uRater.info

Reliance Generator Transfer Switch

We recently bought a 5000 watt generator to power essential home appliances–this is if and when a power outage should occur.

To make this convenient, we installed a Reliance transfer switch. (Note that the Amazon description is inaccurate in regard that the Reliance Kit 31406CRK is actually rated at 7500 watts).

We connected the switch to the house wiring right at the circuit box (as required). We found installation of the generator transfer switch to not at all be difficult (only a rudimentary knowledge of electrical circuitry is required).

When the electrical power from the grid is out, we can now keep essential appliances (well pump, refrigerator, and lights) in operation by running them off of the generator. The transfer switch allows connecting 4 house circuits at 120 volts, and 1 house circuit at 240 volts; or 6 house circuits at 120 volts.

As a side note, safe operation of sensitive electronic devices requires a clean power supply. Consequently, when running off of a generator, devices like TV’s and computers should additionally be connected to a protected outlet. Ideally, the current should pass through a line power conditioner that has a voltage regulator. (Note that Tripp Lite sells a 600 watt line conditioner with voltage regulator for less than $100). Another good option for more safely operating electronic equipment when the grid is down would be through an DC-to-AC inverter.

All-in-all we find the 5000 watt generator combined with the Reliance transfer switch (the kit) to comprise an effective (yet inexpensive) system that can power most of our essential home appliances.

Update (5/19/2012): This item is currently on sale here for the lowest price I’ve seen. I also found some auctions for this item here.

The featured review for this product, Reliance Controls Transfer Switch Kit - 6 Circuit, Model# 31406CRK Lawn & Patio, was written by Cher and Jim.

The average rating for this item is 5 out of 5 stars, according to 3 reviews.