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Reliance Controls Transfer Switches

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Reliance Controls are one of the world leaders in transfer switches, but before we look at them in more depth, let us consider transfer switches in general. 

Why Is There a Need for a Transfer Switch?

Simply said, a transfer switch is a permanent switch attached to your electrical panel that allows you to transition the load from one power source to another.

Back-up power generators kick in automatically when the main generator fails. I recommend this method because it minimizes disruptions to the energy flow and keeps things running smoothly.

Generators used to power an entire home are wired into the transfer switch located in the electrical panel. When the generator is turned on, the transfer switch automatically shifts the load from the utility grid to the generator.

Which Backup Power Sources Need a Transfer Switch?

Nearly all homes and businesses with standby generators need to have one. Because they are always on the lookout for when the power goes out, it is essential to have this backup system in place.

While not strictly required, a transfer switch is highly recommended for use with portable generators. The main benefit of a transfer switch in the home is that it eliminates the need for extension cords by allowing you to power appliances directly from the circuit breaker panel.

The dishwasher, water heater, air conditioner, and ceiling fans are all examples of appliances that require a hardwired connection. Starting is as simple as connecting the portable generator's power cord to the transfer switch.

Can I Get By Without A Transfer Switch?

If your generator's power output is higher than 5,000 watts, you should install a transfer switch for your protection and convenience. Given the current power output, a regulator must be used to prevent surges and backfeeding to the grid, thus bear this in mind.

The law in some jurisdictions may require you to have one, while in others it may be more of a suggestion. There are many who argue that only emergency backup generators need to comply.

Check with the office that enforces construction codes to learn if a transfer switch is required in your area. Therefore, they should be able to advise on which types of generators need transfer switches and which do not.

The Safe Use of a Transfer Switch

Several issues, beyond the merely practical, arise without a transfer switch. Your family's safety, or the safety of electric company workers, could be at risk if you don't have a transfer switch.

The term "backfeeding the grid" describes the most common situation when this becomes a problem. If you use a generator without a proper transfer switch and the utility company turns on the main electricity, your home will be subjected to a double current.

It's possible that utility workers could be put in harm's way because of this surge's interference with the line. You should be aware that it could cause fires in your home or place of business. For this reason, a transfer switch is essential.

To be clear, when we talk about backup generators, we are specifically referring to the kind that plugs into the electrical panel of your house or workplace. If you are merely using a portable generator to power a few lights and appliances, this is not a problem.

Types of Transfer Switches

There are both automatic and manual transfer switches available. In the event of a power outage, an automatic transfer switch will immediately switch to the backup power supply. It is constantly available and prepared to transfer power to the generator as needed.

Hence the term, "manual switches" necessitate the assistance of a human being to activate. Because portable generators aren't permanently plugged in, they typically feature a manual on/off switch.

Permanently installed backup generators may require an automatic or manual start, but the automatic start is often the most practical solution. After all, who wants to brave the elements to restore power by physically moving a switch outside?

While an automatic switch to backup power in the event of a power loss is a desirable feature for most businesses, it is essential in certain sectors.

About Reliance Controls

Over the years, Reliance Controls Corporation has been the undisputed market leader in manual transfer switches, time switches, and accessories, and the company has been granted over 85 patents for these inventions.

Moreover, Reliance Controls Corporation has an unmatched reputation for quality, superior engineering, and exceptional customer service after over a century of industry leadership.

The Racine, Wisconsin-based Reliance Controls Corporation produces a wide range of electrical goods. Heavy duty time clocks and controllers, generator accessories, transfer switches, and transfer panels for portable generators and inverters make up the bulk of the company's product offering.

Once known as the "Reliance Automatic Lighting Company," the company's origins may be traced back to 1909, when they developed the first commercial grade time switch.

Circa 1923: Reliance introduces the "ACE" self-winding time switch. This ingenious creation had an electronic motor that could wind the clock spring without human intervention. This Reliance time switch was the first of its kind that did not require weekly winding.

