OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
For Reliance Controls Emergency Power Transfer Switch Kit
INSTALLATION AND
Model Number 30216BRK
Congratulations on your purchase of the Reliance Controls Generator Power Transfer Switch Ki
t.
Reliance has been manufacturing transfer switches and equipment in Racine, Wisconsin since 1983
quality electrical equipment for nearly 100 years. Reliance is the
tions done by professional electricians.
UL listed, and meets all requirements of the National
The Reliance Controls transfer switch in this kit is made to operate with any generator up to 7500
Improper installation of the transfer
switch could cause damage or personal injury
by electrocution or fire. Installation must be
performed by a qualified electrician, or others
of electrical systems, in
Reliance transfer switches covered
in this manual should not be used for electric
water heaters, clothes dryers, electric ranges,
conditioners or other appliances or
ystems that may exceed the capacity of the
product.
Danger indicates an imminently
hazardous situation that, if not
avoided, could result in death or
ntially
hazardous situation that, if not
avoided, could result in death or
Caution indicates a potentially
hazardous situation that, if not
avoided, may result in minor or
Reliance Controls Corporation is
When the transfer switch is
anch circuits with AFCI or GFCI
breakers, the AFCI or GFCI protection will be
lost when the toggle switch in the transfer
switch is in the GEN position. To get AFCI or
GFCI protection when running on generator
and has been producing highLoadside® transfer switch used in nearly 90% of the installa
Your transfer switch is UL 1008 listed, CElectrical Code.
watts continuous output, having 20 or 30 Amp twist-lock power receptacles.
TOOLS NEEDED FOR INSTALLATION
1. Power Drill 6. Tape Measure
2. Wire Stripper and Cutter (10 to 14 gauge) 7. Four Wall Anchors with at Least a 3/8” Flange
3. Insulated Screwdrivers 8. Battery Powered Lighting during Installation
(#2 Phillips, ¼” Flat Tip or #2 Square Tip 9. A Non-Contact Voltage Detector (optional)
depending on your load center)
4. Hammer
5. Marking Pencil
PARTS LIST for 30216BRK TRANSFER SWITCH KIT
30 Amp 6-Circuit Transfer switch
30 Amp 20-foot long Generator Power Cord
20 Amp Interchangeable Power Cord Plug
6 yellow wire connectors
Installation an d Operating Instructions
Installation and Operation Video
SAFETY SYMBOLS USED IN THIS MANUAL
serious injury.
Warning indicates a pote
serious injury.
Member of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association
not responsible for damage or
injury caused by incorrect
installation of this transfer switch.
moderate injury.
central air
s
knowledgeable
compliance with all applicable electrical codes.
connected to br
power, it must be provided at the outlet(s).
Generator Plugged into
Power Inlet on Transfer
Page 2
Example Generator and
ABOUT GENERATORS AND TRANSFER SWITCHES
power out situation. The Reliance Controls transfer switch system is needed because 1) your portable generator is
very powerful and the power it creates must be safely controlled to protect you and your electric utility provider, and
2) even with all of its power, your generator probably cannot power all of the electrical circuits and devices in your
home without help from a transfer switch with load management capabilities.
It correctly distributes the power from your portable generator to your home circuitry through your electrical load
center. It also eliminates the need for messy cords running to your electrical appliances through open doors and
windows. The Reliance Controls transfer switch working with your generator takes the worry and inconvenience
from power outage situations.
to the corresponding selected branch circuits that power the major appliances you choose to operate during a
power outage (such as your sump pump, refrigerator or furnace). However, because each of these branch circuits
may power several other electrical devices other than your major appliances, such as the items plugged into wall
sockets and permanently installed lighting, we recommend that you do a little pr e-planning by:
Generators and transfer switches are dependent on one another as a system to power your home in a
The Reliance Controls transfer switch is designed to let you control and distribute your generator’s power.
The Reliance Controls transfer switch distributes the power from your generator through its toggle switches
1. Picking the key electrical appliances you want to power in an emergency
2. Finding the essential circuit breakers that control these devices
3. Creating a map of all of the other electrical devices plugged into or wired into these circuits
The circuit breaker label on the top of your transfer switch should be completed after installation to help you in
managing the load on your generator.
