How Does A Transfer Switch Work For A Home Generator?

KB Electric LLC installs many portable generators and whole home generators for our customers. There are two options when powering up your generator from your main electrical panel: an interlock kit or a transfer switch. Today, our electrician Darren Souder will explain in a video how the transfer switch option works.

What Is A Generator Transfer Switch?

A generator transfer switch is a device that enables you to connect your generator to your home’s wiring, and is installed near your electrical panel into a dedicated outlet with just one cord. The device allows you to power your most needed circuits in the event of a power outage.

Examples of different things to power up with your transfer switch would be your heating system, water heater, refrigerator, a few important lights and outlets in different rooms, well pump, septic pump, etc. You can choose which circuits you would want in the device with the generator, but not all the circuits that are in your main electrical panel.