Configuration B

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Page last updated 04/11/07
 

Configuration B involves the use of a portable generator connected to the electrical loads by various means.  These are described below using a number of sub-configurations, depending on the connection arrangement.  You may place order right from tables below by clicking on item numbers in tables.

  1. Configuration B1 - extension cords only, open window/door
  2. Configuration B2 - small multicircuit transfer switch, open window/door
  3. Configuration B3 - small multicircuit transfer switch, inlet box
  4. Configuration B4 - full rated transfer switch & additional main, inlet box
  5. Configuration B5 - replacement transfer panel, inlet box
  6. Configuration B6 - full rated outdoor transfer switch
  7. Configuration B7 - additional transfer panel, inlet box
  8. Configuration B8 - small multicircuit transfer switch, inlet box, drop cord
  9. Configuration B9 - small multicircuit transfer switch, outdoor

Configuration B1 is the simplest and least expensive arrangement for providing power during a blackout.  It consists of locating a portable generator unit outside the building and feeding one or more plug-in extension cords through any convenient window or door.

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Generator Ratings Items Available for Purchase
Watts Amps Generator Cordsets
1,000-4,000 up to 15A per outlet @ 120V PM0421100, PM0422505.02, 3W735, 4.0EGHEB, 3W736 07001
(NEMA 5-15P)
2,000-4,500 up to 20A per outlet @ 120V 2.5EGHAA, H451CS-W, HOV5000VE 07002
(NEMA 5-20P)
3,500-5,000 up to 30A per outlet @ 120V 4.0EGHEB, 3W736, 3W737, 4W315, 6.0EGHEB, 5U936 07003
(NEMA L5-30P)
3,500-5,000 up to 20A per outlet
@ 120V or 240V		 4.0EGHEB, 3W736, H451CS-W, 3W737, 4W315, PM0545004, PM0545004.17, PM0505622.17, 5U936 07005
(NEMA L1420R)

Advantages of this B1 configuration include:

bulletsimplicity
bulleteconomy
bullettransfer switches not required since no connection to the building electrical system is made

Some obvious and not so obvious disadvantages of this B1 arrangement are:

bulletan open window or door to the outside is required which allows possible entry of weather, insects, rodents and generator noise
bulletall appliances must be connected using multiple extension cords
bullettime is required to run and connect all the necessary extension cords before power can be made available
bulletmay be impractical to power larger 240V loads such as well pump, water heater, range, etc.

Configuration B2 is a much more versatile but still inexpensive arrangement for providing power during a power outage.  It consists of locating a portable generator unit outside the building and feeding one heavy duty plug-in extension cord through a window or door to a manual transfer switch pre-wired to the building electric panel.  This type of transfer switch is easily installed by any electrician without pulling the electric meter.  The transfer switch unit has single or double pole two position switches permanently wired to the preselected building circuits that require backup power.

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Generator Ratings Matching Items Available for Purchase
Watts Amps Generator Cordset Switch
2,500
to
5,000		 up to 20A
@ 120V/240V		 GB4000 (gasoline) RJB12425 & MOD6-20P 20216A, 20216, F20216B, F20216, 200660
4.0EGHEB, 3W736, H451CS-W, 3W737, PM0545004, PM0545004.17, PM0505622.17, 5U936 RJB12425
5,000 up to 20A
@ 120V/240V		 4W315 (diesel) RJB12425 20216A, 20216, F20216B, F20216, 200660
4,500
to
7,500		 up to 30A
@ 120V/240V		 HOV5000VE, 6.0EGHEB, BSI550-W, PM0495503.17, PM0496504.17, 3W739, BSV750-W RJB10425Y 30216A, 30216, 30508B, 30310A, 302110, PA0650080.01, F30216B, F30508B, F30310B, R30216B, R30310B, TRC0603A, 301060
Many other combinations are possible, especially if you make up a special cordset.

