Page last updated 09/04/08
The following text and figures are from the Gen/Tran®
Installation and Operating Instructions, © 1999 Gen-Tran Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. They are used here with permission from Gen-Tran Corporation. These
instructions DO NOT cover the higher capacity TransPanel. See separate installation guide for that product.
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GEN/TRAN® INSTALLATION AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Covers models 15114, 20216, 30216, 302110, 30408.
WARNING: Gen/Tran® transfer switches should be
installed by a professional electrician familiar with electrical wiring and codes, and
experienced in working with portable generators. Gen/Tran accepts no responsibility for
accidents caused by incorrect installation.
CAUTION: It is inappropriate to use any of these transfer
switches for an electric water heater, clothes dryer, electric range, and central air
conditioning systems.
Typical installation of models 20216, 30216 or 302110 using power inlet box and
power cords.
All Gen/Tran® transfer switches are UL Listed and CSA Certified.
Tools Needed
- Electric Drill
- Wire Cutter/Stripper
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- 4, 6, 8 or 10 Yellow Wire Connectors
- 4 Anchors and Screws
Key Components of Gen/Tran® Transfer Switch
Switches for Circuit Selection - These switches allow
you to select either utility (LINE) or generator (GEN) as the power source for the
circuits that have been wired through the Gen/Tran transfer switch. The OFF position is
not generally used, and a switch in this position will remove that circuit from both the
utility line and generator power.
Convenience Outlet - Operates from Circuit A, and is
energized whenever the generator is operating and connected to the Gen/Tran transfer
switch regardless of Circuit A switch position.
Circuit Breaker - Each transfer switch circuit has a
15-amp push-to-reset circuit breaker that is active when the Switch is in the GEN
position. Circuits with handle ties (240 volt) are supplied by 20-amp breakers (effective
February 1999), and MUST be connected to 20-amp circuits in the house panel. In the LINE
position, each circuit is protected by the breaker in the load center.
Wattmeters - Indicate the circuit loads, in watts,
when the generator is supplying power. The left meter measures the load on circuits A-B-C
(6-circuit), A-B-C-D (8-circuit), ABCDE (10-circuit) and the right meter measures the load
on circuits DEF (6-circuit), EFGH (8-circuit) and F-G-H-1-J (10-circuit).
Preparing for installation
Be sure to have all tools listed.
Transfer switch can be installed on either the left or right side of your house
electrical panel (also called load center). Hold the Gen/Tran transfer switch up to the
wall about 18" from the center of the load center to ensure adequate room (see Figure
1). Remove the cover of the load center. CAUTION: All wires are live inside load center!
MAIN circuit breaker should be turned off to ensure safety. Remember, all wires on
"line" side of main are still hot.
Locate and remove a knockout (KO) in the bottom of the load center near the
center, if possible. Use a 3/4" (trade size) KO for models 20216 and 30216, 1/2"
KO for model 15114, and use 1" KO for 8- and 10-circuit models.
Insert all wires from Gen/Tran transfer switch at end of flexible conduit
through KO, and install connector securely.
Anchor transfer switch to wall using the external feet. Do not overbend flexible
conduit.
Wiring the Gen/Tran® Transfer Switch to the load center
- Determine which circuits you will want to use during an emergency (see wattage
listing). Choose 6 circuits if you are installing a 6-circuit transfer switch, choose 10
circuits if installing a 10-circuit unit, and so on. We suggest you wire the most critical
circuits first, starting with "A".
- Assuming you want to designate your Furnace as "A", turn the Furnace
circuit breaker OFF, and loosen the screw which secures the wire into the circuit breaker,
and remove wire (see Figure 2).
- On the Gen/Tran transfer switch, find the Black and Red wires marked
"A". Feed these two wires to the selected breaker (Furnace). Cut Red wire
"A" to a convenient length, strip approximately 5/8", install in circuit
breaker, and retighten screw. Take Black lead "A", cut to convenient length to
match up with wire removed from circuit breaker. Strip 5/8" and insert both wires
into yellow wire connector. Twist on tightly, push wires back into side of box.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 above to wire remaining circuits. (If you are installing a
model 15114, follow steps for B, C, and D circuits, and move to Step 7.)
- To install the 240 volt circuit(s) on the 6-, 8- or 10-circuit models, locate the
Red and Black wires for the circuits with the handle tie. Turn off the 2-pole breaker in
the load center, and remove wires as above. Feed wires from handle-tied switch(es) to the
2-pole breaker as above. Cut and strip 5/8". Insert red wires in breaker and tighten.
Black wires connected as above. (There are no 240 volt circuits on model #1 5114. On
#20216 and #30216, only "C" and "D" circuits can be used as the 240
volt circuit. On #302110 and #30408, any pair of circuits located together can be used as
a 240 volt circuit.)
