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Transfer switch alternative
The Square D unit is not as inherently safe as a "real" blade type transfer switch. It does prevent placing the handles of both breakers ("generator feed" and "main" in the on position at the same time. It does nothing to address the potential problems caused by a stuck or welded breaker. Any one who has been in the electrical trade for long knows that a breaker handle is "off" position is not a 100 percent guarantee that the breaker is open.
This device is obviously much better than the bootleg method of backfeeding a range outlet, but should not be thought of as a fail safe device like a real transfer switch. I wouldn't use this unit without written approval from the power company, to refer to in the event that it did fail closed. Otherwise, you can bet they won't hesitate to condemn this thing if something goes wrong.
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Transfer switch alternative
A blade type transfer switch has what linemen call a "visible open", in that the isolation provided by the switch can be visually verified. Residential and light commercial duty molded case circuit breakers do not provide this, and breakers while generally reliable can and do fail to open on occasion.
It never fails to amaze me how resistant usually reasonable people can be when the subject of transfer switches comes up. If you can't afford a proper transfer switch, then you can't afford to have back up power.
Still, it is probably better than backfeeding a stove plug.
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Transfer switch alternative
Ncrunch32- sounds like the power company/inspectors etc. are more problematic where you live than in my area. Around here (central Kentucky), it is common to make temporary arrangements to get the power back on before final inspection on a service change or similar install such as a transfer switch.
Most of the time, the power company guys here can cut a service loose at say 8am and return about 3pm or so to make it hot again. I have often asked them to leave the old meter base hot while I built a new service right beside it. A couple of jumpers from "old" to "new" and the lights are on.
You can use your gen-set as a source of "temporary" power if wife absolutely has to have lights every minute. I wish you luck in your search for a solution that limits your liability with both wife and power company.
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