200 amp residential Generator backup

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Bobbyxp88

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Electrician
Ok guys. I picked up a remodel job and everything is going well. The homeowners have asked me one more task. They want to install a a portable generator backup system. Here’s the dilemma. The house has a 200 amp service with a meter main disconnect outside. The main panel is located on the first floor. It is technically a 200 amp main lug sub panel that also feeds a 100 amp main lug sub panel in the basement. Any recommendations on running a backup here. I was thinking about installing a GE manual transfer switch outside that could just be flipped on to run the house but I’m not confident I can fed the generator side with a 30 amp plug. Any suggestions would help. Thank you
 
Eaton has them with 100 amp and smaller generator side with 200 amp utility and load on the other side. Makes it easier for the smaller wire on the generator inlet.
 
hillbilly1 said:
Eaton has them with 100 amp and smaller generator side with 200 amp utility and load on the other side. Makes it easier for the smaller wire on the generator inlet.
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I’m not sure what your referring to I did some research did not see anything. Can you send a link of what you are talking about. Thank you.
 
Well, I couldn’t find it either, they may have discontinued them, the last one of those I bought was around 10 years ago. I looked online at that suppliers website, and all they carry is automatic switches 100 amps and above. Looks like the price of an automatic switch is actually cheaper now. Does your meter main have a small sub panel built in? If so, you might can find an interlock kit. If not, and the main panel is new enough, I have swapped out the main lug interior for a main breaker interior of the same brand, and use an interlock kit there. A lot of manufactures use the exact same can for their MLO and main breaker panels.
 
Bobbyxp88 said:
Ok guys. I picked up a remodel job and everything is going well. The homeowners have asked me one more task. They want to install a a portable generator backup system. Here’s the dilemma. The house has a 200 amp service with a meter main disconnect outside. The main panel is located on the first floor. It is technically a 200 amp main lug sub panel that also feeds a 100 amp main lug sub panel in the basement. Any recommendations on running a backup here. I was thinking about installing a GE manual transfer switch outside that could just be flipped on to run the house but I’m not confident I can fed the generator side with a 30 amp plug. Any suggestions would help. Thank you
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What is your concern about not being able to feed it with a 30 amp plug? It may not accept 30 amp conductor but you can land a larger conductor that it is rated for and then transition somehow to a 30 amp conductor, there are many ways you could do that transition.

If there are available interlock kits as mentioned that will work on what you have that is probably the direction I would try to go first myself.
 
kwired said:
What is your concern about not being able to feed it with a 30 amp plug? It may not accept 30 amp conductor but you can land a larger conductor that it is rated for and then transition somehow to a 30 amp conductor, there are many ways you could do that transition.

If there are available interlock kits as mentioned that will work on what you have that is probably the direction I would try to go first myself.
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No. The lugs on the MTS are rated for #6- 250 McMillan or something I would have to either change the lugs or get adapters correct?
 
Bobbyxp88 said:
No. The lugs on the MTS are rated for #6- 250 McMillan or something I would have to either change the lugs or get adapters correct?
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That’s what I liked about the old Eaton switches, the factory used much smaller lugs on the generator input, hence the 100 amp rating. You could use splicers/reducers.
 
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