Thank you for this video! I've been eyeing this switch to hook to my own non-generac controller but wasn't sure how the transfer was actuated. Thank you for demonstrating the 12 volt connections so now I know it will work for my needs!
I’m in the process of setting up my 15kw Onan genset to feed power through one of these ATS. The start, stop, and transfer actions will be controlled by a wireless remote that has a 500’ range although I’ll be conducting the actions from inside my house when needed while my genset will be brought out and setup under my detached shelter in advance of a potential outage (hurricane). This video helped confirm my thoughts of how to make the transfer possible with other brands of generators. Thanks!!
HUGE. Thank you so much for this video S Snider. Power went out yesterday, the NG Generac came on, no transfer. After troubleshooting and examining everything inside the transfer switch I found 1 of the spade terminals to the lower solenoid was disconnected. So, I just plugged it in (I'm no electrician, I'm in a different trade) and BANG! Big arc. I didn't know why there was such a big arc flash, now I know: it's 240V. The Guardian threw 1501 code, I cleared it, plugged in the terminal, case dismissed.
Back and installing another generac auto xfer switch. Thanks for leaving this video up. I would be screwed without it. This time installing with a Schneider XW+ 5548 for battery back up power. Have a generator but will just use for charging the batts. Thanks again Sir!
Designed my grid/solar transfer switch myself. Installed in a sub-panel with a push button so my spouse of 50 years can hit the button and the sub-panel is energized by the 3500 watt inverter and the power comes back on. Next project is to wifi enable as well as automate the switchover. Subpanel and relay contactor cost 75 bucks and handles 40 amps.
Thanks for posting this. I have one preinstalled on the home we bought, good to know how it works.. I'm looking at using and EV with an inverter to replace the outside generator.
If I disconnect all the wires going to the transfer switch (12V), would I be able to manually pull the yellow lever down and use the transfer switch with a large portable generator? Thank you for your great video. I have a Generac Automatic Switch ( NEA3R.)
is the a beakers downstream? for panel protection or do i need to buy a separate one ? as 320.70 saids i need a main pull for main panel just not sure if it needs to be beaker style or i can buy just a switchblade
Hello Sir. I am using this Generic ATS with a Duromax Generator..everything makes sense except.. for the 12volt section..I do not see what you are hooking the 12Volts to. I mean if I use a say car battery Positive to Red is the White which I see you connect to the negative..but you take the Negative off each time...What can be done about that? Or when it is live will it make the change automatically, leaving the Negative on the White Transfer....this is the part that is confusing...I would greatly appreciate your help on this if you would.
I was working on a old ATS last week. The generator was on but the ATS was not reading proper power and the generator would not go off. Took a screw driver hit the solenoid and what do you know the switch finally clicked over back to utility power generator went off. Told them it was time to upgrade to a new ats system a generac and a generac generator. It’s a good investment
Generac refused to replaced or to provided services on a difected contactor in a Transfer Switch panel I purchased, since the panel arrived with no serial number.
Thanks for this video. I could not find anything from the Generac manual that explained that it needed 12V to switch, nor would they tell me that the coils were 240. That helps A LOT. I may post again if I get my system figured out and working properly with a Kubota 36 kW Diesel genny.
I have an existing Generac automatic transfer switch with grid primary and 24k generator secondary. I am tryin to add a second automatic transfer switch with solar power primary for whole house and output of 1st transfer switch as secondary. I am looking for solution that is NEC compliant and safe. Any ideas?
Will you or would you post a part 2 to this video? I'm trying to use a non Generac generator with a Generac Automatic Transfer switch and I'm wondering what the start/stop circuitry does.
It would be much simpler the other way around. GENERAC uses the transfer switch to monitor utility power and control transfer operations. The generator has a controller that handles startup functions, regulates voltage and frequency, along with fault diagnostics of the complete system. Without specific information about your generator and transfer switch everything would be a general idea. I’m sure it can be done, just takes some time. GENERAC transfer switches and generators are designed to work together for 100% reliability. Using two different brands in all honesty, may not give you what your looking for, especially when you may really need it.
