PRO POWER OUTLET SUCCESS! Powering My House With Transfer Switch for GFCI Generators

[capt_ramius]

I successfully sent power back into my home from the 240V/30A Pro Power outlet in the bed, the truck did not trip. I had an electrician install a Reliance LinkX neutral-switching transfer switch for GFCI generators, moved most of my home’s essential circuits into the transfer switch… tested it out by connecting my Lightning to the inlet, cut off utility power, manually turned on the transfer switch, and it worked like a charm!

This is basically the simplest and cheapest solution to power your house within code using the truck’s 240V bed outlet… no “suicide cord” and no questionable ground or neutral switch on the inlet. I won’t say what the cost (since there are so many variables to each installation) but it was a fraction of the reported cost of the Intelligent Backup Power system.

Please note: You have to use a transfer switch specifically designed for GFCI (neutral-bonded) generators. A normal transfer switch for backup generators will not work because of the neutral-switching issue.

30 amp generator cord connected to the Lightning:

Generator cord inlet’ed to the transfer switch:

The Reliance neutral-switching transfer stitch (it switches off one of the neutrals in the loop so you don’t get the fault in the truck):

Pro Power Onboard powering the circuits in the transfer switch… only drew about 500W:

Parts list:

• 30 amp L14-30P/R generator cord
• 30 amp generator inlet
• Reliance XRK0303D 30 amp transfer switch for GFCI generators (updated version of the XRC3030D), see page 50 of the Reliance parts catalog https://api.reliancecontrols.com/media/DAFD6723826113254930/DAFL6723827471620578.pdf. You can order through local electric supplier.
  • Generac HomeLink 6852 is an equivalent 30 amp neutral-switching transfer switch for GFCI generators (can order through electric supplier, big box home improvement stores, or online).
• A licensed, insured electrician to install

(I am not an electrician and this post is not advice or a “how to”… just sharing what I did, install at your own risk. Please consult a licensed electrician if you’d like to consider this option.)

Sponsored

 

[mmcguirk]

Has anybody found a "just the switch" solution for those of us who already have an "essentials" subpanel? IOW, I don't need the "10 branch circuit spaces", already have them... just need the three pole switch.

 

[capt_ramius]

Has anybody found a "just the switch" solution for those of us who already have an "essentials" subpanel? IOW, I don't need the "10 branch circuit spaces", already have them... just need the three pole switch.

Yes, see:


… but the Siemens three pole double throw disconnect in that video is $2,000 just for the part. Might be more reasonable to just replace your “normal” transfer switch with a neutral-switching transfer switch (that also work for normal generators, so you can use one of those or your truck).

 

[chillaban]

Sweet!


Just a noob question: despite the generator outputting 30A, is there a limit to how many “essential circuits” you can have? Unfortunately in my house I feel like our “essentials” are scattered over a bunch of different circuits despite us not using more than 7kW at any given time.

 

[awilli1010]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0743BQDT4/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_8?smid=A35393ZKSQP6NY&psc=1

Would this work? I thought I saw where another member used this to power his home.

 

[Pioneer74]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0743BQDT4/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_8?smid=A35393ZKSQP6NY&psc=1

Would this work? I thought I saw where another member used this to power his home.

That will work, but all you are powering is those six outlets. Pretty expensive for an extention cord.

 

[Pioneer74]

Sweet!


Just a noob question: despite the generator outputting 30A, is there a limit to how many “essential circuits” you can have? Unfortunately in my house I feel like our “essentials” are scattered over a bunch of different circuits despite us not using more than 7kW at any given time.

You can power as many circuits as you want. But you can only draw 30 amps total.

 

[capt_ramius]

You can power as many circuits as you want. But you can only draw 30 amps total.

Yep, that’s the best answer. If you have gas appliances and LED lights, then you can get away with running a lot of circuits in the transfer switch.

 

[capt_ramius]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0743BQDT4/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_8?smid=A35393ZKSQP6NY&psc=1

Would this work? I thought I saw where another member used this to power his home.

Not exactly the same. My inlet is connected to the neutral switching transfer switch, which powers the circuits in my house. The product you have linked just powers those six outlets… so you’d have to run extension cords from those outlets to the individual items/lights/appliances. Other than more convenient placement, I don’t see any advantage to that “through the wall” kit compared to just running extension cords directly to/from the outlets in the truck bed and mega power frunk.

 

[TaxmanHog]

Nice setup!!

 

[wiffleballpractice]

Glad you were able to get this done before Reliance temporarily stopped selling those panels.

 

[capt_ramius]

Glad you were able to get this done before Reliance temporarily stopped selling those panels.

Ah, darn! Hadn’t noticed that since I ordered mine in June. Maybe an electric supply house would have luck getting one?

I believe this is the Generac equivalent… https://www.generac.com/all-product...ransfer-switches/homelink-30a-transfer-switch (Generac part #6852). Looks like Lowes still has them in stock.

 

[Lucky EV]

This should work for manual transfer switches that don’t switch the neutral.

https://www.norwall.com/product_pdfs/6491_6297_install.pdf

 

[capt_ramius]

This should work for manual transfer switches that don’t switch the neutral.

https://www.norwall.com/product_pdfs/6491_6297_install.pdf

I stumbled upon that while I was researching all the options, but looks like it’s discontinued.

 

[Aspesi4]

Also, this product is only rated up to 30A. The real solution is a 200A, 3P switch that's economical.

Sponsored