How to Wire an Automatic Transfer Switch

Installing an automatic transfer switch can be a life-saving decision in a household where someone is medically dependent on life-sustaining equipment. An automatic transfer switch will switch to a generator in the case of a power outage in the current provided by your local electrical company. Because automatic transfer switches are installed between the meter and the load center in your home, installation is best left to someone with advanced electrical knowledge. Some areas require installation by a licensed electrician.

Things You'll Need

• Automatic transfer switch
• Electric wire

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Instructions

• 1

  Request your electricity provider disconnect the service to your home and remove the meter. This will greatly reduce the risk of electrical shock and will give you access to the areas you will need to reach in order to wire the transfer switch into your electrical system.

• 2

  Find the cable that supplies power to your house. Follow it to the meter base and unplug it there.

  Connect the meter base output with the switch's commercial input. If this is not marked, refer to the wiring diagram supplied with your transfer switch.

• 3

  Connect the generator, via its output conduit, to the accessory input on the switch.

• 4

  Connect the cable still attached to your house to the output conduit on the automatic transfer switch.

• 5

  Request the electric company provide an inspection of your work, replace your meter and reconnect your service.