Thanks for the video, How can I adjust the time delay from loosing Utility power to generator star up. We have power flickers that last just a few seconds but my 22wk Generac starts up to soon and last month the service breaker on the gen tripped. I have the Guardian 22kw,bought new and installed by Generac in 2018. Thanks.
It seams you have two problems, not just one. First, this is a nuisance start due to brownout conditions. Not a time delay adjustment, it’s a utility sense low voltage issue, an easy fix. Only, a GENERAC Service Technician is authorized to make this adjustment, due to the Unlock Code required to access this in the Setup Menu. If you only set the Time delay for startup you’ll still have the same issue only the generator would attempt the start few seconds or minutes later. If you lost power, it would wait the same amount of time for an attempt start. Hopefully, that was clear? As to the issue of Main Breaker trip on your generator, this will only happen if your generator was not sized correctly for your installation, or failed to utilize the “Load Shed Module” for multiple A/C units. Older A/C units can require substantially more load at startup than newer high efficiency units. Almost always this is because of the LRA (Locked Rotor Amperage), of the Air Conditioning Compressor. The only cost effective remedy is to utilize the load shed module in the transfer switch, or if the LRA exceeds the generator supplied amperage a Compressor Soft Start Kit. Remember, if you loose power the load demand on most homes 200 amp service is now placed on your 80-100 amp air cooled generator, only 26 seconds later. Most homeowners want the same power from their generators as they get from their utility company. I’m guilty of that also. With proper planning, this can be accomplished within reasonable limits. Also, GENERAC doesn’t install generators, usually Electrican’s perform installs. You did get a required NEC Worksheet outlining the generator size, right? Without that someone is just making a guess. Yes, I am a GENERAC factory Certified Technician, and Certified Installer for residence and commercial units.
@@f143744 I bypassed the fancy modules for startup. I installed a relay on each ac unit that breaks 24v power to the thermostat preventing startup of the unit after a power drop off. I have two start switches in my living area that are easy to access. After drop out all I have to do is press a switch to lock the relay back in. The relay and plug in base were less than five dollars each and have been working for five years now. My 22kw generac has a one hundred amp output breaker and both my ac's will pull more than that combined for startup. I was afraid I'd be gone during a drop out and the generator would try to power both ac's at the same time. No harm to have the ac's off while I'm out for a few hours and less demand on the gen.
I'm just completing an install of my Generac 22kw Generator and Transfer switch. The control wires have 6 wires coming from the Generator. There are five labeled terminals inside the Transfer Switch but no terminal for the 12V Common (-) wire. Where is that supposed to be hooked up to?
If you notice on the video where he has the Red Lead connected, next to is is a Black Connector. That is where the 12 vdc Negative wire connects on both Transfer and Generator. There are limits on wire size for distance and rated voltage, depending if you run wire along with the Generator Load or separate.
What are you using as your 12V power source? I am being required by a utility to install an ATS on a solar with battery backup system. Everything works fine until grid power is lost, the ATS won't switch automatically. This looks like what I need to do to get it working but what do I use as the 12v power source?
I am using the batteries in the generator to supply the 12v. I just ran extra wiring between the ATS and generator. I have 110v going to the generator with a receptacle that is used for the batteryminder. Then 12v from the generator back to ATS.
@@ssnider7967 I use the same transfer switch, I have solar with battery backup and don't want the generator to start immediately on loss of grid, I do however want the transfer switch to transfer so as not to back feed anything to the grid from my inverters on battery. It looks like I can control that with logic in my Outback inverters and use the battery until they get down several volts and then start the genset automatically and recharge if there is no sunshine. I have located the line sensing and can open and close that circuit in the inverter to start and stop the genset and now with the 12V post on the relay you showed I will be able to control the transfer switch with logic in the Outback inverter. Thanks
Nope, not a battery charger, even though it’s powered by the battery. It’s use in conjunction with wire 23 to initiate the transfer of power from utility to generator and back, inside the transfer switch. Fused T3 supplies 120 vac for the battery charging circuitry. It can power a 120 volt battery charger up to 5 amps. Nexus and Evolution Controllers use a separate battery charger. Evolution 2, started in 2017 the battery charger is built into the controller.
