A transfer switch is an essential electrical device that provides a safe and convenient way to connect a generator to your home’s electrical system. It is permanently installed near the main service panel to ensure that both the utility and generator power cannot simultaneously supply electricity to your home’s circuits. This eliminates the risk of backfeeding the utility lines, ensuring safety during power outages.
When a power outage occurs, all you need to do is plug your generator into the transfer switch, start it up, and flip the switch from “Utility” to “Generator”. This seamless transition transfers power from the generator to your most important circuits. Without a transfer switch, you would have to rely on extension cords to directly connect appliances to the generator, which is inconvenient and unable to power critical systems like the furnace or well pump.
With a transfer switch, using a generator becomes safe and easy. It allows you to maintain power to the most essential parts of your home when the utility fails, ensuring that what matters most remains powered and functional.
What is a transfer switch and how does it work?
During a power outage, a generator transfer switch comes to the rescue by connecting a backup generator to a home’s electrical system. This device ensures that the generator and the utility grid remain separate, allowing the home to draw electricity from only one source at a time. When it detects a power loss, the transfer switch swiftly switches the home’s circuits from the utility connection to the generator connection. This prevents any backfeed of generator power to the grid or overloading of the generator.
Some transfer switches require manual operation, where someone needs to throw the switch during an outage. On the other hand, automatic transfer switches are smart enough to sense the loss of utility power and automatically switch to generator power. By enabling the safe and temporary use of generator power in a home during an outage, the transfer switch plays a crucial role in preventing electrical accidents. It’s an indispensable component of any home backup generator system.
What are the different types of generator transfer switches?
There are two primary types of transfer switches: manual transfer switches and automatic transfer switches. When using a manual transfer switch, you need to physically flip the switch in order to change the power source for your home, whether it’s from the utility grid or a backup generator.
On the other hand, automatic transfer switches automatically switch power sources in the event of a utility grid failure. These switches are commonly paired with whole-home standby generators to simplify the process of switching between grid and generator power. Instead of manually unplugging appliances from the utility lines and plugging them into a generator outlet, the automatic transfer switch handles this task with a simple flip of a switch. With automatic transfer switches, you can easily and safely switch between power sources.
Best Portable Generators That Are Transfer Switch Ready
After dedicating several hours to researching portable generators equipped with 30-amp and 50-amp outlets for seamless connection to a transfer switch during power outages, I have managed to narrow down my options to dual fuel models that offer the flexibility to run on either propane or gasoline. Propane, with its longer shelf life and user-friendly nature, proves to be an excellent choice for home backup power.
My primary focus has been on generators capable of producing approximately 9,000 watts, which is the recommended capacity for powering essential appliances in an average household. Without any further delay, allow me to present my top selections for portable generators that are transfer switch ready.
Westinghouse WGen9500DF Dual Fuel Portable Generator
With the Westinghouse WGen9500DF portable generator, you’ll never have to worry about power outages again. This beast delivers a whopping 12,500 peak watts and 9,500 running watts, giving you all the power you need to keep your home running smoothly. Whether you prefer gasoline or propane, this generator has got you covered. Its heavy-duty 457cc Westinghouse engine ensures reliable operation for up to 12 hours on just a 6.6-gallon gas tank.
But it’s not just about power, this generator is packed with convenient features. The push-button electric start makes firing it up quick and easy, while the automatic low oil shutdown protects the engine from damage. With the fuel gauge, you’ll always know when it’s time for a refill.
The control panel is designed with simplicity in mind, giving you easy access to both 120V and 240V outlets. This means you can power up your lights, appliances, and more all at the same time. And thanks to its compact and portable design, you can easily move it around with the never-flat wheels and handles.
In conclusion, the Westinghouse WGen9500DF generator is the perfect blend of power and convenience. It’s user-friendly, reliable, and even comes with transfer switch ready outlets. Click here to read my WGen9500DF review.
DuroMax XP13000HX Dual Fuel Portable Generator
The DuroMax XP13000HX reigns as the mightiest generator in the HX Series, generating a whopping 13,000 watts of power. Its robust 500cc OHV DuroMax engine ensures that this portable generator is approaching the strength of stationary home standby units, all while offering a more budget-friendly price. Be it during outages or emergencies, you can depend on this reliable powerhouse to run your essentials like lights, appliances, and even central A/C.
The new control center boasts a digital multi-meter, displaying voltage, frequency, and run times. With the convenience of push-button start and a front-facing fuel selector, you can effortlessly switch between gasoline and propane fuel types within seconds.
Safety is a top priority with DuroMax’s “CO Alert Technology,” as the generator automatically shuts down when it detects unsafe carbon monoxide levels. Crafted with all copper windings and a long-lasting DuroMax engine, this generator is built to endure for years on end. Additionally, the fully-equipped power panel includes four 120V GFCI outlets, one 120V 30A outlet, one 120/240V 30A twist-lock outlet, and a heavy-duty 120/240V 50A outlet, making it perfectly suited for transfer switch readiness.
WEN DF1100T Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Switching between gasoline and propane power has never been easier than with the WEN DF1100T dual fuel portable generator. With just a simple turn of a dial, you can seamlessly transition between the two fuel sources. The convenience doesn’t stop there – this generator also features an electric starter, allowing you to power up the 457cc 4-stroke OHV engine with just the turn of a key.
