Localization and Logistics

• The main circuit breakers are shut off (wires are live/active) to prevent electrocution or death. The transfer switch will be installed next to the load center (house panel), on right or left hand side. Transfer switch boxes are lined up against the wall at about 18 to 20 inches above the house panel. The transfer switch is then anchored to the wall without exerting too much bend on the flexible wiring conduit.
  
  

Overview of the Circuit Panel Preparation

• The cover on the load center/house panel is removed. A knockout is removed from the lower-mid portion of the load center/house panel. The wiring from the transfer switch is passed through the knockout, with the connector secured manually. Circuits in the transfer switch panel are connected to the same type and size as the circuits in the house panel. For example, a 20 Amps circuit in the transfer switch panel must be connected only to a 20 Amps circuit in the house panel.
  
  

Transfer Switch to Load Center Wiring Plan

• The number of circuits for the transfer switch will determine how many wires are selected for emergency usage. The more important circuits are selected first. For example, a heating system or furnace might be most important circuit in a cold climate. The most important circuit will start with the breaker marked "A." The circuit breaker "A" is turned off, and the circuit breaker's screw loosened. The wire is then removed from the circuit breaker marked "A." A black and red wire on the transfer switch (marked "A") are wired to the circuit breaker that is designated as "A." Both wires are pushed into the yellow connector. The other circuits are wired in the same manner---choosing the next more important circuit to wire ("B," "C," and so on).
  
  

Wiring to the Generator

• The screws on the handle tied switches are loosened and removed. The handle tied switches are moved to the GEN position, and used only as 1-pole circuits. The neutral wire (white) is connected to the neutral bar (any unused hole in the neutral bar) located in the load center/house panel. If the load center/house panel has a ground bar, then the green wire is inserted there. The connection for the ground bar is then secured tightly with a wrench. If there isn't a ground bar, the green wire can be secured to the neutral bar. After the covers on the panels have been replaced, the circuit breakers are turned back on.