Manual generator transfer switch - make recommendations?

Hi folks. With the greatest of respect:

I'm very clear on the system design. I've chosen to have a 4kVA genny backup because it will meet the required conditions of running lights, boiler, internet and one appliance at a time.

I've chosen to go for the transfer switch approach because it will be the simplest system to operate for other household users, beyond the much more expensive option of an automatic transfer switch and automatic load shedding of hi load circuits with option to manually re-engage.

The latter would be how I might do it at my next house if it's in a more rural area and power cuts even more likely. But for this, I just want a sweet spot of safe/easy/inexpensive.

All I was after were any thoughts in 100A TS makes and models 

I know where I am with consumer accessories - there are makes I regard well (Crabtree, Schneider, Hager)

But I have no idea how JFK, Lewden and Eris are.

Also - yes, I would let the sparky have a veto too. But it's my money and I want to know it's a solid unit and not a piece of junk.

Tim Watts said:

Also - yes, I would let the sparky have a veto too. But it's my money and I want to know it's a solid unit and not a piece of junk.

All I can say is that you get what you pay for. Of those six makes, I think that I would go for Hager.

Hager don't do transfer switches (at least not that I've come across)

The choices appear to be Lewden, JFK and Eris

Then why ask the question?

The question in the original post was:

"Lewden, JFK, Eris Industrial (from yessss) - are there any to avoid, or go for quality wise. Or any others?"

If I was doing your proposed job I would be offended if you treated me the way you are treating your Sparks. Do you not trust his experience and ability? We are not allowed to advertise products on this forum, It is forum policy.

Z.

"I've chosen to go for the transfer switch approach because it will be the simplest system to operate for other household users, beyond the much more expensive option of an automatic transfer switch and automatic load shedding of hi load circuits with option to manually re-engage."

Yep,  if the other householders apply your instructions to disconnect the big appliances in the dark before trying to start the generator, the system might work.

Z.

Zoomup said:

If I was doing your proposed job I would be offended if you treated me the way you are treating your Sparks. Do you not trust his experience and ability? We are not allowed to advertise products on this forum, It is forum policy.

I think you're going out of your way to be offended here.  According to the OP, his sparks is willing to fit whatever the OP buys.  So what's the problem?

I am not the customer's Sparks and am not offended. The  customer may not be the best person to choose the switch. The experienced Sparks may be better qualified for the job, and he has done jobs like this before, and it is more efficient for the Sparks to source the materials. The job can be completed quicker. Why not use the type of  switch that the Sparks has used before?

What quality are the consumer unit main switches and/or main isolator? Do we worry about those?

Z.

It occurs to me that you could take the old-fashioned approach. Go to the supplier and have a look and a feel of the goods.

Or if online purchases are your thing, do what my daughter does when buying clothes. Get all three and send back what you don't want.

It occurs to me that you could take the old-fashioned approach. Go to the supplier and have a look and a feel of the goods.

Or if online purchases are your thing, do what my daughter does when buying clothes. Get all three and send back what you don't want.