Generator-ready main load center

12 years ago

Does anyone have experience with main load centers that include an ATS? Do they come in versions that switch the entire load? I've seen the type that switches partial load like the Siemens W3042B1200GEN. I'd like experienced perspectives.

The background is that dad is now 84 and will have trouble wheeling out his vintage 4 KW genset and hooking up his basement sump pumps and whole-house wastewater lift pump. If the power goes out, he can't flush or use any other water and the finished basement may flood.

The location of the Federal Pacific main panel can not accommodate a main transfer switch and probably not even a sub panel ATS. A remote sub panel transfer switch is a pretty good possibility, but given the perception that the FP panels are an immediate danger, it might make sense to ditch it and put the labor that would be invested in a separate sub into in a new panel.

I am not too interested in debating the safety aspects of the FP panel. Given that a lot of home inspectors will stir up a fuss, it might be better to just ditch it if it will not cost too much more than installing a separate, remote ATS.

Thanks for reading.

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Comments (2)

Ron Natalie
12 years ago
Note that Siemens historically doesn't have the best reliability on it's stuff either though the modern ones probably aren't too bad.

There's no magic in supporting a whole house ATS at the main panel. However, if you have an automatic switch you need a generator capable of the entire switched load.

Note the panel you show is a mechanical interlock panel NOT an ATS. You can buy mechanical interlocks for a variety of panels as well.
ionized_gw
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks, Ron. That panel is pretty versatile. You might not have had a good look at it. Check the Siemens web site if you are interested. You choose between manual or auto transfer, main lug or main breaker, flush or surface mount and indoor or outdoor.

I'd be interested in your thoughts of its operation and idiosyncrasies of set-up from the diagram if you are not familiar. I'd love to know if anyone else makes a similar ATS, split bus panel.

One thing that might be of concern is the proprietary ATS. I think I'd be tempted to buy a spare right out of the gate to be sure a replacement is there for the life of the panel. The other is the range of generators that it might be used with. I don't know if the list of generators precludes use of other.

Oops, I should have posted two links:

https://extranet.w3.siemens.com/us/internet-dms/btlv/Residential/Residential/LoadCenters/RPFL-NEMA3-0609_low%20res.pdf

Here is a link that might be useful: Siemens

This post was edited by ionized on Tue, Aug 12, 14 at 10:25
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