During a power outage, you can run your generator and transfer switch system in two ways:
• You can set up your transfer switch to run all of its circuits at the same time once you flip the toggles to the
GEN position. Setting your system up in this way will be discussed in the “Balancing the Load” section later.
• You can also use the load management function of the Reliance Controls transfer switch that allows you to
alternate the devices you choose to run at any given time. If your generator is running at or near its maximum
output, selected circuits can be switched off and others can be switched on for brief periods of time. For
example, you can run a microwave oven for a brief period from the transfer toggle switch that controls your
microwave circuit, if you first turn off the transfer switch toggle switch that controls your furnace—for that same
brief perio d.
Transfer Switch Installation
Switch with 20-foot
Cord
Circuit Breakers
These UL489 branch circuit breakers
current protection when the
toggle switch is in the GEN position.
main panel branch
circuit protection provides the protection
when the switch is in the LINE position.
Wattmeters
Wattmeters indicate the total load on
your generator measured in watts
resulting from the appliances that are
ng generator power. They are
calibrated to show how close your
Handle Tie
link two 120 Volt circuits together
to create a 240 volt circuit to run larger
Pre-Wired Flexible Conduit
ntains all of the hot, neutral and ground wires
required to make connections between your
transfer switch and the circuit breakers in your load
coded and marked with the switch letter for easy
identificatio
n.
30 Amp Twist
-
Lock
rated
30 connectors.
One end plugs into your generator
power outlet and the other into the
20 Amp
Interchangeable
Allows the use of the
Reliance 30 Amp power cord
on smaller generators with
only 20 Amp power outlets,
0 Amp plug
Page 3
Generator Cord Power Inlet
20-foot power cord in the kit
Circuit Selector
These switches allow you to select either
tility) as the
power source for the branch circuits that
have been wired through the transfer
switch. The OFF position generally is not
used, as a switch in the OFF position
removes that circuit both from generator
KEY COMPONENTS OF THE RELIANCE CONTROLS TRANSFER SWITCH KIT
provide overPush to reset. The
Toggle Switches
GEN (generator) or LINE (u
.
and utility power
running usi
generator is to its capacity.
Used to
appliances such as a well pump.
L14-30P twist lock power inlet for plugging in the
Whip
Co
center you choose to control. Each wire is color-
Power Cord
30 Amp 20-foot long outdoorpower cord has L14-
Reliance Power Inlet Box.
Power Cord
Plug
by replacing the 3
on the cord supplied.
Page 4
Additional
Circular Saw
800
2,000
Furnace
Refrigerator
TV / VCR
Sump Pump
Well Pump
PRE-INSTALLATION PLANNING OF THE GENERATOR LOAD
Before you begin installing your Reliance Controls transfer switch, you need to create a plan for the
appliances you choose to run during a power outage. To do this, it’s helpful to first know how your generator
produces power. If your generator has four -prong twist-lock 20 or 30 Amp output receptacles, and is set-up for home
stand-by operation, it likely will produce 120/240 Volt power, or power similar to your electrical utility. This type of
power generation is useful as it: 1) allows common 120 Volt circuits, such as lights or small appliances, to be
operated, and 2) allows two 120 Volt circuits to be linked together to operate a 240 Volt device, such as a well pump.
Because of the way in which larger portable generators are designed, they generate power in two equal
halves. A generator which has output of 5000 continuous running watts, for example, generates power from two
2500 watt “sides”. In setting up a transfer switch to get the most power from your generator, it is desirable to
“balance the load” between the two halves of your transfer switch, or the left side and the right side. Devices which
will consume the most of the generator’s wattage should be divided between the two sides. Load balancing is shown
in Figure 1. For example, on the 6-circuit transfer switch shown in Figure 1, consider wiring the breaker controlling
the refrigerator to toggle switch A, the furnace breaker to toggle switch B, the sump pump breaker to switch E and
the breaker controlling your TV and VCR to toggle switch F. You may want to reserve switches C and D to be linked
with a handle tie and wired to a double pole breaker controlling, for example, a 240 Volt well pump.