Advantages of this B2 configuration include:

bulleteasy to install
bulletonly one heavy duty extension cord required
bullettransfer switch used to make connections to the necessary circuits of the building electrical system
bulletsome larger 240V electrical loads can be powered
bullettransfer switch prevents any dangerous backfeed to the utility
bulletthe transfer switch may have metering allowing the monitoring and balancing of the electrical load to protect the generator from overload or damage
bulletbackup power is available quickly since there is no need for multiple extension cords

Some disadvantages of this B2 arrangement are:

bulletan open window or door to the outside is required which allows possible entry of weather, insects, rodents and generator noise and fumes
bulleta limited number of circuits can be hard wired and powered
bulleteach circuit must be limited to 15 or 20 amps

Configuration B3 is similar to B2 except for an additional power inlet receptacle located outside.  It consists of locating a portable generator unit outside the building and feeding one heavy duty plug-in extension cord directly to this power inlet box.  This box is pre-wired to a manual transfer switch which is pre-wired to the building electric panel.  Again, this type of transfer switch is easily installed by any electrician without pulling the electric meter.  The transfer switch unit has single or double pole two position switches permanently wired to the preselected building circuits that require backup power.

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Generator Ratings Matching Items Available for Purchase
Watts Amps Generator Cordset Inlet Box Switch
4,500
to
7,500		 up to 30A
@ 120V/240V		 HOV5000VE, 6.0EGHEB, BSI550-W, PM0495503.17, PM0496504.17, 3W739, BSV750-W RJB10410 L1430/PB30
or
1430		 31406C, 30408B, 31410C, F31406C, F30408B, F31410C
Many other combinations are possible, especially if you make up a special cordset.

Advantages of this B3 configuration include:

bulleteasy to install
bulletonly one heavy duty extension cord required
bullettransfer switch used to make connections to the necessary circuits of the building electrical system
bulletsome larger 240V electrical loads can be powered
bullettransfer switch prevents any dangerous backfeed to the utility
bulletthe transfer switch may have metering allowing the monitoring and balancing of the electrical load to protect the generator from overload or damage
bulletbackup power is available quickly since there is no need for multiple extension cords
bulletconnections to portable generator are made outdoors, eliminating the need for an open door or window

Some disadvantages of this B3 arrangement are:

bulleta limited number of circuits can be hard wired and powered
bulleteach circuit must be limited to 15 or 20 amps

Configuration B4 is extremely versatile but a more costly arrangement for providing power during a power outage.  It consists of locating a portable generator unit outside the building and connecting one heavy duty plug-in extension cord to a power inlet receptacle also outside the building.  Inside, a manual transfer switch allows the transfer of the electric panel's supply from the normal utility feed to the portable generator.  To allow for disconnecting the transfer switch from the utility feed, a new service entrance main disconnect is shown.  This type of configuration must be installed by an electrician after pulling the electric meter.  The transfer switch is a double throw switch permanently wired to the building service entrance.

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Generator Ratings Matching Items Available for Purchase
Watts Amps Generator Cordset Inlet Box Main C.B. Switch
4,500
to
7,500		 up to 30A
@ 120V/240V		 HOV5000VE, 6.0EGHEB, BSI550-W, PM0495503.17, PM0496504.17, 3W739, BSV750-W RJB10410 L1430/PB30
or
1430		 order to match service
(200A 5W911 or similar)
5,500
to
12,000		 up to 50A
@ 120V/240V		 PM0555523, PM0610023, PM0612023.9 RJB06410 with MOD1450P L6365/PB50
or
6365		 order to match service
(200A 5W911 or similar)

Advantages of this B4 configuration include:

bulletonly one heavy duty extension cord required
bullettransfer switch used to make connections to the building electrical system
bulletlarger 240V electrical loads can be powered, limited only by the size of the generator
bulletany or all building circuits can be energized since the building's main panel is energized, (limited only by the size of the generator)
bullettransfer switch prevents any dangerous backfeed to the utility
bulletbackup power is available quickly since there is no need for multiple extension cords
bulletadditional service entrance main disconnect allows deenergization of the transfer switch in the unlikely event maintenance is needed on the transfer switch.  (Otherwise, the meter would have to be pulled.)
bulletno open window or door to the outside is required

