Transfer Switch Types: Which One Is Right for Your Home?
A transfer switch is essential for safely connecting a generator to your home's electrical system. It prevents dangerous backfeed to utility lines and manages power distribution. This guide explains your options.
Manual vs Automatic Transfer Switches
| Feature | Manual Transfer Switch | Automatic Transfer Switch |
|---|---|---|
| Operation | You flip the switch | Fully automatic |
| Response Time | Minutes (you must be home) | 10-30 seconds |
| Cost | $500–$1,000 | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Generator Type | Portable generators | Standby generators |
| Away from Home | No protection | Full protection |
| Best For | Budget-conscious, short outages | PSPS protection, medical needs |
How Automatic Transfer Switches Work
An automatic transfer switch (ATS) continuously monitors utility power. Here's the sequence during a PSPS event or any power outage:
- 1Outage Detection: ATS senses loss of utility voltage within seconds
- 2Generator Start: ATS signals generator to start automatically
- 3Warm-up Period: Generator runs 10-15 seconds to stabilize voltage
- 4Power Transfer: ATS disconnects utility and connects generator to home
- 5Utility Monitoring: ATS continues monitoring for utility return
- 6Return to Utility: When power returns, ATS transfers back and stops generator
Total time from outage to generator power: 10-30 seconds. Your refrigerator, medical equipment, and security systems experience only momentary interruption.
Whole-House vs Load-Management Switches
Whole-House Transfer Switch
- Powers entire electrical panel
- No load prioritization needed
- Requires generator sized for full load
- Requires 200-amp panel
Best for: Larger generators (18+ kW), homes with 200-amp panels
Load-Management Switch
- Powers selected circuits only
- Prioritizes critical loads
- Works with smaller generators
- Can work with 100-amp panels
Best for: Smaller generators (10-16 kW), essential coverage only
Generac Transfer Switch Models
As an authorized Generac dealer, we install the complete line of Generac transfer switches. Here are the most common models for residential applications:
RXG Transfer Switch (200-amp)
Our most popular choice for whole-house coverage. Handles 200-amp service with built-in load management to maximize generator capacity.
RXSW Transfer Switch (100/200-amp)
Smart switch with advanced load shedding. Automatically manages power to non-essential circuits when generator approaches capacity.
10-16 Circuit Transfer Switches
Covers selected essential circuits only. Most economical option when you don't need whole-house coverage.
Transfer Switch Sizing
Transfer switch sizing must match or exceed your electrical panel's amperage:
- •100-amp panel: Requires 100-amp or larger transfer switch
- •150-amp panel: Requires 150-amp or 200-amp transfer switch
- •200-amp panel: Requires 200-amp transfer switch
If upgrading from 100-amp to 200-amp service, the new transfer switch will be 200-amp regardless of generator size. See our panel upgrade guide for details.
Get Transfer Switch Recommendations
The right transfer switch depends on your panel size, generator size, and coverage needs. Our free assessment evaluates your electrical system and recommends the optimal transfer switch configuration for your home.