Panel/Link® manual transfer panels were first offered by Reliance Controls Corporation in 1995, specifically the TRC 1003A model. Standby generating systems up to 31.5 kilowatts can be used with Panel/Link® TTV 2005D and generator-ready load centers.

There are currently approximately 300 unique types in the Panel/Link Series, and these range from 3-phase to pre-wired.

The Reliance Gen/Tran(TM) range of manual transfer switches was superseded in 2003 by the far better Pro/Tran® Series, which is compatible with portable generators of up to 12,500W in output. In addition, the Pro/Tran® is the first loadside transfer switch to be classified to the more demanding UL1008 standard.

With the release of the SelecTran(TM) Series in 2007, Reliance Controls showed the world what they were capable of. This is the first expansion panelboard designed specifically for use with a home's automatic standby power supply.

SelecTran was created to address the primary shortcoming of autonomous systems: their inability to supply power to more than a specific number of circuits in conformity with the National Electrical Code.

Non-emergency circuits in the main panel, such as the garage door opener or dishwasher, remain inaccessible even while the homeowner is there. With SelecTran, you may manually transfer power from the load center to the standby generator without compromising on safety or compliance.

With the help of the SelecTran, a smaller and cheaper automatic standby system can temporarily power more circuits than a much larger and more expensive standby generator could.

As the first non-metallic power input box to be listed to the new UL1008 standard by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., the PBN Series was released by Reliance Controls in 2010.

The PBN is built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions in both commercial and residential settings with its UV-stabilized ABS construction (.150"). With over a hundred cubic inches of wiring space inside and our patented Pop-Fast(TM) 1/2-inch knockout design, installation is a breeze.

The flanged intake terminals may be quickly accessed in either direction thanks to the innovative slide-out base. Flanged intake covers that are both watertight and bugproof are installed at the bottom of the unit as standard.

In 2011, Reliance Controls released the EcoTran(TM), the first uninterruptible automatic transfer switch created to provide a simple and secure means of supplying designated branch circuits with AC power from renewable sources like wind turbines and solar panels powered by battery-operated inverters.

The EcoTran is one of a kind since it prioritizes alternative energy over traditional utility electricity. In cases where renewable energy is insufficient to power the associated loads, this method allows for a smooth transition to utility-supplied power in under 20 milliseconds.

When enough power is available, the EcoTran will immediately go back to the renewable source, a process that takes less than 20 ms. EcoTran switches at a rate that is undetectable by even the most sophisticated electrical devices.

By using an electrical-over-mechanical transfer switching and interlocking mechanism, they can guarantee that their renewable energy source will never back feed onto the utility lines by accident.

Reliance Controls product range

Let us look at their range:

Pro/Tran 2 Transfer Switch

Reliance Controls Pro/Tran2 Transfer Switch 306D

Reliance Controls' LoadsideTM manual transfer switch has been updated to the Pro/Tran 2. In both domestic and industrial settings, these indoor surface mount transfer switches allow for a speedy setup.

All factory-supplied wires are properly labeled and coloured for identification, and the 16-inch flexible conduit whip attaches effortlessly to a cutout on the load center. Following the manual's directions, just connect the necessary emergency circuits to the Pro/Tran 2 wire leads.

The Pro/Tran 2 transfer switches are housed in a sturdy powder-coated steel cabinet with six combined 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch knockouts and 1-inch interchangeable circuit breakers. Larger circuits (up to 1 x 30A double-pole) and the use of AFCI and GFCI breakers are made possible by the use of 1-inch breakers.

Every single one of their models has a hinged, removable cover that serves to both safeguard the goods and complete its stylish design.

All models are field reconfigurable for numerous double-pole circuits and UL-listed for use with most 1-inch interchangeable circuit breaker brands.

