In a very crude sense, yes. The big difference is that a transfer switch is typically "load rated", meaning that it can be switched while under load without damage.
This is why low end manual and some automatic transfer switches are constructed using circuit breakers, as a circuit breaker is a load rated disconnect device. And Craig, just so there is no confusion, your setup is perfectly fine and within code as described. My comments were reflective of someone simply using breakers that were not interlocked to switch between sources and the load. A very, very dangerous means of doing it.... Dan On Nov 5, 2012, at 10:13 AM, Gerry Archer <arche...@embarqmail.com> wrote: >> On Sun, 4 Nov 2012 16:42:19 -0500 "Gerry Archer" >> <arche...@embarqmail.com> wrote: >>> If I turn off the two main breakers, why should I need any kind of a >>> switch when I plug the two cords from my generator into the two primary >>> circuits in the house? The only wire still connected to the power >>> company is the ground/neutral at the main switch box. (I'm only running >>> the fridge, lights, and computer with a small generator.) When I see >>> the neighbors lights on, I unplug the generator and turn the mains back >>> on. Gerry....who has used this arrangement for several power outages. >> That sequence of connections is actually what a transfer switch does, but >> it does it in a way that makes mistakes impossible. If you make a mistake >> in your procedure, you leave yourself open to very high legal liability. >> Craig > > Then a transfer switch is simply a high amperage DPDT switch. > Thanks, > Gerry > > _______________________________________ > http://www.okiebenz.com > For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com > To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ > > To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: > http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new and used parts go to www.okiebenz.com To search list archives http://www.okiebenz.com/archive/ To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://mail.okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
