Why are generators rated in watts when most electric tools are labeled in amps?
Generators are rated by output in wattage which takes into account the amperage at both 120 and 240 volts. NOTE: Volts x Amps = Watts (i.e.: 120 volts x 10 amps = 1200 watts) OR Watts/Volts = Amps. For example, a 5000 watt rated generator is capable of producing 20.8 Amps @ 240 Volts or 41.6 amps @ 120 volts. See the following chart for power ratings for common household appliances.

Wattage Chart

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6. Where can I find a 200 amp Double-Pole, Double-Throw (DPDT) switch?

While GenTran does not offer a "knife" type switch, Gen/Tran offers a 200 amp manual transfer switch called a Power Center which installs between your utility meter and your load center/electrical panel. To install this type of switch, it is necessary to have your local utility shut off power to your home to remove your meter for several hours during installation. Since a Power Center is installed BEFORE the Main load center, these units transfer your entire Main electrical center and all of its circuits to generator power, requiring the homeowner to turn breakers off in the Main load center to prevent overloading and damaging your generator.  Another option is our Generator-Ready Load Centers.
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8. Can you splice wires inside a load center and not violate building codes?
Section 312.8 of the National Electrical Code permits splices and taps in enclosures if the splice or tap does not fill the wiring space to more than 75% of the cross-sectional area of the space. Unless you already have a large number of splices or taps in the load center, adding some more to install the transfer switch is not going to exceed the limits of the Code.
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9. Where do I purchase spare and replacement parts for my Gen/Tran products?
GenTran transfer switches are made with off the shelf parts like interchangeable circuit breakers and flanged inlets, available from most electrical distributors if you can source them locally.  If you need replacement parts such as meters or breakers, please visit the Support section of this website, and click on Service Parts. Or call us at 1-888-GEN-TRAN.
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10.  My contractor suggested a meter-socket transfer switch. What does it do?
A meter-based transfer switch combines a meter socket and transfer switch in one. Since there are so many restrictions and requirements on meter sockets outlined by each utility, Gen/Tran has chosen not offer a combination utility meter and transfer switch. However, our Power Center combines a transfer switch with service entrance equipment.
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11. Which transfer switch should I purchase for my generator?
The continuous wattage rating of your generator should match the rating of the transfer switch, power inlet box and power cord.  However, your power will be limited to the rating of the full power (120/240v) receptacle on your generator.  If the continuous power rating is 7000 watts, and the surge watts is 8750, and the full power receptacle on your generator is L14-30, then you should use a 30 amp rated transfer switch.  If your generator output is rated at 15,000 watts, and the full power receptacle on your generator is rated at 50 amps (NEMA 14-50), then you should use a 50 amp rated transfer switch, power inlet box and cord. Top of Page

12.  Is your inspector asking your contractor to run separate neutrals when installing a GenTran transfer switch?
Sometimes local electrical inspectors believe that the National Electrical Code (NEC) requires separate neutrals to be run between the main load center and the transfer switch.  Since GEnTran transfer switches are UL Listed to UL1008, and therefore comply with Article 702.4 of the NEC which states that the equipment is approved for the intended use, separate neutrals are not required.  One million UL Listed GenTran transfer switches have been installed around the United States over the past 25 years, and each of these switches has included one neutral sized for the generator capacity.  UL has approved our product design and manufacturing methods for 27 years, and, to our knowledge, the NEC code has not changed in the past 27 years to require separate neutrals.

13. Some utilities in Canada require separate neutrals when installing a transfer switch.  How do I comply with this requirement?
GenTran is working on a Switched Neutral Kit (SNK) accessory to make our transfer switches comply with this Canadian requirement. This accessory is sold separately, and is available now.  Top of Page

14. I am interested in one of your KIT3026's. But I don't see how it prevents back feeding. Can you explain it to me? There does not appear to be a on/off/on switch involved in your transfer switch to isolate the generator from the grid.