Some disadvantages of this B4 arrangement are:

bullettransfer switch cost due to fact it must be selected for the full current rating of building service
bulletadditional service entrance main disconnect cost
bulletinstallation cost

Configuration B5 consists of power panel specifically designed for use with backup generators.  This transfer panel contains two main breakers mechanically interlocked so that only one can be closed at the same time.  As shown in the figure below, this type of panel can completely replace the standard style panel.  Or, this type of panel can be sub-fed from an existing panel (see Configuration B7).  A portable generator unit outside the building is used to connect to a power inlet receptacle using one heavy duty plug-in extension cord.  Installation of this configuration must be performed by a qualified electrician while the electric meter is pulled.

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Generator Ratings Utility
Amps		 Matching Items Available for Purchase
Watts Amps Generator Cordset Inlet Box Panel
4,500
to
7,500		 up to 30A
@ 120V/240V		 60 HOV5000VE, 6.0EGHEB, BSI550-W, PM0495503.17, PM0496504.17, 3W739, BSV750-W RJB10410 L1430/PB30
or
1430		 TRC0603C,
301060
5,500
to
12,000		 up to 50A
@ 120V/240V		 100 PM0555523, PM0610023, PM0612023.9 RJB06410 with MOD1450P L6365/PB50
or
6365		 TRC1005C, 501210
4,500
to
7,500		 up to 30A
@ 120V/240V		 200 HOV5000VE, 6.0EGHEB, BSI550-W, PM0495503.17, PM0496504.17, 3W739, BSV750-W RJB10410 L1430/PB30
or
1430		 TTV2003D
5,500
to
12,000		 up to 50A
@ 120V/240V		 200 PM0555523, PM0610023, PM0612023.9 RJB06410 with MOD1450P L6365/PB50
or
6365		 TTV2005D
15,000
max		 60A per outlet
@ 120V or 240V		 200 any generator with appropriately rated receptacle or that can be hard wired special special TTV2006D
25,000
max		 100A per outlet
@ 120V or 240V		 200 special special TTV2010D
30,000
max		 125A per outlet
@ 120V or 240V		 200 special special TTV2012D
Many other combinations are possible, especially with special cordsets.

Advantages of this B5 configuration include:

bulletonly one heavy duty extension cord required
bullettransfer panel used to make connections to the building electrical system
bulletlarger 240V electrical loads can be powered, limited only by the size of the generator
bulletany building circuits that are connected to the transfer panel can be energized , (limited only by the size of the generator)
bullettransfer switch prevents any dangerous backfeed to the utility
bulletbackup power is available quickly since there is no need for multiple extension cords
bulletno open window or door to the outside is required

Some disadvantages of this B5 arrangement are:

bulletmeter must be pulled for installation
bulletslightly more wiring time involved than with the prewired transfer switches

Configuration B6 is extremely versatile but a more costly arrangement for providing power during a power outage.  It consists of locating a portable generator unit outside the building and connecting one heavy duty plug-in extension cord to a manual transfer switch next to the building electric meter.  This type of transfer switch must be installed by an electrician after pulling the electric meter.  The transfer switch is a double throw switch permanently wired to the building service entrance.

