Automatic Transfer Switch Installation
Seamless Power Transfer • Safe & Code Compliant • Automatic & Manual Options
The Brain of Your Backup Power System
A transfer switch is the essential link between your generator and home electrical system. When utility power fails, it automatically disconnects from the grid and connects to your generator - all in 10-15 seconds. When power returns, it automatically switches back.
Why Transfer Switches Are Essential
Never manually switch power again - let automation protect your home
Automatic Transfer
Switches to generator power in seconds when utility power fails - completely automatic
Safe Operation
Prevents backfeed to utility lines, protecting utility workers and your generator
Seamless Transition
Power transfer is so fast your clocks won't even reset - most appliances never skip a beat
Code Compliant
Meets all NEC requirements for safe automatic and manual transfer switch installation
Transfer Switch Options
Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)
The professional solution for whole-house generators:
- Completely automatic operation
- Transfers in 10-15 seconds
- Powers whole house or selected circuits
- Required for permanent generators
- UL listed and code compliant
Recommended for:
Generac, Kohler, and other permanent standby generators
Manual Transfer Switch
Budget-friendly option for portable generators:
- You flip switches manually
- Safe connection for portable generator
- Select which circuits to power
- Lower cost than automatic
- Prevents dangerous backfeed
Recommended for:
Portable generators used during emergencies
Transfer Switch Installation Process
Professional installation from planning to final inspection
Load Calculation
Determine which circuits to protect and calculate transfer switch size needed.
Permit & Planning
Obtain electrical permit and plan installation location for switch and generator.
Installation
Install transfer switch, run wiring to generator location, connect circuits.
Testing & Inspection
Test automatic transfer operation, verify all connections, pass county inspection.
What Circuits Should You Protect?
Common circuits to include on your transfer switch:
We'll help you determine the right circuits based on your generator size and priorities.
Size Matters: Choosing the Right Transfer Switch
100 Amp Transfer Switch
For smaller generators (7-13 kW) powering essential circuits only
200 Amp Transfer Switch
For whole-house generators (14-26 kW) powering most or all circuits (Most Common)
400 Amp Transfer Switch
For large homes with 400A service and large generators (30+ kW)
Transfer Switch Installation in San Diego East County
Automatic transfer switches are essential for whole-house generator systems in San Diego County, automatically switching your home from SDG&E utility power to generator power within 10-15 seconds of outage detection. During PSPS events and unplanned outages, automatic transfer switches ensure your backup power activates even if you're away from home - critical for East County residents who evacuate during fire warnings. We install Generac, Kohler, and Eaton transfer switches sized appropriately for your generator capacity and home electrical load. Installation includes San Diego County electrical permit, coordination with SDG&E for service disconnect, proper grounding per California Title 24 requirements, load center modifications, and final inspection. Transfer switches prevent dangerous backfeed to utility lines protecting SDG&E workers and your generator from damage.
From utility power loss to generator power restoration
Professional transfer switch installation time
Expected lifespan with proper maintenance
Transfer Switch Installation Questions
What size transfer switch do I need for my San Diego home?
Transfer switch size must match both your electrical panel amperage and generator capacity. Most East County homes have 200-amp main panels requiring 200-amp automatic transfer switches (most common). Older homes with 100-amp panels need 100-amp transfer switches. For detailed explanation of transfer switch types and sizing, see our transfer switch types guide (/guides/transfer-switch-types-explained). The transfer switch amperage must not exceed your generator's capacity - a 22 kW Generac generator typically requires a 200-amp switch for whole-house coverage. We perform load calculations during your free assessment.
How much does automatic transfer switch installation cost in East County?
Automatic transfer switch installation in San Diego East County costs $2,500-$4,500 depending on: switch amperage size (100A vs 200A vs 400A), installation location relative to generator and panel, whether panel upgrade is needed, permit fees, and property-specific electrical requirements. For complete generator system pricing including transfer switches, see our generator cost guide (/guides/generator-cost-san-diego). A typical 200-amp Generac automatic transfer switch with professional installation, permits, and startup testing costs $3,200-$3,800. We provide detailed quotes during free on-site assessments.
