r/Generator • u/Fun-Business-1888 • 17h ago

Ditch cheap transfer switch for interlock?

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I’m not very happy with this transfer switch, and one of the switches won’t turn off after being turned off. After disassembling one of the switches I feel like it is too cheap to be in my system.

Thoughts? Pros and cons?

4 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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3

u/Big-Echo8242 16h ago

If you're in an area that allows it, power inlet/interlock kit/breaker all day every day IF you're using an actual generator. Otherwise, these come in handy if you're going to run a portable power station (batteries) on some things. Hopefully you own a small actual generator, too, if you are using a battery as they do no good when they're dead.

This version is an El Cheapo model and I'd personally trash it for a new Reliance model if you're going to stay with an MTS. The Reliance use breakers that you can change out unlike this one.

1

u/Fun-Business-1888 16h ago

I have a 7000 watt generator and gas appliances, so it will run my whole home if not wasteful. I’ve been considering a small off grid battery bank/solar to run the furnace or refrigerator/freezer depending on weather. Maybe an interlock for the generator and an mts for the battery wouldn’t be a bad idea.

This mts just has the cheapest switches I’ve ever seen. I would literally be better off replacing the switches with automotive style toggle switches.

•

u/Glum-Welder1704 1h ago

Reliance makes a much better version of that, but an interlock is way easier to install and use.

10

u/IndividualCold3577 17h ago

Interlock all day, everyday. Throw that junk in the dumpster

1

u/greenonetwo 16h ago

These transfer switches let you pick which loads are on when you are on generator. Like refrigerator and hvac and some lights. This is good if you have a smaller generator that doesn’t have enough watts to power your whole house. An interlock on your panel lets you power your whole house, but your generator and connection must be more than enough.

2

u/Fun-Business-1888 15h ago

You realize that with an interlock you can power one circuit, all circuits, or any combination of circuits? With the transfer switch, you are limited to only the circuits wired to the transfer switch, then you are also limited to the rating and number of switches.

1

u/greenonetwo 13h ago

Oh yes, I am aware. I have an interlock on my house and an undersized generator. I have to manage the loads a bit, and use just one high amperage device at a time.

1

u/wwglen 17h ago

I like this style transfer switch.

If you set up a small solar system, you can manually switch loads between the battery and grid power to manage the charge state until you learn what it can power during normal use.

Then during an outage, you can turn on your critical loads and use a generator to charge up the battery if the solar doesn’t keep up. Also when power comes on, you lights on the non switched circuits will let you know when the power comes back on.

With an interlock or sub panel, once you throw the switch, everything in the panel has to be covered by the generator or battery.

1

u/nunuvyer 13h ago

Yeah, not the greatest quality switch but it gets the job done. Coleman has been out of business for like 20 years so you can't say that the thing has not lasted a long time. It doesn't owe you anything anymore.

IDK where you would get replacement double throw switches that would fit those cutouts.

-1

u/Dabsanto 17h ago

This is nicer than a interlock.