Transfer Switch / Subpanel Combo with at least 20 circuits

JamesTheCrow · Jun 26, 2023

Hi guys,

I'm looking for a transfer switch / subpanel combo that provides more than the usual 8 - 12 circuits. I need at least 20 circuits.

Context

Currently, we're connecting our PV system to a GenerLink transfer switch which allows us to use all circuits.
While not relevant to this thread, it might be nice to know for some of you: the GenerLink is a whole-house transfer switch that is installed between the meter and the service entrance by the utility company. It automatically kicks in once power is supplied from the offgrid PV system (or a gas generator).
This is a cool solution, but GenerLink maintenance is up to the local utility company (which isn't very reliable).
That's why we'd like to put a redundancy in place.
Unfortunately, we can't use an interlock since this nice option isn't permitted in Canada.

Question

Can you guys recommend a transfer switch / subpanel combo that sports at least 20 circuits?
So far, the most circuits I could find was 12.

Thanks.

James

Shimmy · Jun 26, 2023

I assume manual transfer, right? The easiest way is interlocked circuit breakers; SquareD sells an interlock that goes between the main and a sub-feed breaker installed on one side. If your generator breaker is <100A then it only takes up two pole spaces so you can have up to 38 extra breaker poles.

JamesTheCrow · Jun 27, 2023

Shimmy said:
I assume manual transfer, right? The easiest way is interlocked circuit breakers; SquareD sells an interlock that goes between the main and a sub-feed breaker installed on one side. If your generator breaker is <100A then it only takes up two pole spaces so you can have up to 38 extra breaker poles.

Yes, I'm looking for a manual transfer switch.

Appreciate your input. Unfortunately, I can't get an interlock (see my original post): we're not allowed to use them in Canada (Oh, Canada!).

Have you come across a manual transfer switch that supports at least 20 circuits?

dougbert · Jun 27, 2023

here is my manual transfer switch by ABB/GE 100 amps on the lower left
Upper left is the Grid feed incoming into the 6 space 100 amp QO panel. That feeds 1) the transfer switch, 2) the inverter and 3) 30 amp L14-30R

With the transfer switch I can toggle between the Grid and the Inverter, which is further to the right of the picture
the transfer switch feeds the HOMLINE 20 space panel on the right, which is the house critical loads panel

The Grid comes from the original 125 amp panel of the house. The schematic of this system is located on page one of MY BUILD THREAD, referenced in my signature below

below is the XW Pro inverter

dougbert · Jun 27, 2023

oh, sorry I re-read the OP, you were looking for a combo with 20 circuits. Never have seen one.

Hedges · Jun 27, 2023

JamesTheCrow said:
Unfortunately, we can't use an interlock since this nice option isn't permitted in Canada.

Are all interlocks forbidden, or just the ones mounted on bezel, which are defeated by removal?

Here's one where the interlock remains with the breakers.
It comes with 100A & 30A. I changed to 70 & 70, and output feeds another panel.

Square D QO 30-Amp 4-Space 8-Circuit Generator Main Breaker Outdoor Manual Transfer Switch QO1DM10030TRBR - The Home Depot

The Square D by Schneider Electric QO 30/100 Amp 4-Space 8-Circuit Temporary Transfer Generator Panel helps you change from utility power to a standby source with the flip of 2 QO main circuit breakers.

www.homedepot.com

If that won't fly, separate transfer switch

Power Transfer Switches | Square-D Power Systems and Services Corp.

There are DIN rail breakers internally interlocked to act as transfer switches. I don't trust the Chinese ones, after buying a "63A" that buzzed at a fraction of that current (maybe misrepresented by seller.) There is a German brand. Get a big enough DIN rail box and you could have what you want.

https://www.desertcart.us/products/51017056-125-amp-changeover-switch-with-busbar-generator-mains-transfer-single-phase-din-rail-mount

HAGER SF263 | Changeover Switch 2 Pole 63 Amp

Save on HAGER SF263 | Changeover Switch 2 Pole 63 Amp today, Why pay more? We offer Fast Delivery at the lowest prices, shop safely with Australia's leading Online Electrical Wholesaler.

www.sparkydirect.com.au

Those allow very fast snap from one source to the other; determine if you want fast or long dead time.

JamesTheCrow · Jun 28, 2023

dougbert said:
oh, sorry I re-read the OP, you were looking for a combo with 20 circuits. Never have seen one.

No need to apologize. Thank you for going out of your way and posting photos, to boot. Will take a look at your build thread. And you might have been on the right track, after all (see @Hedges ' post).

JamesTheCrow · Jun 28, 2023

Hedges said:
Are all interlocks forbidden, or just the ones mounted on bezel, which are defeated by removal?

Here's one where the interlock remains with the breakers.
It comes with 100A & 30A. I changed to 70 & 70, and output feeds another panel.

Square D QO 30-Amp 4-Space 8-Circuit Generator Main Breaker Outdoor Manual Transfer Switch QO1DM10030TRBR - The Home Depot

The Square D by Schneider Electric QO 30/100 Amp 4-Space 8-Circuit Temporary Transfer Generator Panel helps you change from utility power to a standby source with the flip of 2 QO main circuit breakers.

www.homedepot.com

If that won't fly, separate transfer switch

Power Transfer Switches | Square-D Power Systems and Services Corp.

There are DIN rail breakers internally interlocked to act as transfer switches. I don't trust the Chinese ones, after buying a "63A" that buzzed at a fraction of that current (maybe misrepresented by seller.) There is a German brand. Get a big enough DIN rail box and you could have what you want.

https://www.desertcart.us/products/51017056-125-amp-changeover-switch-with-busbar-generator-mains-transfer-single-phase-din-rail-mount

HAGER SF263 | Changeover Switch 2 Pole 63 Amp

Save on HAGER SF263 | Changeover Switch 2 Pole 63 Amp today, Why pay more? We offer Fast Delivery at the lowest prices, shop safely with Australia's leading Online Electrical Wholesaler.

www.sparkydirect.com.au

Those allow very fast snap from one source to the other; determine if you want fast or long dead time.

It might be the restriction applies to the bezel-mounted ones that you can easily remove yourself.

I'll have to look into it.

Thanks for pointing me to the alternatives.

Mattb4 · Jun 28, 2023

Can you run two with 10 circuits transfer/subs? It doubles the cost but likely would pass inspection.

dougbert · Jun 28, 2023

Mattb4 said:
Can you run two with 10 circuits transfer/subs? It doubles the cost but likely would pass inspection.

well, obvious........now that you mention it - lol. Nice

beastman · Sep 17, 2023

i think generac makes an auto transfer with 20 or so circuits that might work with a breaker solution and switch in the middle of the panel. they are about $500 or so.

Transfer Switch / Subpanel Combo with at least 20 circuits

JamesTheCrow

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Shimmy

Solar Wizard

JamesTheCrow

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dougbert

Solar Addict

dougbert

Solar Addict

Hedges

I See Electromagnetic Fields!

Square D QO 30-Amp 4-Space 8-Circuit Generator Main Breaker Outdoor Manual Transfer Switch QO1DM10030TRBR - The Home Depot

HAGER SF263 | Changeover Switch 2 Pole 63 Amp

JamesTheCrow

New Member

JamesTheCrow

New Member

Square D QO 30-Amp 4-Space 8-Circuit Generator Main Breaker Outdoor Manual Transfer Switch QO1DM10030TRBR - The Home Depot

HAGER SF263 | Changeover Switch 2 Pole 63 Amp

Mattb4

Solar Wizard

dougbert

Solar Addict

beastman

New Member

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