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Advantages of this B6 configuration include:

bulletonly one heavy duty extension cord required
bullettransfer switch used to make connections to the building electrical system
bulletlarger 240V electrical loads can be powered, limited only by the size of the generator
bulletany or all building circuits can be energized since the building's main panel is energized, (limited only by the size of the generator)
bullettransfer switch prevents any dangerous backfeed to the utility
bulletbackup power is available quickly since there is no need for multiple extension cords
bulletno open window or door to the outside is required

Some disadvantages of this B6 arrangement are:

bullettransfer switch cost since it must be fully rated to match the service ampere rating and must be classified as service entrance equipment
bulletinstallation cost

Configuration B7 is similar to Configuration B5 and consists of power panel specifically designed for use with backup generators but sub-fed from your existing panel.  This transfer panel contains two main breakers mechanically interlocked so that only one can be closed at the same time.  As shown in the figure below, this type of panel can be sub-fed from an existing panel.  Essential circuits and their breakers would be moved to this panel.  A portable generator unit outside the building is used to connect to a power inlet receptacle using one heavy duty plug-in extension cord.  When utility power is lost, the two main breakers are transferred to the generator source allowing any or all of the circuits wired to this panel to be energized.  Installation of this configuration does not require that the electric meter be pulled.

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Generator Ratings Utility
Amps		 Matching Items Available for Purchase
Watts Amps Generator Cordset Inlet Box Panel
4,500
to
7,500		 up to 30A
@ 120V/240V		 60 HOV5000VE, 6.0EGHEB, BSI550-W, PM0495503.17, PM0496504.17, 3W739, BSV750-W RJB10410 L1430/PB30
or
1430		 TRC0603C,
301060
5,500
to
12,000		 up to 50A
@ 120V/240V		 100 PM0555523, PM0610023, PM0612023.9 RJB06410 with MOD1450P L6365/PB50
or
6365		 TRC1005C, 501210
4,500
to
7,500		 up to 30A
@ 120V/240V		 200 HOV5000VE, 6.0EGHEB, BSI550-W, PM0495503.17, PM0496504.17, 3W739, BSV750-W RJB10410 L1430/PB30
or
1430		 TTV2003D
5,500
to
12,000		 up to 50A
@ 120V/240V		 200 PM0555523, PM0610023, PM0612023.9 RJB06410 with MOD1450P L6365/PB50
or
6365		 TTV2005D
15,000
max		 60A per outlet
@ 120V or 240V		 200 any generator with appropriately rated receptacle or that can be hard wired special special TTV2006D
25,000
max		 100A per outlet
@ 120V or 240V		 200 special special TTV2010D
30,000
max		 125A per outlet
@ 120V or 240V		 200 special special TTV2012D
Many other combinations are possible, especially with special cordsets.

Advantages of this B7 configuration include:

bulletonly one heavy duty extension cord required
bullettransfer panel used to make connections to the building electrical system
bulletlarger 240V electrical loads can be powered, limited only by the size of the generator
bulletany building circuits that are connected to the transfer panel can be energized , (limited only by the size of the generator)
bullettransfer switch prevents any dangerous backfeed to the utility
bulletbackup power is available quickly since there is no need for multiple extension cords
bulletno open window or door to the outside is required
bulletmeter does not need to be pulled for installation

Some disadvantages of this B7 arrangement are:

bulletslightly more wiring time involved than with the prewired transfer switches

 

Configuration B8 is similar to Configuration B3 except for an additional drop cord used to connect to the transfer switch.  It consists of locating a portable generator unit outside the building and feeding one heavy duty plug-in extension cord directly to an outdoor power inlet box.  This box is pre-wired to an overhead junction box in the vicinity of the manual transfer switch which is pre-wired to the building electric panel.  A drop cord connects from the junction box to the receptacle on the front of the manual transfer switch.  Again, this type of transfer switch is easily installed by any electrician without pulling the electric meter.  The transfer switch unit has single or double pole two position switches permanently wired to the preselected building circuits that require backup power.

