Generac Power Systems GenTran 6379, GenTran 6381 Installation And Operating Instructions Manual
Installation and Operating Instructions
MANUAL TRANSFER SWITCH - MODELS 6379 AND 6381
NOTE TO INSTALLER: Please leave this guide with the consumer for future reference. READ THIS MANUAL IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO INSTALL THIS EQUIPMENT.
WARNING: Generac® transfer switches should be installed by a professional electrician familiar with electrical wiring and codes, and experienced in working with generators. Generac
accepts no responsibility for accidents, damages or personal injury caused by incorrect installation. This transfer switch is intended for surface mounting OUTDOORS only. Our transfer
switches are UL listed to UL 1008 and meet the criteria of National Electrical code Article 702.6 for Optional Standby Systems. CAUTION: If using the generator and transfer switch for
larger appliances, such as electric water heaters, clothes dryers, electric ranges and small air conditioners, check the labels on the appliances to be sure they do NOT exceed the rating
of the generator. No appliance should have an amperage rating that exceeds the individual breaker rating in the transfer switch (20 or 30 amps). CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
WARNING: Engine exhaust and some of its constituents are known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive harm. This product may contain or
emit chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive harm.
Thank you for purchasing a Generac Transfer Switch to safely connect a portable
generator to up to 16 circuits in your home or business (single phase only) for
standby power applications. This product is recommended for installations where
the main electrical panel is located outdoors. Product features include:
• Generator Main and Utility Main are mechanically interlocked preventing utility and generator
from powering the circuits at the same time
• Full branch circuit protection with Siemens
®
circuit breakers
• Pre-assembled wire harness for easy connection to the load center
• Transfer switch can be expanded to up to 16 circuits using standard interchangeable type
circuit breakers.
• Provision to accept GFCI, Arc Fault or Surge Protection circuit breakers to further protect your
home and electronic equipment (sold separately)
• High Corrosion-resistant aluminum NEMA 3R enclosure
• Subfeed lugs provided to feed additional downstream panels or to expand beyond 16 circuits.
• Accepts a Switched Neutral Kit (Model 6297). See Note on Neutral Bonded Generators below.
• Power inlet provided for convenient cord connection from generator
What is Included in this Carton:
• Manual Transfer Switch with wire harness, conduit, fittings and wire connectors
• Installation Manual and Warranty Registration card
Tools and Items Needed for Installation:
• ¼” and 11/32 nut drivers
• Straight blade and Phillips screwdriver
• Electric drill
• Wire cutter/stripper
• Safety eye goggles
• NEW 2-pole, 250 volt Breaker to mount in main load center – see specifications in Table I – manufactured by same as Main load center
• Anchors and screws to mount transfer switch to wall
Compatible Circuit Breaker Types:
• Siemens/Murray QT, QPH, HQP, QPF (GFCI), QPHF, QFP, QE, QEH, QAF (Arc Fault), QP (Surge Protector)
• Cutler-Hammer Series BD, BR, BQ, GFC
• Challenger Type A, C, HAGF
• Square D Series HOM (Homeline)
• GE Series THQL
Optional Items for Installation:
• Arc-fault, GFCI or Surge protection circuit breakers. If Arc-fault, GFCI or Surge protection circuit breakers are used as the branch circuit protector in the main load
center, they MUST be used in the manual transfer switch. You may be able to re-use your existing AFCI, GFCI and Surge protection circuit breakers in the manual
transfer switch. See list of compatible breakers.
• Power Cord to connect generator to transfer switch.
• White, green, black and red THHN or MTW wire, 10 AWG, 300V rated (if breaker configuration is modified or expanded).
• Switched Neutral Kit (SNK or Generac model 6297). If your portable generator has the neutral bonded to the frame of the generator AND 240V “full-power”
receptacle is GFCI protected, you will need to install a SNK accessory with your transfer switch to avoid nuisance tripping of the GFCI breaker on the generator.
NOTE ON NEUTRAL BONDED GENERATORS: Some portable generators are intended for use on jobsites and are subject to OSHA regulations for GFCI protection on all
receptacles. These "contractor grade" generators have their neutral wire bonded to the ground wire to pass OSHA inspection. When connected to a transfer switch this may
cause nuisance tripping of the generator GFCI breaker. When using a neutral bonded generator to power a house or building through a transfer switch consult the manufacturer of the generator (local
authorized service dealer) to determine if the neutral-ground bond wire on the generator can be removed without voiding the warranty. If it can be removed then no modifications to the transfer switch
installation are needed. If the neutral-ground bond cannot be removed, or voids the generator warranty, you MUST install a Switched Neutral Kit (SNK, Model 6297) accessory with your transfer
switch. NOTE: Removal of the neutral-ground bond should be performed only by an authorized generator service dealer or qualified electrician. If the neutral bond is removed the generator will no
longer pass OSHA inspection on job sites.