The Residential Wattage Requirements Table below shows sample wattages used by typical household
appliances and can help you plan the set up of your transfer switch. Use the running watts of your appliances rather
than starting watts when dividing them between the two halves of the transfer switch. Check your appliances for
actual wattage requirements if possible.
Your Reliance Controls transfer switch also allows you to manage the load on your generator manually by
switching appliances on and off as you need them, so the capacity of either half of your generator is not exceeded.
However, if you prefer not to manage your transfer switch loads manually, leave a buffer equal to the largest start -up
wattage requirement of all of the appliances you are going to run continually when doing your calculation. This
buffer, along with the peak wattage of your generator, will allow for the periodic motor start-up of any one large
appliance, such as your refrigerator. If your transfer switch is equipped with watt meters, you can visually monitor
the amount of wattage being used by the appliances your generator is powering at any time.
Examples of load balancing calculations are shown on the worksheets on page 5. Use these to create your
own plan.
TYPICAL RESIDENTIAL WATTAGE REQUIREMENTS
Running Start-Up
Appliance Wattage Wattage
Furnace (1/3 HP) 700 1,400
Furnace (1/2 HP) 875 2,100
Window Air Conditioner
6000 BTU 1,200 2,100
12,000 BTU 1,700 2,900
Well Pump (1/3 HP) 750 1,400
Well Pump (1/2 HP) 1,000 2,350
Sump Pump (1/3 HP) 800 1,300
Sump Pump (1/2 HP) 1,050 2,150
Refrigerator 800 2,300
Garage Door Opener (1/4 HP) 550 1,100
Garage Door Opener (1/3 HP) 750 1,400
Home Security System 200 0
Lights On Bulb On Bulb
Stereo 200 0
TV / VCR 200 0
Computer 200 0
Microwave Check oven Check Oven
Coffee Maker 1,750 0
Toaster 1,300 0
Electric Fan 200 0
Clothes Washer 1,150 2,300
Clothes Dryer (Gas) 700 1,800
Dishwasher (Cool Dry) 700 1,400
Dishwasher (Hot Dry) 1,450 1,400
Vacuum Cleaner 1,000 0
Hair Dryer Check Dryer Check Dryer
Iron 1,200 0
(800 Watts)
(875 Watts)
(200 Watts)
(1,050 Watts)
(1000 Watts)
Figure 1
r)
Page 5
Load Balancing Example #1
Up Wattage of all of the Appliances (Refrigerator)
Load Balancing
Example #2
Circuit Breaker Connections: Six (6) 120 Volt Single Pole Circuit Breakers
Generator: 5,500 Running Watts, 6,200 Peak Watts
Transfer Switch Model: 6-Circuits
Appliance Additional
Toggle Main Appliance Running Start-Up
Switch Hooked Up Watts Watts
A Refrigerator 800 2,300 F Furnace 700 1,400
B Sump Pump 800 1,300 E TV, VCR, Computer 600 0
C Indoor Lighting 300 0 D Security, Lighting 500 0
Total Running Watts Side
One: 1,900
Side One Side Two
Total Side One and Side Two Running Watts
Highest Additional Start-Up Wattage of all of the Appliances (Refrigerato
Total Watts of Load 6,000
Peak Wattage Rating of Your Generator 6,200
You're OK!
Appliance Additional
Toggle Main Appliance Running Start-Up
Switch Hooked Up Watts Watts
Total Running Watts Side
Two: 1,800
3,700
2,300
Circuit Breaker Connections: Four (4) 120 Volt Single Pole Circuit Breakers and One (1)
Generator: 5,500 Running Watts, 6,200 Peak Watts
Transfer Switch Model: 6-Circuits
Switch
Total Running Watts Side
One: 1,900
240 Volt Double-Pole Circuit Breaker (Toggles C & D Together)
Side One Side Two
Appliance Additional
Toggle
A Refrigerator 800 2,300 F Furnace 700 1,400
B TV, VCR, Computer 600 0 E Sump Pump 800 1,300
C Well Pump 500 1,175 D Well Pump 500 1,175
Main Appliance Running Start-Up
Hooked Up Watts Watts
Total Side One and Side Two Running Watts
Highest Additional Start-
Total Watts of Load 6,200
Peak Wattage Rating of Your Generator 6,200
You're OK Again!
