Reliance Controls 3006HDK - Manual (Page 5)

Page 4
PRE-INSTALLATION PLANNING OF THE GENERATOR LOAD
Before you begin installing your Reliance Controls transfer switch system, you need to create a plan for the appliances you choose
to run during a power outage. To do this, it’s helpful to first know how your generator produces power. If your generator has four-prong
twist-lock 20 or 30 Amp output receptacles, and is set-up for home stand-by operation, it likely will produce 120/240 Volt power, or power
similar to your electrical utility. This type of power generation is useful as it: 1) allows common 120 Volt circuits, such as lights or small
appliances, to be operated, and 2) allows two 120 Volt circuits to be linked together to operate a 240 Volt device, such as a well pump.
Because of the way in which larger portable generators are designed, they generate power in two equal halves. A generator which
has output of 5000 continuous running watts, for example, generates power from two 2500 watt “sides”. In setting up a transfer switch
to get the most power from your generator, it is desirable to “balance the load” between the two halves of your transfer switch, or the left
side and the right side. Devices which will consume the most of the generator’s wattage should be divided between the two sides. Load
balancing is shown in Figure 1. For example, on the 6-circuit transfer switch shown in Figure 1, consider wiring the breaker controlling
the refrigerator to toggle switch A, the furnace breaker to toggle switch B, the sump pump breaker to switch E and the breaker controlling
your TV and VCR to toggle switch F. You may want to reserve switches C and D to be linked with a handle tie and wired to a double pole
breaker controlling, for example, a 240 Volt well pump.
The Residential Wattage Requirements Table below shows sample wattages used by typical household appliances and can help
you plan the set up of your transfer switch. Use the running watts of your appliances rather than starting watts when dividing them
between the two halves of the transfer switch. Check your appliances for actual wattage requirements if possible.
Your Reliance Controls transfer switch also allows you to manage the load on your generator manually by switching appliances
on and off as you need them, so the capacity of either half of your generator is not exceeded. However, if you prefer not to manage your
transfer switch loads manually, leave a buffer equal to the largest start-up wattage requirement of all of the appliances you are going to
run continually when doing your calculation. This buffer, along with the peak wattage of your generator, will allow for the periodic motor
start-up of any one large appliance, such as your refrigerator. If your transfer switch is equipped with watt meters, you can visually
monitor the amount of wattage being used by the appliances your generator is powering at any time.
Examples of load balancing calculations are shown on the worksheets on page 5. Use these to create your own plan.
TYPICAL RESIDENTIAL WATTAGE REQUIREMENTS
Additional
Running Start-Up
Appliance Wattage Wattage
Furnace (1/3 HP) 700 1,400
Furnace (1/2 HP) 875 2,100
Window Air Conditioner
6000 BTU 1,200 2,100
12,000 BTU 1,700 2,900
Well Pump (1/3 HP) 750 1,400
Well Pump (1/2 HP) 1,000 2,350
Sump Pump (1/3 HP) 800 1,300
Sump Pump (1/2 HP) 1,050 2,150
Refrigerator 800 2,300
Garage Door Opener (1/4 HP) 550 1,100
Garage Door Opener (1/3 HP) 750 1,400
Home Security System 200 0
Lights On Bulb On Bulb
Stereo 200 0
TV/VCR 200 0
Computer 200 0
Microwave Check oven Check Oven
Coffee Maker 1,750 0
Toaster 1,300 0
Electric Fan 200 0
Clothes Washer 1,150 2,300
Clothes Dryer (Gas) 700 1,800
Dishwasher (Cool Dry) 700 1,400
Dishwasher (Hot Dry) 1,450 1,400
Vacuum Cleaner 1,000 0
Hair Dryer Check Dryer Check Dryer
Iron 1,200 0
Circular Saw 800 2,000
Figure 1
Refrigerator
(800 Watts)
Furnace
(875 Watts)
Well Pump
(1000 Watts)
Sump Pump
(1,050 Watts)
TV / VCR
(200 Watts)