The 12v is supplied by the battery on the generator. I ran 110v back ro the generator and installed a electric outlet. I have the batteries on the generator connected to batteryminder.
He has it plugged in to 240v (pause at first second of video- those alligator clips are wired into a 240v plug, and plugged into power). The solenoid won’t transfer over to generator power, unless it senses 240v coming from generator (T1 & T2)
Yes, it’s fairly easy to do. Just need to think everything through, about placement of generator, cable runs, fuel, etc... Each transfer switch would be mounted at the home electrical connections. You have to power each transfer, and a set of control wires. Either split close to the generator or jumper one box to another. Everything depends on location.
Lets say I want my generator to be my Primary power and the power to switch to a different source when the generator fails. Would this be able to do that?
I am working on a 11kw grid tie generac. The customer wants to start off-grid! I have run 220 vac to it from the inverters, turn it off to start the generator. Can't get the generator to operate in auto mode, it just starts and runs, will not stop when I turn the grid back on! What am I missing here?
@@eknott1000 one of two ways. Run a extension cord from a outlet that plugs into a “generator battery charger”. Or a dedicated circuit from your main panel. And terminate it with a waterproof outlet inside the generator. I wouldn’t use a battery tender though. Hope that helped
Sure you can... At least three ways to do this for a 50 amp service. First, you can use a 100 amp non-se rated, transfer switch, and feed it from a main breaker box 50 amp feed, out to a secondary breaker panel 50 amp main. Second, GENERAC list an EZ 12-16 breaker and transfer switch all in one box. You feed it from a main panel, and it replaces some breakers in that panel. Third, by far the easiest, just put a 50 amp Service Disconnect before the transfer switch. You just need to size everything within codes.
The solenoid hits with so much force that it can knock loose the lead that is using a standard press on connector. Good idea with this poor design to use pliers to crimp this terminal as tightly as possible. Generac should have had a set screw or different connectors at this location. When the lead comes loose the ATS will not shift back to grid power when a power outage has ended.
Yes!!! I can't believe it did that! Mine didn't transfer yesterday it was because one solenoid terminal was disconnected! This is the most enlightening comment I've ever read on CZcams
Thank you for this video! I've been eyeing this switch to hook to my own non-generac controller but wasn't sure how the transfer was actuated. Thank you for demonstrating the 12 volt connections so now I know it will work for my needs!
I’m in the process of setting up my 15kw Onan genset to feed power through one of these ATS. The start, stop, and transfer actions will be controlled by a wireless remote that has a 500’ range although I’ll be conducting the actions from inside my house when needed while my genset will be brought out and setup under my detached shelter in advance of a potential outage (hurricane). This video helped confirm my thoughts of how to make the transfer possible with other brands of generators. Thanks!!
My 150 amp Generac transfer switch has been installed for over 10 years and is still working perfectly.
HUGE. Thank you so much for this video S Snider. Power went out yesterday, the NG Generac came on, no transfer. After troubleshooting and examining everything inside the transfer switch I found 1 of the spade terminals to the lower solenoid was disconnected. So, I just plugged it in (I'm no electrician, I'm in a different trade) and BANG! Big arc. I didn't know why there was such a big arc flash, now I know: it's 240V. The Guardian threw 1501 code, I cleared it, plugged in the terminal, case dismissed.
Next time, hit the breaker on the generator first to prevent this, switch it, then turn the generator breaker back on
Back and installing another generac auto xfer switch. Thanks for leaving this video up. I would be screwed without it. This time installing with a Schneider XW+ 5548 for battery back up power. Have a generator but will just use for charging the batts.
Thanks again Sir!