Appliance Additional
Toggle Main Appliance Running Start-Up
Switch
Total Running Watts Side
Two: 2,000
Hooked Up Watts Watts
3,900
2,300
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
A.
Mounting the Transfer Switch
Position the transfer switch so that its bottom center
is about 18 inches from the bottom center of your
conduit whip
should be lined up with a ¾” or 1” knockout hole on
the bottom of your load center. Select a ¾”
circuit transfer switches, and a
he four external
Anchor the transfer switch to the wall with four
ecting the Flexible Conduit
powered lighting to clearly illuminate
Remove the cover of your load center. Keep in mind
utility side of the main breaker
are still live and if contacted could cause serious
contact
voltage detector to insure that the power is off on the
kout hole in the bottom
of your load center with a screwdriver and hammer.
Insert all of the wires extending from the end of the
flexible conduit whip through the knockout hole.
Even with the main power switch
turned off, the wires on the utility side
of the main breaker are still live and
contact with them can cause serious
Mount on wall
To Transfer
Conduit
Typical
Live Wires
Side of Main
1.
load center. The end of the flexible
knockout for 4 - and 61” knockout for 10-circuit transfer switches(Figure 2).
2. Mark the position of the holes on t
feet with a pencil.
3.
appropriate anchors (with a flange of at least 3/8”).
NOTE: Do not attempt to bend the flexible conduit
whip beyond its structural capabilities.
B. Conn
Whip to Your Load Center
1. Set up battery-
your work area.
2. Turn off the main utility breaker (Figure 3).
Page 6
with anchors
Figure 2
on Utility
Breaker
Main
Breaker
Location
injury or death.
3.
that the wires on the
injury or death. If available, use a nonnon-utility side of the main breaker.
4. Remove the appropriate knoc
(See step A -1 above.)
5.
Snap the conduit connector attached to the whip into
the knockout hole.
Switch
Figure 3
Connector
C. Connecting the Neutral and Ground
Find the white wire (Neutral) and the green wire
(ground) among the wires from the transfer switch that
Strip approximately 5/8” from the end of the white wire.
Locate the neutral bar and partially unscrew a terminal
screw on the bar. Insert the stripped end of the wire
en
Locate the ground bar. (It should be labeled.)
Connect the green wire to the ground bar in the same
way as in step #2. In service entrance load centers,
the ground bar and neutral bar are frequently the
nd neutral wires can be
This section provides instructions for connecting the wires
from your transfer switch to the circuit breakers in your load
the load planning you did previously to
insure that side #1 and side #2 of the transfer switch are
wire branch circuit,
hat shares the neutral is also
connected to the transfer switch. The two circuits must be
connected to opposing legs (phases) of the generator power
and a handle tie must be installed on the switch handles so
installed handle tie(s) on the unit by
Lets assume that, according to your load balancing plan, you
(Figure
Turn off the refrigerator circuit breaker. Disconnect the
Find the black and red wires from the transfer switch
to reach to
the refrigerator circuit breaker. Strip 5/8” from the end
refrigerator
Cut the black wire from the transfer switch to a length
aching it to the wire you removed
from the refrigerator circuit breaker in #1. Strip 5/8”
the one removed from the
refrigerator circuit breaker and the black wire for Switch
ten the
connection and push the connected wires back into the
This completes the connection of Switch A for your
refrigerator. Label Switch A as “REFRIGERATOR” on the
Repeat Steps 1 through 5 for each of the remaining
ing to your load
Remember to “Balance the Load”, dividing appliances
with higher wattages between the left and right side of
Page 7
Figure 4
Wires from
Ground Wire
Failure to properly install a multi
-
wire branch circuit could result in
overloading the neutral wire.
The transfer switch circuits with 20 Amp breakers must be
with 20 Amp breakers in the load
center. Do not connect transfer switch circuits to any branch
NOTE: The transfer switch circuits with 15 Amp breakers can be
in
the load center.