Can I install a transfer switch myself in San Diego County?
No, transfer switch installation requires licensed electrician and San Diego County electrical permit. DIY transfer switch installation is illegal and dangerous - improper installation causes house fires, electrocution risk, and backfeed danger to utility workers. For complete permit requirements, see our generator permits guide (/guides/generator-permits-san-diego-county). California electrical code requires proper grounding and bonding, correct wire sizing, NEC-compliant installation, utility notification, and county inspection. Professional installation ensures code compliance and passes county inspection.
What's the difference between automatic and manual transfer switches?
Automatic transfer switches (ATS) detect utility power loss and switch to generator power automatically within 10-15 seconds - essential for whole-house standby generators. Manual transfer switches require you to physically flip switches to select generator or utility power - used with portable generators. For comprehensive comparison of types and features, see our transfer switch types explained guide (/guides/transfer-switch-types-explained). For San Diego East County homes with permanent standby generators, automatic transfer switches are strongly recommended for reliability during evacuations common during fire season.
Do transfer switches require maintenance?
Transfer switches require minimal maintenance but should be inspected annually during generator service. Maintenance includes: exercising the transfer switch, checking electrical connections for tightness, verifying control board functions, testing automatic and manual operation modes, and inspecting for rust or corrosion. Transfer switch inspection is included in our annual generator maintenance service. For complete maintenance recommendations, see our generator maintenance schedule (/guides/generator-maintenance-schedule). Transfer switches typically last 30+ years with proper service.
Can I add a transfer switch to my existing generator?
Yes, we can add automatic transfer switches to existing portable or standby generators in East County. If you're currently using extension cords or manual switching, upgrading to automatic transfer switch dramatically improves convenience and safety. Transfer switch retrofit requires: electrical permit from San Diego County, properly sized switch for generator output, panel modifications to accommodate switch, generator compatible with automatic starting, and electrical inspection. For permit details, see our generator permits guide (/guides/generator-permits-san-diego-county). Transfer switch addition takes 1 day and typically costs $2,500-$4,000.
Transfer Switch Installation Pricing
Professional installation with permits and inspection included
Manual Transfer
For portable generator connection
- Safe generator hookup
- Select 6-10 circuits
- Interlock device included
- Permits & inspection
100-Amp ATS
Standard residential automatic
- Automatic operation
- Essential circuits covered
- 10-second transfer
- Full installation
200-Amp ATS
Whole-house automatic transfer
- Complete home coverage
- Load management capable
- Premium Generac switch
- SDG&E coordination
Get an exact quote for your property with a free on-site assessment
Prices include installation, permits, and county inspection. Panel upgrade may be required for some installations.
Understanding Transfer Switches for Your Generator
A transfer switch is the essential safety device that connects your generator to your home's electrical system. Without a properly installed transfer switch, you cannot safely power your home during an outage. East County homes with standby generators require automatic transfer switches that detect power loss and switch to generator power within 10-15 seconds.
For homeowners with portable generators, a manual transfer switch provides a safe way to connect generator power to selected circuits. This eliminates dangerous extension cords and the risk of backfeeding power to utility lines. Our manual transfer installations in Lakeside, Ramona, and surrounding areas include proper interlocks and meet all San Diego County electrical codes.
Automatic transfer switches (ATS) are required for standby generator installations. The ATS continuously monitors utility power and automatically starts your generator and transfers power when SDG&E shuts off during PSPS events. This means your home stays powered even if you're evacuated or away during fire season.
If your electrical panel is 100-amp or you have a Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel, you'll likely need a panel upgrade before transfer switch installation. We coordinate panel upgrades and transfer switch installations to minimize disruption and ensure your complete backup power system is ready for the next SDG&E power shutoff.
Related Services
Complete your backup power system with these complementary services
PSPS Protection
Backup power for SDG&E fire season power shutoffs
Generator Installation
Complete generator systems with integrated transfer switches
Panel Upgrades
Upgrade electrical panel for transfer switch compatibility
Generator Maintenance
Transfer switch testing included in annual service
Ready for Automatic Backup Power?
Get a free consultation on the right transfer switch for your home and generator