Manual generator transfer switch - make recommendations?

Question

Hi,

I'm arranging with an electrician to fit a 100A generator transfer switch to my house and ensure all regs, earthing etc are compliant.

He's happy for me to source a transfer switch - so I was wondering:
Lewden, JFK, Eris Industrial (from yessss) - are there any to avoid, or go for quality wise. Or any others?

Spec: plastic, IP65 (will be outdoors) next to the incomer, 100A, 2P (but 4P OK).

Next project is then to find a reasonably priced inverter genny around 4kVA.

Many thanks, Tim

broadgage · Accepted Answer

A whole house changeover switch with only a 4 KVA generator might not be the best option. Nothing would prevent someone turning on a high loading appliance and tripping or breaking the generator. 
 I would prefer a changeover switch that operates only on the lighting circuits and a single 16 amp radial power circuit, this to supply a limited number of priority loads such as fridge, freezer, TV internet router, laptop, central heating controls, cellphone charger, cordless phone base unit, and maybe a kettle, or a boiling ring, or microwave oven but only of these at a time.

Zoomup · Answer

To keep things simple and inexpensive I would just run an extension lead into the house and have a 13 Amp socket or two. Some generators will not like appliances with high a starting current such as motors. I would keep the house wiring and generator circuits separate. Ensure that the generator is not delivering fumes into the house. 
 
 Z.

broadgage · Answer

If despite the above, you are determined that a changeover is the war forward, then any reputable make should be fine. Choose a physicaly large one as smaller versions may not have much internal space for wiring. As water is the enemy of all things electrical, get a splash proof switch and install it within a weather resistant box, such as are used for external electricity meters. Put the 32 amp appliance inlet in the box also. 
 It would be preferable in my view to have your electrician select the switch.

Manual generator transfer switch - make recommendations?

Community Rules & Guidelines