Equipped with a 6.6 gallon fuel tank, this generator can provide up to 8.5 hours of runtime at half load. It offers a variety of outlets, including four 120V GFCI outlets, one 120V 30A twist lock outlet, one 120V/240V 50A outlet, and one 12V DC outlet. This means you can easily power multiple devices and appliances simultaneously.
The WEN 11,000-Watt dual fuel portable generator gives you the flexibility to choose between gasoline and propane as your preferred fuel source. Whether you need the extra power of gasoline or the convenience of propane, this generator has you covered. Propane provides 9,500 starting and 7,500 running watts, while gasoline offers 11,000 starting and 8,300 running watts.
Transporting this generator is easy, thanks to the included wheel kit and handle. With its 240V power and 457cc engine, the WEN DF1100T is great for emergency backup power. Simply connect your transfer switch to the NEMA 30A twist lock outlet, and you’ll have electricity when you need it most.
Not only is this generator powerful and reliable, but it’s also durable enough for worksites and compact enough for easy storage. Whether you need it for transfer switches or emergency backup, the WEN DF1100T portable generator is a good choice.
Pulsar G12KBN Dual Fuel Portable Generator
The Pulsar G12KBN portable generator is a powerhouse that offers the best of both worlds. With the ability to run on either gasoline or propane, this generator provides flexibility and peace of mind. When running on gasoline, it delivers an impressive 12,000 peak watts and 9,500 rated watts, ensuring that you have more than enough power to handle any situation. Switching to propane slightly reduces the output to 10,800 peak watts and 8,550 rated watts, but still provides ample power for your needs.
One of the greatest advantages of this dual fuel capability is the ability to use propane when gasoline may be scarce. In emergency situations, having the option to rely on propane can be invaluable. You can rest easy knowing that you have a reliable power source, regardless of the circumstances.
Underneath its sturdy, powder coated steel frame, the Pulsar G12KBN houses a 457cc single cylinder, 4-stroke OHV engine with electric start. This powerful engine ensures that you can start up your generator with ease, even in the most challenging conditions. With an 8-gallon tank, you can enjoy up to 12 hours of runtime at half load on gasoline, providing you with long-lasting power when you need it most.
The Pulsar G12KBN is equipped with a wide range of outlets to accommodate all your power needs. It features a 120V/240V 30A twist-lock outlet, a 120V/240V 50A outlet, four 120V 20A AC outlets, and one 12V DC outlet. With this array of outlets, you can simultaneously power various appliances, tools, and devices, making it a versatile solution for both homes and businesses.
Maneuverability is made easy with the drop-down handles and 10-inch never-flat wheels. You can effortlessly move the generator to wherever it is needed, ensuring that you have power exactly where you need it. Additionally, the Pulsar G12KBN comes with features like automatic voltage regulation, a digital meter, and low oil shut-off for added convenience and protection.
In summary, the Pulsar G12KBN is a robust and reliable dual fuel generator that can deliver 12,000 peak watts on gasoline or 10,800 peak watts on propane. Its portable design, ample power outlets, and flexible fuel capability make it an affordable backup power source for homes and businesses.
Which is the best transfer switch ready portable generator?
The DuroMax XP13000HX generator offers a convenient solution for powering your home during an outage. By connecting it to your home’s electrical system through a transfer switch, which should be installed by a professional electrician, you can ensure the safe and efficient operation of the generator. This setup allows you to keep most of your household items running smoothly, providing you with the necessary power to keep things going. However, it’s important to note that the XP13000HX may not be able to handle larger appliances such as electric heaters, stoves, dryers, and water heaters all at once. To avoid any potential hazards, it’s crucial to have a transfer switch in place. This prevents electricity from the generator from flowing back into the utility lines, which could lead to dangerous situations like fires or electrocution. While the XP13000HX may not be able to power your entire house, its 13,000 watt capacity still makes it a versatile backup option. You can rely on it to keep essential lights, appliances, and electronics up and running when you experience a disruption in utility power.
The WEN DF1100T dual fuel portable generator is equipped with a 50-amp outlet that can be connected to a transfer switch, enabling it to provide power to your entire house in case of an outage. However, it is crucial to ensure a safe and proper connection by installing a 50-amp transfer switch on your home’s electrical panel and using a 50-amp cord to link the generator to the transfer switch. This setup prevents any electricity from flowing back into utility lines, which could pose a risk to workers. With the appropriate 50-amp setup, the WEN DF1100T is capable of running essential appliances such as central A/C, refrigerators, microwaves, and lights during a power outage. Remember, it is essential to have the correct transfer switch and cabling installed in advance to ensure the safe operation of the generator for your entire house.
The WGen9500DF by Westinghouse truly stands out from the rest when it comes to transfer switch ready portable generators. Its user-friendly control panel showcases the transfer switch ready L14-30R and 14-50R outlets, which are perfect for powering essential appliances such as the AC, fridge, and sump pump, as well as lights and entertainment centers, all at the same time using just one cord. What sets this generator apart are its two outstanding features: the Smart Switch port, which automatically starts the generator during power outages when connected to a Westinghouse transfer switch, and the convenient key fob for remote start and stop.
With its easy assembly and maneuverability, the WGen9500DF is undoubtedly an excellent choice for a dependable home backup generator. You may buy the WGen9500DF on Amazon (paid link).
Photo by Troy Bridges on Unsplash.