Designed my grid/solar transfer switch myself. Installed in a sub-panel with a push button so my spouse of 50 years can hit the button and the sub-panel is energized by the 3500 watt inverter and the power comes back on. Next project is to wifi enable as well as automate the switchover. Subpanel and relay contactor cost 75 bucks and handles 40 amps.
You're the man for this
Excellent clear explanation, thanks.
Excellent thank you for sharing this!
This video did indeed help me install this without a generator
Thanks for posting this. I have one preinstalled on the home we bought, good to know how it works.. I'm looking at using and EV with an inverter to replace the outside generator.
If I disconnect all the wires going to the transfer switch (12V), would I be able to manually pull the yellow lever down and use the transfer switch with a large portable generator? Thank you for your great video. I have a Generac Automatic Switch ( NEA3R.)
is the a beakers downstream? for panel protection or do i need to buy a separate one ? as 320.70 saids i need a main pull for main panel just not sure if it needs to be beaker style or i can buy just a switchblade
Hello Sir. I am using this Generic ATS with a Duromax Generator..everything makes sense except.. for the 12volt section..I do not see what you are hooking the 12Volts to. I mean if I use a say car battery Positive to Red is the White which I see you connect to the negative..but you take the Negative off each time...What can be done about that? Or when it is live will it make the change automatically, leaving the Negative on the White Transfer....this is the part that is confusing...I would greatly appreciate your help on this if you would.
I was working on a old ATS last week. The generator was on but the ATS was not reading proper power and the generator would not go off. Took a screw driver hit the solenoid and what do you know the switch finally clicked over back to utility power generator went off. Told them it was time to upgrade to a new ats system a generac and a generac generator. It’s a good investment
Perfect ! Needed to know how it works for me to make a control circuit for auto switching my Generator on and off.
Could you add a battery set up so a battery powers that house until the couple minutes until the generator is online?
Generac refused to replaced or to provided services on a difected contactor in a Transfer Switch panel I purchased, since the panel arrived with no serial number.
Just viewed this. Excellent! Are you still replying to comments or questions? If so, please reply. I have a couple Qs. Many thanks!
thanks. great video
Could I use a similar transfer switch with a portable generator? I plan on purchasing a 25-30k diesel generator
Thanks a million. Very simple when you explain it
Question, where did you get the 24 volts for the transfer relay?
Thanks for this video. I could not find anything from the Generac manual that explained that it needed 12V to switch, nor would they tell me that the coils were 240. That helps A LOT. I may post again if I get my system figured out and working properly with a Kubota 36 kW Diesel genny.
"hell yea!!!! now were talking a real generator!!! let me know when your installing it!
I have an existing Generac automatic transfer switch with grid primary and 24k generator secondary. I am tryin to add a second automatic transfer switch with solar power primary for whole house and output of 1st transfer switch as secondary. I am looking for solution that is NEC compliant and safe. Any ideas?
Will you or would you post a part 2 to this video? I'm trying to use a non Generac generator with a Generac Automatic Transfer switch and I'm wondering what the start/stop circuitry does.
It would be much simpler the other way around. GENERAC uses the transfer switch to monitor utility power and control transfer operations. The generator has a controller that handles startup functions, regulates voltage and frequency, along with fault diagnostics of the complete system. Without specific information about your generator and transfer switch everything would be a general idea. I’m sure it can be done, just takes some time. GENERAC transfer switches and generators are designed to work together for 100% reliability. Using two different brands in all honesty, may not give you what your looking for, especially when you may really need it.
do you know if the briggs and stratton ats work the same way?
Thanks for the video, How can I adjust the time delay from loosing Utility power to generator star up. We have power flickers that last just a few seconds but my 22wk Generac starts up to soon and last month the service breaker on the gen tripped. I have the Guardian 22kw,bought new and installed by Generac in 2018. Thanks.
