Help with a manual transfer switch

[VGraves]

I'm looking for help selecting a 100A manual, neutral-switching transfer switch for my house that's compatible with a Powerboost.

When I built my house 20 years ago, I ended up with a 100A basement subpanel that powers my HVAC units, sewer pump, and basement lights/receptacles. I also incorporated a manual transfer switch and wired in a generator inlet receptacle in case I ever purchased a portable generator. I never did purchase that generator because our power is very reliable, but I now have a 2025 502A Powerboost on order and thought I would consider prepping the house for backup power in the rare event we actually need it since it seems like I'm very close already.

When I looked inside the switch box, it appears to me that it's a bonded neutral switch and that it would not work with the PB. So I started online searching and found this safety switch that I think will work (amazon_link), but I'd like some feedback from those more electrically knowledgeable than me.

Will the switch I found work? Is there a better or cheaper solution?

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[Ajzride]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Siemens...on-Fusible-Safety-Switch-DTGNF224NR/205874580

 

[HammaMan]

4 pole 100a ATS -- can't vouch for them overall, includes manual override.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/276884697432

I don't like the proximity of the lugs to what'd normally be a flush-face cover panel.

 

[Ajzride]

So I started online searching and found this safety switch that I think will work (amazon_link), but I'd like some feedback from those more electrically knowledgeable than me.

Will the switch I found work? Is there a better or cheaper solution?

I missed your link yesterday. I do not think that switch will work, it's only a 2-position swithch (on/off), you need a 3 position switch. The one @HammaMan linked should work, and here is a cheaper verison of a manual switch that should in theory work:

https://www.amazon.com/Generator-Tr...amp+double+throw+switch+3+pole,aps,149&sr=8-7

 

[VGraves]

@Ajzride, thanks for the pointer to the appropriate manual switch. That's more of what I'm looking for, and you saved me from ordering something that wouldn't work!

@HammaMan, an automatic switch wasn't something I had considered. I guess it would work, but sort of after the fact since unless I was expecting a hurricane (unlikely in TN!) or a tornado (very possible), I wouldn't have the truck plugged into the house beforehand. But just for grins, suppose that I did prepare for a likely power outage and plugged the truck into the house receptacle. Can the Powerboost be left in generator mode without any load on it for an extended time such that if the house power was lost and the automatic switch flipped to the truck, would the truck be able to quickly start providing power?

 

[CND Supercrew]

@Kanuck

 

[HammaMan]

@Ajzride, thanks for the pointer to the appropriate manual switch. That's more of what I'm looking for, and you saved me from ordering something that wouldn't work!

@HammaMan, an automatic switch wasn't something I had considered. I guess it would work, but sort of after the fact since unless I was expecting a hurricane (unlikely in TN!) or a tornado (very possible), I wouldn't have the truck plugged into the house beforehand. But just for grins, suppose that I did prepare for a likely power outage and plugged the truck into the house receptacle. Can the Powerboost be left in generator mode without any load on it for an extended time such that if the house power was lost and the automatic switch flipped to the truck, would the truck be able to quickly start providing power?

I don't see a wiring diagram for that, but I've seen others like this and the wiring appears to have a 'primary' priority and the switch when priority is dead will automatically use the backup power option and switch over when present. This design is quite ubiquitous and you can use the the 4th pole to make your own status light or similar. This is really cheap for what it offers.

 

[Kanuck]

@Kanuck

Hello

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