When Installing 120 Volt
Circuits
Wire
1.
you have inserted into the load center.
2.
into the side of the bar under the screw and retight
the screw. (Figure 4)
3.
same; if so, the ground a
connected to either.
D. Installing 120 Volt Circuits
center which control your appliances
You should refer to
balanced. Wire the circuits, starting with toggle Switch A.
If a selected circuit is part of a multi-
insure the other branch circuit t
that both legs are transferred at the same time.
If you will not be installing any 240 Volt or multi-wire circuits,
remove the factoryloosening the setscrews on the tie.
will use Switch A to suppl y power to the refrigerator
5)
1.
wire that is attached to the circuit breaker.
2.
marked A
3. Cut the red wire at a length convenient for it
of the wire. Connect the red wire to the
circuit breaker and retighten the screw on the breaker.
4.
convenient for att
from the end of the wire.
5. Insert both wires—
A—into a yellow wire connecter. Tigh
wiring compartment of the load center.
connected only to branch circuits
circuits greater than 20 Amps.
connected to branch circuits with either 15 or 20 Amp breakers
Switch A
identification pad on top of the transfer switch.
Figure 5
(Green)
6.
switches on your transfer switch accord
balancing plan, taking into account the following:
• See the next section for installing 240-Volt Circuits
•
the transfer switch
E. Installing 240 Volt Circuits
Circuit Transfer switch (In Kit) is shipped
from the factory with one installed handle tie on the two
up plan, Switches C
Circuit transfer switch will be used to supply
Turn off the double pole breaker for the well pump in
stalled wires on the double pole
Cut the two red wires from Switches C & D at a length
convenient for them to reach to the double pole
breaker. Strip 5/8” from the end of each red wire.
circuit
n place of the wires you just removed from
Cut the black wires marked C & D to a length
convenient to reach to the wires you removed from the
double pole breaker in #3. Strip 5/8” from the end of
Connect one of the wires you removed from the double
pole breaker in #3 with one of the black wires (either C
or D) with a yellow wire connector. Similarly, connect
the other wire you removed with the remaining black
g the Installation of the
When you have wired all of the circuits from the transfer
switch into your load center and have properly installed the
green and white wires to ground the unit, you have finished
t a few more steps to wrap
If you have not already done so, fill in the chart on the
top of the transfer switch to identify your emergency
After you have completed all the steps necessary in Sections
A through F, complete the system installation by doing the
switch to the LINE
In order to insure that all wiring
connections have been properly completed and that
your system functions properly under generator power, it
is important to test each circuit before turning on any
nces connected to that circuit. Correct
voltage output can and should be checked with a voltage
meter at any convenient electrical outlet on each branch
circuit that is wired through the transfer switch. This
The transfer switch circuits with 20 Amp breakers must be connected
only to branch circuits with 20 Amp breakers in the load center. Do
switch circuits to any branch circuits greater
than 20 Amps.
NOTE: The transfer switch circuits with 15 Amp breakers can be
connected to branch circuits with either 15 or 20 Amp breakers in the
When Installing 240 Volt Circuits
Reliance Controls 6 middle switches C and D.
Let’s assume that, according to your set& D on the 6power to your well pump, a 240 Volt appliance. (Figure 6)
1. Find the two red and the two black wires marked
C & D.
2.
the load center.
3. Disconnect the two in
breaker.
4.
Connect both red wires to the double pole
breaker i
that breaker. It doesn’t matter in what order.
5.
each wire.
6.
wire with a wire connector.
F. Completin
Transfer Switch
the installation. (Figure 7) Jus
things up.
1. Replace the cover of the load center.
2.
circuits and the toggle switches they correspond to.
G. . Finishing Up
following:
1. Turn on all of the circuit breakers in your load center.
2. Turn on the main breaker.
3. Position all switches on the transfer
position.
4. IMPORTANT!
devices or applia
should be done under generator power with the
appropriate circuit breaker switch in the “GEN” position.
Page 8
not connect transfer
load center.