It seams you have two problems, not just one. First, this is a nuisance start due to brownout conditions. Not a time delay adjustment, it’s a utility sense low voltage issue, an easy fix. Only, a GENERAC Service Technician is authorized to make this adjustment, due to the Unlock Code required to access this in the Setup Menu. If you only set the Time delay for startup you’ll still have the same issue only the generator would attempt the start few seconds or minutes later. If you lost power, it would wait the same amount of time for an attempt start. Hopefully, that was clear? As to the issue of Main Breaker trip on your generator, this will only happen if your generator was not sized correctly for your installation, or failed to utilize the “Load Shed Module” for multiple A/C units. Older A/C units can require substantially more load at startup than newer high efficiency units. Almost always this is because of the LRA (Locked Rotor Amperage), of the Air Conditioning Compressor. The only cost effective remedy is to utilize the load shed module in the transfer switch, or if the LRA exceeds the generator supplied amperage a Compressor Soft Start Kit. Remember, if you loose power the load demand on most homes 200 amp service is now placed on your 80-100 amp air cooled generator, only 26 seconds later. Most homeowners want the same power from their generators as they get from their utility company. I’m guilty of that also. With proper planning, this can be accomplished within reasonable limits. Also, GENERAC doesn’t install generators, usually Electrican’s perform installs. You did get a required NEC Worksheet outlining the generator size, right? Without that someone is just making a guess. Yes, I am a GENERAC factory Certified Technician, and Certified Installer for residence and commercial units.
@@f143744 I bypassed the fancy modules for startup. I installed a relay on each ac unit that breaks 24v power to the thermostat preventing startup of the unit after a power drop off. I have two start switches in my living area that are easy to access. After drop out all I have to do is press a switch to lock the relay back in. The relay and plug in base were less than five dollars each and have been working for five years now. My 22kw generac has a one hundred amp output breaker and both my ac's will pull more than that combined for startup. I was afraid I'd be gone during a drop out and the generator would try to power both ac's at the same time. No harm to have the ac's off while I'm out for a few hours and less demand on the gen.
V g and detailed troubleshooting. Thanks
hollo good afternoon, you know where l can get the relay for that transfer switch
Could you post an update video on the automatic transfer switch installed and how it works. I am attempting to do the same.
I can answer any questions on the proper installation of a GENERAC Transfer Switch.
Thank you
Can you just pull one of the fuses to test the transfer? Somebody told me that but do not know if that is accurate. Thanks!
Yes, the T1 or T2, old style 5 amp, new type 6.3 amp fuses.
I'm just completing an install of my Generac 22kw Generator and Transfer switch. The control wires have 6 wires coming from the Generator. There are five labeled terminals inside the Transfer Switch but no terminal for the 12V Common (-) wire. Where is that supposed to be hooked up to?
If you notice on the video where he has the Red Lead connected, next to is is a Black Connector. That is where the 12 vdc Negative wire connects on both Transfer and Generator. There are limits on wire size for distance and rated voltage, depending if you run wire along with the Generator Load or separate.
The black wire (0) is only needed if using the load shed module inside the transfer switch.
Sorry, I took over your threads answering everyone’s questions.
What are you using as your 12V power source? I am being required by a utility to install an ATS on a solar with battery backup system. Everything works fine until grid power is lost, the ATS won't switch automatically. This looks like what I need to do to get it working but what do I use as the 12v power source?
I am using the batteries in the generator to supply the 12v. I just ran extra wiring between the ATS and generator. I have 110v going to the generator with a receptacle that is used for the batteryminder. Then 12v from the generator back to ATS.
@@ssnider7967 I use the same transfer switch, I have solar with battery backup and don't want the generator to start immediately on loss of grid, I do however want the transfer switch to transfer so as not to back feed anything to the grid from my inverters on battery. It looks like I can control that with logic in my Outback inverters and use the battery until they get down several volts and then start the genset automatically and recharge if there is no sunshine. I have located the line sensing and can open and close that circuit in the inverter to start and stop the genset and now with the 12V post on the relay you showed I will be able to control the transfer switch with logic in the Outback inverter. Thanks
@@ssnider7967 Hi do you know if wire 23 can make the switch transfer to gen side even when utility power is present?