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TABLE 1 - SPECIFICATIONS:
MODEL # 6379 6381
Max Generator Size in Watts 7500 rated / 9300 surge 12500 rated / 15000 surge
UTILITY MAIN breaker, Included 60 Amp 100 Amp
GEN MAIN breaker, included 30 Amp 50 Amp
Branch Circuit Breakers Provided from Factory 3 – 15 amp 1-pole
3 – 20 amp 1-pole
1 – 20 amp 2-pole
1 – 30 amp 2-pole
Max Load Combined 30 Amp 50 Amp
Max Watts @ 250 Volts 7500 12,500
NEMA Type Enclosure NEMA 3R NEMA 3R
Configuration of Male Inlet NEMA L14-30 CS6365
Max 1-pole Circuits* / Max 2-pole Circuits* 16 / 8 16 / 8
Min. gauge Cord Size 10/4 wire 6/4 wire
Required Main Breaker in load Center (installer provided) 2-pole 60 amp 2-pole 100 amp
*Note: If Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) circuit breakers, Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters, or Surge Protector Circuit Breakers were used as the branch circuit protector
in the main load center, they MUST be used in the transfer switch. Because these circuit breakers typically take up more than one space, the overall maximum number of
circuits may be reduced from the number shown.
3 – 15 amp 1-pole
3 – 20 amp 1-pole
1 – 20 amp 2-pole
1 – 30 amp 2-pole
1 – 50 amp 2-pole
STEP 1: PLANNING YOUR INSTALLATION:
1. Determine the appliances, circuits or equipment you want to operate with generator power during a power outage, such as:
• Refrigerator/Freezer,
• Furnace Blower (gas/oil only)
• TV / Radio
• Lighting
• Water Heater
2. Determine the amps required for each appliance by reading the label on the appliance. IMPORTANT: No appliance should have an amperage rating that
exceeds the GEN MAIN breaker rating in the transfer switch (See Table 1). The total amperage of all circuits can exceed the generator rating, but not all
circuits will be able to be used concurrently.
3. Assign the circuit # in the load center to a circuit (A2, B2, etc.) in the transfer switch matching the size of the circuit breaker in the load center to the
circuit breaker in the transfer switch. Once you’ve determined which circuits you want to connect and the appropriate amperage, you will be ready to
begin installing your transfer switch.
4. The location of your load center/electrical panel in your home or business will determine where the transfer switch will be installed outdoors.
• Garage Door Opener
• Microwave, Coffee Maker
• Well / Septic Pump
• Security System
• Sump Pump
TABLE 2 – CIRCUIT WORKSHEET
CIRCUIT # MODEL 6379 MODEL 6381
A1 NA 50A
B1 NA 50A
A2 30A 30A
B2 30A 30A
A3 NA 20A
B3 NA 20A
A4 15A 20A
B4 20A 15A
A5 15A 20A
B5 20A 20A
A6 20A 15A
B6 15A 15A
A7 20A NA
B7 20A NA
APPLIANCE OR CIRCUIT
• Computer, Fax and Printer, Phone
• Medical Device(s)
• Aquarium
STEP 2: INSTALLATION PROCEDURE:
HAZARDOUS VOLTAGES ARE PRESENT INSIDE TRANSFER SWITCH ENCLOSURES THAT CAN CAUSE DEATH OR SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY. FOLLOW PROPER INSTALLATION,
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES TO AVOID HAZARDOUS VOLTAGES. TURN OFF THE MAIN CIRCUIT BREAKER IN THE LOAD CENTER BEFORE STARTING INSTALLATION.
I. TRANSFER SWITCH INSTALLATION:
1. Transfer switch can be installed on either the left or right side of the main load center. Transfer switch is provided with 21-1/2” of flexible conduit.
The connection to the main load center, using the provided wire harness, must be made through one of the two (2) knockouts (KO’s) provided in the
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bottom of the manual transfer switch. The wire harness should enter the main load center in one of the bottom or lower side knockouts. A 1” or 11/4” KO can be cut in the lower side of the enclosure if necessary.
2. Remove the cover of the main load center and the transfer switch. Cut the conduit to a convenient length or use as is. Attach connectors to the
conduit. After attaching the flexible conduit to both boxes through the KOs, hold the transfer switch away from the load center against the wall on
which it is to be mounted and mark the holes on the wall for the anchoring screws. Be sure NOT to stress the flexible conduit, as it will break. (NOTE:
Mounting on LEFT side of existing load center is preferred method. Mounting to right side of existing load center and routing flexible conduit may
interfere with generator cord connection into transfer switch. Reducing washers (not provided) may be needed if using 2” KO on the bottom left.