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Generator Ratings Matching Items Available for Purchase
Watts Amps Generator Cordset Inlet Box Drop Cord Switch
2,500
to
5,000		 up to 20A
@ 120V/240V		 GB4000 RJB12410 & MOD6-20P L1420
or
1420		 RJB12405 20216A, 20216, F20216B, F20216
4.0EGHEB, 3W736, H451CS-W, 3W737, PM0545004, PM0545004.17, PM0505622.17, 5U936 RJB12410
5,000 up to 20A
@ 120V/240V		 4W315 (diesel) RJB12410 L1420
or
1420		 RJB12405 20216A, 20216, F20216B, F20216
4,500
to
7,500		 up to 30A
@ 120V/240V		 HOV5000VE, 6.0EGHEB, BSI550-W, PM0495503.17, PM0496504.17, 3W739, BSV750-W RJB10410 L1430
or
1430		 RJB10405 30216A, 30216, 30508B, 30310A, 302110, PA0650080.01, F30216B, F30508B, F30310B, R30216B, R30310B, TRC0603A
5,000 - 7,500 30 amp outlets For simpler 30 amp installation we recommend hard wired configuration B3 to eliminate drop cord and junction box
Many other combinations are possible, especially if you make up a special cordset.

Advantages of this B8 configuration include:

bulleteasy to install
bulletonly two heavy duty extension cords required
bullettransfer switch used to make connections to the necessary circuits of the building electrical system
bulletsome larger 240V electrical loads can be powered
bullettransfer switch prevents any dangerous backfeed to the utility
bulletthe transfer switch may have metering allowing the monitoring and balancing of the electrical load to protect the generator from overload or damage
bulletbackup power is available quickly since there is no need for many separate extension cords
bulletconnections to portable generator are made outdoors, eliminating the need for an open door or window
bulleta smallest six circuit transfer switch can be used that has the inlet receptacle on the cover and is not suitable for hard wiring

Some disadvantages of this B8 arrangement are:

bulleta limited number of circuits can be hard wired and powered
bulleteach circuit must be limited to 15 or 20 amps
bulletan additional junction box and drop cord are required that are not needed for configuration B3 (which means slightly more expense and time to install)

Configuration B9 shows the case where the electric load center panel is located outdoors.  In this application an outdoor transfer switch can be conveniently located adjacent to the panel and used similar to B2 and B3.  A portable generator unit outside the building feeds one heavy duty plug-in extension cord directly to this manual transfer switch which is pre-wired to the outdoor building electric panel.  Again, this type of transfer switch is easily installed by any electrician without pulling the electric meter.  The transfer switch unit has single or double pole two position switches permanently wired to the preselected building circuits that require backup power.

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Generator Ratings Matching Items Available for Purchase
Watts Amps Generator Cordset Switch
2,500
to
5,000		 up to 20A
@ 120V/240V		 GB4000 (gasoline) RJB12410 & MOD6-20P R20216B
4.0EGHEB, 3W736, H451CS-W, 3W737, PM0545004, PM0545004.17, PM0505622.17, 5U936 RJB12410
5,000 up to 20A
@ 120V/240V		 4W315 (diesel) RJB12410 R20216B
4,500
to
7,500		 up to 30A
@ 120V/240V		 HOV5000VE, 6.0EGHEB, BSI550-W, PM0495503.17, PM0496504.17, 3W739, BSV750-W RJB10410 R30216B or  R30310B
Many other combinations are possible, especially if you make up a special cordset.

Advantages of this B9 configuration include:

bulleteasy to install
bulletonly one heavy duty extension cord required
bullettransfer switch used to make connections to the necessary circuits of the building electrical system
bulletsome larger 240V electrical loads can be powered
bullettransfer switch prevents any dangerous backfeed to the utility
bulletthe transfer switch may have metering allowing the monitoring and balancing of the electrical load to protect the generator from overload or damage
bulletbackup power is available quickly since there is no need for multiple extension cords
bulletconnections to portable generator are made outdoors, eliminating the need for an open door or window, or inlet box
bulletshort cord can be used if generator is located near transfer switch
bullettransfer switch can be locked closed, preventing unauthorized switching of circuits

Some disadvantages of this B9 arrangement are:

bulleta limited number of circuits can be hard wired and powered
bulleteach circuit must be limited to 15 or 20 amps

 

 

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