Is the 12v connection a trickle charger for the generator battery or is it expecting 12 volts?
It's connected the the 12v batter on the generator.
I have a charger connected to the battery
Nope, not a battery charger, even though it’s powered by the battery. It’s use in conjunction with wire 23 to initiate the transfer of power from utility to generator and back, inside the transfer switch. Fused T3 supplies 120 vac for the battery charging circuitry. It can power a 120 volt battery charger up to 5 amps. Nexus and Evolution Controllers use a separate battery charger. Evolution 2, started in 2017 the battery charger is built into the controller.
👍👍
Do you have to supply 12 VDC TO the unit for it to work.
The 12v is supplied by the battery on the generator. I ran 110v back ro the generator and installed a electric outlet. I have the batteries on the generator connected to batteryminder.
Design and built my own 40 amp version. Much simpler, switches in milliseconds. Cost less than a $100.
So how are you getting your generator to trigger ground on the transfer switch?
My question too
I am also searching for the answer to how he connected this to ground, show the other side of the 12v wires please.
He has it plugged in to 240v (pause at first second of video- those alligator clips are wired into a 240v plug, and plugged into power). The solenoid won’t transfer over to generator power, unless it senses 240v coming from generator (T1 & T2)
Really need more info I want to have 2 transfer switches to run 2 houses from one generator
Yes, it’s fairly easy to do. Just need to think everything through, about placement of generator, cable runs, fuel, etc... Each transfer switch would be mounted at the home electrical connections. You have to power each transfer, and a set of control wires. Either split close to the generator or jumper one box to another. Everything depends on location.
Lets say I want my generator to be my Primary power and the power to switch to a different source when the generator fails. Would this be able to do that?
Did you get it setup? I'm confident by now you already figured you could?
Great video!
What are the red bars that sit inside the lugs
Need to know what there called
How does the 12v battery at generator get charged with ATS? Thanks in advance
You have to run a dedicated circuit to the generator.
They have generater battery chargers
@@mafosa8519 What do you connect the dedicated circuit to? A battery charger, or terminals on the terminal strip?
I am working on a 11kw grid tie generac. The customer wants to start off-grid! I have run 220 vac to it from the inverters, turn it off to start the generator. Can't get the generator to operate in auto mode, it just starts and runs, will not stop when I turn the grid back on! What am I missing here?
@@eknott1000 one of two ways. Run a extension cord from a outlet that plugs into a “generator battery charger”.
Or a dedicated circuit from your main panel. And terminate it with a waterproof outlet inside the generator.
I wouldn’t use a battery tender though.
Hope that helped
I'm searching for through love 😍
Too bad they don't make something this simple and this small for only 50 amps. I guess one could just replace that breaker with the appropriate size.
Sure you can... At least three ways to do this for a 50 amp service. First, you can use a 100 amp non-se rated, transfer switch, and feed it from a main breaker box 50 amp feed, out to a secondary breaker panel 50 amp main. Second, GENERAC list an EZ 12-16 breaker and transfer switch all in one box. You feed it from a main panel, and it replaces some breakers in that panel. Third, by far the easiest, just put a 50 amp Service Disconnect before the transfer switch. You just need to size everything within codes.
Is 12awg wire good for controls
My “certified” installer uses 18/7 for the control wires. 16kw general, 100 feet of wire. 11/20/2021. HomeDepo irrigation wire.
Generac
16/5
The solenoid hits with so much force that it can knock loose the lead that is using a standard press on connector. Good idea with this poor design to use pliers to crimp this terminal as tightly as possible. Generac should have had a set screw or different connectors at this location.
When the lead comes loose the ATS will not shift back to grid power when a power outage has ended.
Yes!!! I can't believe it did that! Mine didn't transfer yesterday it was because one solenoid terminal was disconnected! This is the most enlightening comment I've ever read on CZcams
Current transformer
That switch is crap
You obviously aren't educated in stand by generators, eh?
@@brianbolgla6863 you looks like did Ph.D in it eh ?