Transfer switch

[bigtiller]

How difficult is it to install one?

My door opener in the tin shed is plugged into an outlet on the ceiling. It is 15 feet high and I can't get up there to plug in a drop cord from a generator when the power goes out.

I would like some sort of transfer switch mounted beside the breaker box so I can plug in a 2000 watt generator to open the door so I can get the tractor out.

Also, any recommendations on the type/brand of switch to get?

 

[Diggin It]

For that purpose, I would go MUCH simpler.


I would rewire the opener to be on a cord (maybe just an extension cord) that comes down to where you can reach it easily. Install an outlet to plug it into. If power is out, unplug it from the wall outlet and plug it into the generator. This could be done for $50 or less. Any transfer switch will cost at least double that and may require professional installation if local code requires it.

 

[Roadworthy]

The circuit for your opener feeds from somewhere at a reasonable height. Instead of feeding that circuit from the panel exit the panel to an outlet. You can put a plug on that circuit then plug it into the outlet. When power fails simply unplug that circuit and plug it into the generator.

 

[ultrarunner]

All openers here are required to have battery back-up due to ongoing power outages...

The safety outages and earthquake and fire caused left many unable to open their garage doors... 95% did not know they could be opened manually which is another issue.

In response to the overwhelming mandate the sale or repair of non battery back up openers has been banned for a number of years... I have already replaced batteries on some tenant units... which seems to run about 3 year interval.

 

[MikeInEburg]

For that purpose, I would go MUCH simpler.


I would rewire the opener to be on a cord (maybe just an extension cord) that comes down to where you can reach it easily. Install an outlet to plug it into. If power is out, unplug it from the wall outlet and plug it into the generator. This could be done for $50 or less. Any transfer switch will cost at least double that and may require professional installation if local code requires it.

Totally agree with this response. There is beauty in simplicity.

 

[bigtiller]

All openers here are required to have battery back-up due to ongoing power outages...

The safety outages and earthquake and fire caused left many unable to open their garage doors... 95% did not know they could be opened manually which is another issue.

In response to the overwhelming mandate the sale or repair of non battery back up openers has been banned for a number of years... I have already replaced batteries on some tenant units... which seems to run about 3 year interval.

I should have added, this is not a residential door and opener. The door is 12 x 24. I tried to open it when the power was out, it's so heavy, no way anyone can open it manually. It is a steel insulated and only 6 years old with annual servicing.

I called the installer, asking about a battery backup but they don't make one for a commercial door like this one.

I like Diggin's idea of a hanging drop cord, cheap fast & easy. But I would prefer a more professional look to it......depending on the price. If it's $1000, forget it, if it is half of that then okay.

 

[orezok]

You could get an industrial grade 20a double pole double throw switch at HD for about $45. Mount it in a standard 2 gang box. Wire the up position to the grid power. When in this position, the down position is dead but the operator is powered. In the down position, wire a cord with male plug for your generator. In this position, the grid side is dead but the operator will be powered. Basically a really cheap transfer switch.

 

[MossRoad]

How difficult is it to install one?

My door opener in the tin shed is plugged into an outlet on the ceiling. It is 15 feet high and I can't get up there to plug in a drop cord from a generator when the power goes out.

I would like some sort of transfer switch mounted beside the breaker box so I can plug in a 2000 watt generator to open the door so I can get the tractor out.

Also, any recommendations on the type/brand of switch to get?

I'd find the breaker that it's fed from, then pull the wires out of the side of the box.
Then I'd mount an outlet box next to the panel and wire that new outlet onto the now empty breaker.
Then I'd run that wire that I pulled out into a new j-box, wire nut it to a 1' flex cord, out the side of the j-box, and plug it into the new outlet.
You want grid power, leave it plugged in.
You want generator power on the door, pull the plug and plug it into an extension cord and out to your generator.
I'd probably use twist-lock plugs as well.

 

[MossRoad]

You could get an industrial grade 20a double pole double throw switch at HD for about $45. Mount it in a standard 2 gang box. Wire the up position to the grid power. When in this position, the down position is dead but the operator is powered. In the down position, wire a cord with male plug for your generator. In this position, the grid side is dead but the operator will be powered. Basically a really cheap transfer switch.

I think that's an on/off switch and you'd want an on/off/on switch.

 

[orezok]

I think that's an on/off switch and you'd want an on/off/on switch.

That is exactly what a double pole double throw switch is. On in up position, off in center, on in bottom position, Break before make.

 

[workinonit]

There's also a DPDT On-On with no center position. Either one circuit or the other, no off.

 

[bigtiller]

Here is a pic of the breaker box.
Just to make sure it isn't an easy job, it is surrounded by 2x4's and covered with metal.
This is one of the reasons why I asked about installation difficulty.
What do you think? Attack it or hire it out?

 

[MossRoad]

That is exactly what a double pole double throw switch is. On in up position, off in center, on in bottom position, Break before make.

I'm sorry, you said double pole switch and my brain put in double pole breaker. Stupid autocorrect! :laughing:

 

[MossRoad]

Here is a pic of the breaker box.
Just to make sure it isn't an easy job, it is surrounded by 2x4's and covered with metal.
This is one of the reasons why I asked about installation difficulty.
What do you think? Attack it or hire it out?

View attachment 671025

GAAA! You're building is too pretty to hack up.

 

[bigtiller]

GAAA! You're building is too pretty to hack up.

Thanks Moss... That is why I am considering spending a dollar to do a nickels job. But I hope that hanging a temporary drop cord doesn't become permanent.

 

[MossRoad]

Thanks Moss... That is why I am considering spending a dollar to do a nickels job. But I hope that hanging a temporary drop cord doesn't become permanent.

Yeah, I was thinking staple gun and extension cords. :laughing:

 

[Diggin It]

For $90, I believe this will do exactly what you want with the appearance issue considered. IF you can find one in stock. Generator stuff seems to be like TP, paper towels and dish soap.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Reliance-Controls-Furnace-Transfer-Switch-TF151/202216476

Forget the 'furnace' wording. You could re-lable to 'Opener'.

 

[grsthegreat]

go to Generator Interlock Kits | Electrician Interlock Kits | GenInterlock
look up your panel. for around $69 you can get a ul approved interlock. then run a simple generator inlet oulter outside and wire 10/4 inside wall...your done. i always mount outlet outside because i think most of my customers are brain dead and i dont want them to think they can run their generator indoors. this will allow you to run whatever you want (except large 240 loads) in shop. i have one in my shop because i have a roll up door. when power is out is my buzy time. i need access to shop and tools. not only door will work, but so can lights, etc.

 

[Diggin It]

This one almost looks like some kind of homebrew job somebody is selling:

Amazon.com: EZ Generator Switch - Generator Manual Transfer Switch Universal UL/CSA Approved: Garden & Outdoor

 

[newbury]

Here is a pic of the breaker box.
Just to make sure it isn't an easy job, it is surrounded by 2x4's and covered with metal.
This is one of the reasons why I asked about installation difficulty.
What do you think? Attack it or hire it out?

View attachment 671025

If in doubt hire it out. Especially if it might affect insurance.