- If you have no 240-volt circuits in your load center, the double pole handle-tied
circuit(s) on the Gen/Tran transfer switch are not needed. Turn the handle-tied switch(es)
to the GEN position. Loosen the two screws on the handle tie, remove the handle tie, and
discard. These circuits can now be used as 1-pole circuits as you select.
- Once you have wired all circuits in the Gen/Tran switch, only the White neutral
wire and Green ground wire remain. Insert the White neutral wire into an unused hole in
the neutral bar in the load center and tighten. Then insert the Green ground wire into an
unused hole in the ground bar, if existing, and tighten. If no ground bar exists, insert
the Green wire into an unused hole in the neutral bar and tighten.
- Replace the cover to the load center (see Figure 3). Fill in the chart on the top
of the Gen/Tran transfer switch to describe your emergency circuits and related circuit
numbers in the load center. Turn ON all breakers in the load center, and turn all switches
on the transfer switch to the LINE position. Installation is now complete.
Note on Convenience Outlet
All Gen/Tran( transfer switches have a 3-wire, grounded convenience outlet, to
be used for tools or lights near the transfer switch installation during an outage. This
outlet is connected to circuit breaker "A" on the Gen/Tran transfer switch, and
must be calculated with other load on circuit A.
Note on Model 30408 Installation:
This model has been designed to "hardwire" to a power inlet box
located remotely from the Gen/Tran transfer switch (see Figures 4 and 5). The terminal
block located in the wiring compartment of the 8-circuit Model 30408 transfer switch
should be connected to the remote power inlet box as follows:
Gen/Tran Black Terminal: To Power inlet "X" or "Y" terminal
Gen/Tran White Terminal: To Power inlet Neutral "W" terminal
Gen/Tran Red Terminal: To Power Inlet "X" or "Y" terminal
Gen/Tran Green Terminal: To Power Inlet Ground "G" terminal
USING YOUR GEN/TRAN® TRANSFER SWITCH AND YOUR PORTABLE
GENERATOR
To ensure that your generator will always be ready when you need it, it is
important to start and run your generator UNDER LOAD regularly and keep the tank filled
with fresh fuel. Perform the following steps at least ONCE A MONTH to keep the generator
properly "exercised". It is not necessary to turn off any circuits in the Main
load center when supplying generator power with the Gen/Tran transfer switch, even when
the utility power is operating normally. The double-throw switches prevent backfeeding
generator power to the utility and, conversely, utility power to the generator.
Transferring from Utility Power to Generator Power
- Plug in the female connector of the Power Cord to the Power Inlet Box OR Gen/Tran
transfer switch. Be sure that all switches on the Transfer Switch are in the LINE or OFF
position.
- Insert the male connector of the Power Cord into the outlet on the generator.
- Start the generator outdoors, following the procedures described in the
generator's owner's manual furnished by the manufacturer.
- Select the circuits to be powered by the generator by moving the corresponding
Gen/Tran switches to the GEN position. Use only necessary household items when under
generator power, and alternate use of larger loads (furnace motors, well pumps, freezers,
etc.). Do not exceed the maximum wattage of the transfer switch.
- While in the GEN position, each circuit is limited by the transfer switch circuit
breaker to a maximum of 15 or 20 amps as labeled. If you have selected a circuit that
draws more than this, it will be necessary to selectively turn off some of the loads on
that circuit in order not to exceed the 15- or 20-amp capacity of the Gen/Tran circuit
breaker. Test your circuits by using the wattmeters or determine wattage from that shown
on each appliance. Make a note of any excessive loads which must be removed from a given
circuit during generator operation.
Transferring from Generator Power to Utility Power
- Return all switches (A-B-C-D etc.) to the LINE position.
- Follow the procedures in the generator's owner's manual to turn off the
generator.
- Unplug the Power Cord.
Note on Model 15114: There are no meters to conveniently check
each motor or appliance load. The name plate on each of these emergency loads should be
checked and noted. The total running wattage is 1875 watts at any one time. During an
emergency, the switches should be in the OFF or LINE position when that particular load is
not needed. Failure to limit the total load to 1875 watts may result in stalling out the
generator, burning out the appliance motor, or tripping the circuit breakers on the
Gen/Tran switch. Circuit breakers on the Gen/Tran switch can be reset by pushing the
button in.
SPECIFICATIONS |
| Model No. |
15114 |
20216 |
30216 |
302110 |
30408 |
| Max. Load per Circuit |
15 amps |
15 amps+ |
15 amps+ |
15 amps+ |
15 amps+ |
| Max. load Combined |
15 amps |
40 amps |
60 amps |
60 amps |
60 amps |
| Max. Watts @ 250 volt |
0 |
5000 |
7500 |
7500 |
7500 |
| Max. Watts @ 125 volt |
1875 |
5000 |
7500 |
7500 |
7500 |
| Max. House Circuit amp. |
20 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
| Max. 1 Pole Circuits |
4 |
6 |
6 |
10 |
8 |
| Max. 2 Pole Circuits |
0 |
1 |
1 |
5* |
4** |
NEMA Config. of
Gen/Tran Male Inlet |
515 |
L1420 |
L1430 |
L1430 |
N/A |
Min. Gauge
Cord Size |
14
3 Wire |
12
4 Wire |
10
4 Wire |
10
4 Wire |
10
N/A |
*2 handle ties provided with unit.