3. After mounting the transfer switch to the wall, you are ready to terminate the wires in the manual transfer switch. Fish the bundle of wires provided
through the conduit. Strip each wire in the wire harness approximately 5/8” and insert and tighten the wires to the correspondingly marked circuit
breakers in the transfer switch. As you attach each marked wire to the circuit breaker, write on the label on the cover of the transfer switch with the
appliance on that circuit per the planning worksheet. The unmarked BLACK wires in the harness are inserted into the Utility 2-pole breaker in the
transfer switch. Attach the WHITE wire to the insulated neutral bar inside the transfer switch, and attach the GREEN wire to the ground bar. Reinstall
the dead front to the transfer switch. Cover may be re-installed and padlocked, if desired.
4. RECHECK TO BE SURE THE MAIN CIRCUIT BREAKER HAS BEEN TURNED OFF. The wires from the harness entering the load center can now be
terminated. Remove the wires of the appliances/loads that have been assigned to circuits in the transfer switch from the breakers in the load center.
Cut the harness wires to a convenient length and strip off approximately 5/8” and connect with the provided wire connectors (see wire connector
chart) using the appropriate labeled wire from the transfer switch. The unmarked BLACK wires in the harness are to be inserted into the NEW 2 pole
breaker (as required in the Other Items Needed section). Remove two adjacent single pole breakers from which the appliance/load wires were
removed. The 2-pole breaker should be located in a bus bar location where two adjacent full size single pole circuit breakers were removed.
Terminate the WHITE and GREEN wire in the harness in an open position in the Neutral and Ground bars respectively. If there is no separate ground
bar, insert the GREEN wire into an open position in the NEUTRAL bar, and tighten.
5. Reinstall the load center cover, and turn ON the MAIN breaker. Then turn ON ALL circuit breakers in both boxes. Turn on the UTILITY MAIN in the
manual transfer switch. Check that power is restored to all appliances.
II. EXPANDING OR RECONFIGURING YOUR TRANSFER SWITCH:
This transfer switch ships from the factory with certain popular branch circuit breaker sizes. However, the circuit breaker assortment can be modified to suit specific
requirements, and this does not void the UL Listing. For example, if the 2-pole 20 amp circuit breaker is not needed, it may be removed from the panel and replaced
with any combination of the following: two separate full size breakers, four tandem (half size) breakers, one full size and two tandems, or a quad breaker. If
additional circuit(s) are added, the installer is responsible for providing appropriately sized wire(s) for each circuit.
III. WIRING DIAGRAM
(Model 6381 shown)
CIRCUIT ID FOR MODEL 6381
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STEP 3: USING YOUR TRANSFER SWITCH:
NEVER run portable generators indoors or in garages, basements, or sheds. Portable generators should always be used at least 5 feet away from windows,
doors, vents, or any other opening. Carbon Monoxide (CO) from a generator is deadly and can kill you in minutes. Read and follow all generator directions before use.
Transferring from Utility Power to Generator Power:
1. Move generator outdoors.
2. Insert the male plug of the Power Cord into the 125/250 volt receptacle on the generator.
3. Plug in the female connector of the Power Cord to the inlet on the bottom of the transfer switch.
Turn all circuit breakers in the transfer switch to their OFF position.
4. Start the generator outdoors, following the procedures described in the generator’s owner’s
manual furnished by the manufacturer. Turn on the GENERATOR MAIN circuit breaker in the
transfer switch. Turn ON circuit breakers in the manual transfer switch one at a time alternating
from phase “A” and phase “B”. It may be necessary to alternate the use of larger loads (furnace
motors, well pumps, freezers, etc.) to avoid overloading the generator. Try to “balance” the loads
on each “phase” (A and B). To prolong engine life, loads should be balanced so that the wattage
is within about 1000 watts of the other on each phase.
5. Test your circuits by determining wattage from that shown on each appliance. Make a note of any
excessive loads which must be removed from a given circuit during generator operation in an emergency.
Transferring from Generator Power to Utility Power:
1. On the transfer switch, turn Generator MAIN breaker OFF and turn Utility MAIN breaker ON.
2. Turn ON any branch circuit breakers in the transfer switch that are OFF.
3. Shut down the generator, following the procedures in the generator Owner’s Manual.
4. Unplug the power cord from the generator and then the power inlet.
5. Cool off the generator and store in a dry, secured location.
6. To ensure that your generator will work properly when you need it, it is important to start and run your generator under load regularly and keep the tank filled with fresh
fuel. Perform the above steps at least ONCE A MONTH to keep the generator properly “exercised.” It is not necessary to turn off any circuits in the MAIN load center
when supplying generator power to the transfer switch.
© 2012 Generac Power Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. GenTran and Generac are registered trademarks of Generac Power Systems, Inc. PN 50924 Rev A
Protected by US Patent No. US 6,861,596 B2
Generac Power Systems, Inc.
Toll Free: 1-888-GENERAC
www.generac.com
0196960SBY
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