The Pro/Tran 2 continues to use reliable double-throw toggle switches without a break-before-make feature. In several updates, new color-coded watt meters aid in load balancing and management.

The Pro/Tran 2 series has been tested and approved by UL to be used in accordance with Article 702 of the ANSI/NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code.

Pro/Tran Transfer Switches

Reliance Controls Corporation 31406CRK 30 Amp 6-circuit Pro/Tran Transfer Switch Kit for Generators (7500 Watts).,Gray

For easy and quick installation in residential and commercial buildings, consider using these transfer switches with a surface mount.

All cables are clearly labeled, and the 18-inch flexible conduit whip easily connects to the load center. Select the circuits you think you might require in an emergency and attach them to the Pro/Tran wire leads.

With six combination 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch knockouts, resettable branch rated circuit breakers, and non-defeatable (break-before-make) double-throw switches, Pro/Tran transfer switches have a sturdy powder-coated steel cabinet.

Specific Reliance watmeters with accuracy of 3% across the board are provided in some models.

A separate flanged inlet is included in every Pro/Tran model ending in "A," as well as the 30508B, to allow for direct generator connection in a dry environment. The correct power intake box must be used with all indoor manual transfer switches.

All other Pro/Tran models feature a sealed power inlet port, allowing for dry-location installations, but are designed for hardwire connection to an outlet box.

A wattmeter panel (WP7500) is available for all versions that don't come standard with one (except models 15114A and 30114A). The wattmeter panel features a covered power inlet with a hole in it as an extra.

Easy/Tran

Reliance Controls TF201W Easy/Tran Transfer Switch, 2500 Watts

The Easy/Tran manual transfer switch works great for single-circuit appliances like furnaces and sump pumps. They are inexpensive and straightforward to install.

Home Protectors

Reliance Control Corporation Control-THP207M Power Fail Light W/Alarm by Reliance Controls MfrPartNo THP207M, 1, Multi, 1

Along with the installation of a portable generator and transfer switch, Reliance Controls has released a new, reasonably priced line of cutting-edge gadgets dubbed The Home Protectors.

Monitoring systems will immediately notify you via alarms or phone calls of any power, freezing, or flood-related problems in your home or cabin.

Panel/Link X-Series 

To avoid harming a 120V circuit with 240V current while switching between utility power and a portable generator, the neutral is gradually swapped as the voltage increases.

The New Reliance Panel/Link X Series is a manual transfer switch that is double-poled with a unique third-pole for the neutral that switches in a sequential fashion. Applications where a separate derived system is required, or when GFCI-protected outlets are present, are prime candidates for the X Series.

To prevent the circuit breakers on a generator that is GFI protected from tripping inadvertently, install an X Series ground fault interrupter.

The XRC Series only has room for 10 branch circuits, but when used with tandem breakers, it can handle up to 18. The XRR Series can be installed either indoors or outdoors, and it works with either 24 or 34 individual circuits.

Many different types of watt metres and, in some cases, flanged inlets for direct generator connection can be used to provide load balancing.

Signa Series

Models of the "Signa" Series, with amperages ranging from 20A to 50A, were designed specifically with traffic signals in mind, and have an insect-proof stainless steel enclosure.

The manual "toggle type" transfer switches can make the changeover to utility power in less than 250 ms, allowing traffic signals to keep working normally and uninterrupted during the shift.

In order to conserve energy and prolong the life of the bulbs, the optional Utility-on light is connected to the transfer switch. The cabinet can accommodate .5",.75", or 1" conduit through a knockout on the back, and through a hole in the top.

Final thoughts

Reliance Controls are a world leader in transfer switches, the sheer number of patents they have show you that they are serious about making the best transfer switches possible.

About Tom Bell

Hey, I’m Tom, the owner of Generator Reviews! I built this website to help you get the very most out of your generator and select the correct one for your personal circumstances. This site contains reviews of virtually every generator, detailed buying guides, as well as maintenance advice to help you keep yours in tip-top shape!

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