**1 handle tie provided with unit. Additionals may be ordered from factory for $1
each.
+Handle tied circuits can be used on 20-amp circuits (effective
February 1999).
GEN/TRAN OFFERS THE FOLLOWING ACCESSORIES To ACCOMMODATE YOUR
CONFIGURATION
Power Inlet Boxes
Ideal for installations where your house electrical panel is located indoors,
and you wish to avoid running the power cord from the generator to the Gen/Tran transfer
switch through a window or door. This weather-tight Power Inlet Box can be mounted on the
exterior of the house, and wiring may be run through the wall over to the Gen/Tran
installation allowing the power cord from the generator to be plugged into the Power Inlet
Box.
| L1420 |
RainTite Power Inlet, 4-wire weather-tight male |
For 20216 series |
| L1430 |
RainTite Power Inlet, 4-wire weather-tight male |
For 30216, 302110, 30408 series |
| 515 |
RainTite Power Inlet, 3-wire weather-tight male |
For 15114 series |
Power Cords
These heavy duty, all rubber cordsets are the connecting link between the
generator and the Gen/Tran switch and/or the Power Inlet box. The 4-wire locking plug and
connector match up with the Power Inlet on each Gen/Tran switch and RainTite Power Inlets.
Most portable generators are supplied with either a 20 Amp or 30 Amp 4-wire locking
receptacle that accepts the locking plug and connector on each end of the cordset.
Use with 30216 and 302110 series transfer switches and L1430 Power Inlet
| RJB10405* |
5 ft. cord, 4 conductor, 10 gauge |
All supplied
with NEMA
L1430 ends. |
| RJB10410 |
10 ft. cord, 4 conductor, 10 gauge |
| RJB10425 |
25 ft. cord, 4 conductor, 10 gauge |
| RJB10450 |
50 ft. cord, 4 conductor, 10 gauge |
Use with 20216 series transfer switches and L1420 Power Inlet
| RJB12405* |
5 ft. cord, 4 conductor, 12 gauge |
All supplied
with NEMA
L1420 ends. |
| RJB12410 |
10 ft. cord, 4 conductor, 12 gauge |
| RJB12425 |
25 ft. cord, 4 conductor, 12 gauge |
| RJB12450 |
50 ft. cord, 4 conductor, 12 gauge |
*These 5 ft. drop cords are used when a power inlet box is used and conduit is
run across the basement ceiling to the area above the transfer switch installation. Cord
is connected to junction box and dropped to the Gen/Tran switch. These cords include
female connector only.
WATTAGE REQUIREMENTS |
| Appliance |
Running
Watts |
Add Watts
for Starting |
|
Appliance |
Running
Watts |
Add Watts
for Starting |
Furnace Blower
(Gas or Fuel Oil)
- 1/8 hp
- 1/6 hp
- 1/4 hp
- 1/3 hp
- 1/2 hp |
300
500
600
700
875 |
500
750
1000
1400
2100 |
|
Television |
100-300 |
0 |
| Microwave Oven |
600-1500 |
0 |
Coffee Maker,
Typical |
1750 |
0 |
Shallow Well Pump
- 1/3 hp
- 1/2 hp |
750
1000 |
1400
2350 |
Toaster |
1050-1650 |
0 |
| Portable Heater |
1100-1500 |
0 |
Sump Pump
- 1/3 hp
- 1/2 hp |
800
1050 |
1300
2150 |
Dehumidifier,
Portable |
650-800 |
0 |
| Electric Blanket |
400 |
0 |
Refrigerator or
Freezer |
800 |
2300 |
Clothes Washer |
1150 |
2300 |
Garage Door Opener
- 1/4 hp
- 1/3 hp |
550
750 |
1100
1400 |
Clothes Dryer
- Gas |
700 |
1800 |
Dishwasher
- Cool Dry
- Hot Dry |
700
1450 |
1400
1400 |
Water Heater
(with electric blower) Gas only |
500 |
1500 |
| Vacuum Cleaner |
800-1100 |
0 |
| Lights |
On Bulb |
0 |
Hair Dryer |
300-1500 |
0 |
| Radio |
50-200 |
0 |
Iron |
1200 |
0 |
Gen/Tran®
CORPORATION
P.O. Box 1001, Alpharetta, GA 30004
Telephone 1-888-GEN-TRAN
Fax 770-552-7756
www.gen-tran.com
© 1999 Gen/Tran Corporation. All rights reserved.
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