Transfer switch

[bob_stemple]

I need 240v 20a outlet in the garage for a HF amplifier that will draw 10a. I'm wondering if this setup would be a safe way to go. Since I already have 240v 30a hot water tank in the garage, I would like to add a transfer switch (on-off-on) in the garage using a GE 100 Amp 240-Volt Non-Fused Emergency Power Transfer Switch and take the wiring from the hot water tank and connect to the load side of the transfer switch. Then wire one side of the switch to the hot water tank and the other for the outlet to run a hf amplifier that would draw 10a max.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I suppose that will work except that the amplifier is fused at 30 amps which may be too high. You could add a small breaker box with a DP 20 amp breaker.

It seems, if possible, a new circuit would be cheaper

 

[tom baker]

This could be a non coincident load application.
The 100 amp TS is larger than needed , will it accept 10 AWG?
For your 20A HF load, is it a plug in? If so that would be an issue on a 30A BC

 

[qcroanoke]

I need 240v 20a outlet in the garage for a HF amplifier that will draw 10a. I'm wondering if this setup would be a safe way to go. Since I already have 240v 30a hot water tank in the garage, I would like to add a transfer switch (on-off-on) in the garage using a GE 100 Amp 240-Volt Non-Fused Emergency Power Transfer Switch and take the wiring from the hot water tank and connect to the load side of the transfer switch. Then wire one side of the switch to the hot water tank and the other for the outlet to run a hf amplifier that would draw 10a max.

I think you meant line side not load side.

 

[bob_stemple]

This could be a non coincident load application.
The 100 amp TS is larger than needed , will it accept 10 AWG?
For your 20A HF load, is it a plug in? If so that would be an issue on a 30A BC

Yes, the amp is a plug in. I'll have to do more research on the TS and make sure it will accept 10 AWG.

 

[bob_stemple]

I think you meant line side not load side.

The TS is designed to apply power from the power company or generator to the home, so the center is labeled as the load side. But I will be connecting it up as the line side.

 

[bob_stemple]

I suppose that will work except that the amplifier is fused at 30 amps which may be too high. You could add a small breaker box with a DP 20 amp breaker.

It seems, if possible, a new circuit would be cheaper

It would be possible, but I'm not keen on going into the attic at my age. I didn't even like it at a younger age. That is why I worked in industrial electrical for much of my career. Hiring an electrician to do this will be much more costly than my solution.

 

[qcroanoke]

The TS is designed to apply power from the power company or generator to the home, so the center is labeled as the load side. But I will be connecting it up as the line side.

Ok. I got turned around there.

 

[qcroanoke]

Yes, the amp is a plug in. I'll have to do more research on the TS and make sure it will accept 10 AWG.

You can always use crimp lugs or change them to lugs that will accept 10.
They also make 60 and 30 amp transfer switches.

 

[bob_stemple]

Ok. I got turned around there.

No problem, I could have been more informative in my initial description...

 

[bob_stemple]

You can always use crimp lugs or change them to lugs that will accept 10.
They also make 60 and 30 amp transfer switches.

I'll do more research and see what I can come up with. Thank you for the imput.

 

[Little Bill]

and the other for the outlet to run a hf amplifier

What is a hf amplifier?

 

[bob_stemple]

What is a hf amplifier?

It amplifies the RF (radio frequency) power of a radio signal. HF (high frequency) signal between 6 meters to 160 meters. My amp is a 1-kilowatt amp. 55 watts in will produce 1000 watts output. It will run on 120v, but runs more efficiently on 240v.

 

[LarryFine]

You could replace the water heater disconnect with a sub-panel with a breaker interlock.

Cheaper and simpler than a transfer switch, and takes care of the 20a-circuit concerns.

 

[bob_stemple]

I gave that some thought and still may go that way. I was just thinking if I was talking on the radio using the amp and the hot water tank kicked in I would be close to drawing 30amps on the circuit.

 

[Little Bill]

I gave that some thought and still may go that way. I was just thinking if I was talking on the radio using the amp and the hot water tank kicked in I would be close to drawing 30amps on the circuit.

Just route the heat from the amp back into the water heater!

 

[LarryFine]

I gave that some thought and still may go that way. I was just thinking if I was talking on the radio using the amp and the hot water tank kicked in I would be close to drawing 30amps on the circuit.

That's the reason I suggested a breaker interlock.

 

[bob_stemple]

Ah, yes that got past me... Thank you, I believe that is the route I'll take.