Figure 6
Figure 7
You want your generator to be ready when you need
so, it is important to perform the following steps
Start and run generator power through your
With your Reliance Controls transfer switch installed,
it is not necessary to turn off any of your load center
breakers when starting your generator, even when
utility power is fully functional. This is because the
f the
transfer switch prevents feeding generator power to
the utility and, conversely, prevents feeding utility
Do not operate your
A. Transfe
rring from Utility Power to
Make sure that all switches on the Reliance Controls
Plug the male end of your power cord into the
the
transfer switch or the optional power inlet box (see
Start your generator outdoors and let it warm to a
Turn the toggle switches on your Reliance transfer
attage load on your generator using the
Transferring back to Utility Power When
Move all switches on the Reliance Controls transfer
OPTION
AL POWER INLET BOX
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Page 9
generator in an enclosed
it -once a month:
•
transfer switch circuits.
• Keep your fuel tank filled with fresh fuel.
Generator Power in an Emergency
1.
transfer switch are in the LINE position.
2.
generator.
3. Plug the female end of your power cord into
below).
4.
point where it is running evenly.
5.
switch to the GEN position one at a time.
6. Monitor the w
wattmeters
double throw break-before-make action o
power back to your generator.
For some applications it may be desirable to connect the power cord from the generator to a power inlet box (not
included in this Kit) that is located some distance away from the transfer switch (see Figure 8). For installation,
refer to the manufacturer's instructions for both the power inlet box and the drop-cord connector. The connection
to the transfer switch still must be made using the power inlet on the front of the transfer switch. As shown in
Figure 8, this can be accomplished by installing a short drop cord to a junction box next to the transfer switch.
Insure wiring meets all applicable codes including the proper wire sizes and strain relief for the short drop cord.
B.
the Power Is Restored
1.
switch back to the LINE position.
2. Turn off your generator.
Figure 8 - 30A Installation
3. Unplug your power cord and store it indoors .
Figure 8 - 30A Installation Shown
Page 10
Maximum Watts
7500
Cabinet Type
NEMA 1 (Indoor)
Reliance Controls Corporation
(“Reliance”) warrants this Manual Transfer Switch (“Switch”) to be free from failure to
perform as intended due to defects in materials and workmanship for a period of five (5) years from date of manufacture,
in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and has not been
subjected to misuse, alteration, accident, or repair not performed by Reliance. If, within such warranty period, the original
below and the Switch has been proven to Reliance’s
reasonable satisfaction to be defective, then Reliance at its sole option shall either: (i) supply a replacement component(s)
obligation is strictly limited to said repair or
replacement of the Switch, and Reliance shall not be liable for any incidental, special or consequential damages. The cost
this warranty. The foregoing warranty is
exclusive and in lieu of all other expressed or implied warranties, if any, including but not limited to implied warranties of
at the purchaser seek the advice of
a licensed electrician to determine the suitability of this product, and for its proper installation in accordance with all
ou may have other rights
OPTIONAL FLUSH KIT
This kit includes all the basic components to connect your generator to your household circuits but cannot be
flush mounted without the optional flush kit shown below, which can be purchased separately,
Possible Single Pole Connections 4 to 6
Possible Double Pole Connections 0 to 1
Maximum Combined Load @ 125 VAC 60 Amps
Maximum Combined Load @ 250 VAC 30 Amps
Maximum Load per Circuit from Generator (2) 20 Amps, (4) 15 Amps
Maximum Load per Circuit from Load Center 20 Amps
Running Amps of Wattmeters 20mA
Cabinet Dimensions 7 ½” (H) x 7” (W) x 4 ½” (D)
TRANSFER SWITCH SPECIFICATIONS
FIVE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
provided the Switch has been installed and used
purchaser gives written notice to Reliance at the address shown
for the defective component(s) or (ii) repair or replace the Switch. Reliance’s
of labor to remove or install a replacement component or Switch is not included in
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Reliance strongly recommends th
applicable state and local building codes. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and y
which vary from state to state.
Reliance Controls Corporation, 2001 Young Court, Racine, WI 53404, Attn: Warranty Claims Department
Reliance Controls Customer Servi
ce: (800) 439
-
5745
IWebsite: www.reliancecontrols.com
2/15/05
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