Upgrade Your Home Circuits with Pro/Tran2 Transfer Switch

Upgrade Your Home Circuits with Pro/Tran2 Transfer Switch

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Off-Grid Inverters
3. Why Use a Manual Transfer Switch
4. Reliance Pro Tran 2: The Perfect Solution
5. How Does the Reliance Pro Tran 2 Work?
6. Available Models and Prices
7. Installation Process 7.1 Connecting the Neutral and Ground 7.2 Wiring the Hot Lines 7.3 Connecting the Loads and Breakers
8. Tips for Balancing Loads
9. Pros and Cons of Using the Reliance Pro Tran 2
10. Conclusion

Article:

Understanding Off-Grid Inverters

Off-grid inverters are becoming increasingly popular for those who want to have autonomy over their power supply. An off-grid inverter is not connected to the grid and does not sell power back to it. However, running extension cords all over the house to power appliances can be inconvenient. The ideal solution is to tie into the home breaker panel, which already has all the circuits you need. But how can this be done safely and legally, without risking backfeeding into the grid? This is where the Reliance Pro Tran 2 comes in.

Why Use a Manual Transfer Switch

A manual transfer switch is an essential component when using off-grid inverters. It ensures a safe and seamless transition between power sources, whether from a generator or a solar-powered inverter. The Reliance Pro Tran 2 transfer switch, designed for use with generators, works just as well with solar-powered inverters. By using this transfer switch, you can easily connect your off-grid inverter to your home breaker panel, without the risk of backfeeding electricity into the grid.

Reliance Pro Tran 2: The Perfect Solution

The Reliance Pro Tran 2 is a versatile manual transfer switch that is ideal for connecting off-grid inverters to your home electrical system. With different models offering various numbers of circuits, you can choose the one that best suits your needs. The Pro Tran 2 ensures the safe and efficient flow of power, allowing you to power specific circuits within your home without the need for extension cords or compromising the safety of linemen during power outages.

How Does the Reliance Pro Tran 2 Work?

The Reliance Pro Tran 2 transfer switch features several circuits that are connected to corresponding circuits in your home breaker panel. Each circuit includes a rocker switch that allows you to select the power source (solar or generator) and a breaker for added safety. When using your solar-powered inverter, the transfer switch's internal breakers are utilized, preventing backfeeding into the grid. On the other hand, when you switch to the grid, your existing circuit breakers in the home breaker panel are used.

Available Models and Prices

The Reliance Pro Tran 2 is available in different models, offering varying numbers of circuits to suit your specific needs. The 306C model, with six circuits, is priced at around $295, while the 310C model, with ten circuits, is priced at approximately $450. Both models are available on Amazon and eligible for Prime shipping, ensuring a quick and reliable delivery.

Installation Process

Installing the Reliance Pro Tran 2 transfer switch is a relatively straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to safely and correctly connect the transfer switch to your home breaker panel:

Step 1: Connecting the Neutral and Ground

Start by connecting the neutral cable from your solar inverter to the neutral in the breaker panel. Use a wire nut to secure the connection. Next, connect the ground wire from the solar inverter to the grounding lug on the transfer switch. This grounds the switch itself. Finally, connect the ground wire from the switch to the grounding bus on your breaker panel.

Step 2: Wiring the Hot Lines

Connect the line one (black) and line two (red) wires from your solar inverter to the corresponding wires in the transfer switch using wire nuts. Ensure that the circuit breakers connected to the transfer switch's circuits (A, B, C, D, E, and F) are properly labeled in your breaker panel.

Step 3: Connecting the Loads and Breakers

Identify the loads you want to connect to the transfer switch's circuits and disconnect the hot line from their respective breakers in the breaker panel. Use wire nuts to connect a new wire from the load to the transfer switch's rocker switch. Then, connect another new wire from the rocker switch back to the breaker it was originally attached to. Repeat this process for each circuit.

Tips for Balancing Loads

It is important to balance your loads between the leg one and leg two breakers in the transfer switch. This helps ensure that the power draw is evenly distributed between the two legs of your electrical system. It is recommended to separate high-power appliances, such as air conditioners or ovens, between leg one and leg two to prevent overloading.

Pros and Cons of Using the Reliance Pro Tran 2

Pros:

• Allows safe and legal connection of off-grid inverters to the home breaker panel
• Provides seamless transition between power sources
• Eliminates the need for extension cords
• Offers different models and prices to suit individual needs
• Reliable and well-built

Cons:

• Initial installation may require some electrical knowledge and expertise
• Rebalancing loads may require adjustments and fine-tuning

Conclusion

The Reliance Pro Tran 2 transfer switch is an excellent solution for seamlessly connecting off-grid inverters to your home electrical system. Its user-friendly design and reliable performance make it a popular choice among DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. With the ability to safely and legally tie into the home breaker panel, you can enjoy the convenience and autonomy of an off-grid power system without compromising safety or legality. Invest in a Reliance Pro Tran 2 transfer switch and take control of your power supply today!

Highlights:

• Off-grid inverters provide autonomy over power supply.
• Reliance Pro Tran 2 ensures safe and legal connection of off-grid inverters to the home breaker panel.
• Manual transfer switch allows seamless transition between power sources.
• Available in different models and prices to suit individual needs.
• Installation process requires proper grounding, wiring, and load balancing.
• Pros include convenience, safety, and versatility, while cons involve installation complexity and load adjustments.

FAQ:

Q: Can the Reliance Pro Tran 2 transfer switch be used with a generator? A: Yes, the Reliance Pro Tran 2 is primarily designed for use with generators but works well with solar-powered inverters too.

Q: How does the transfer switch prevent backfeeding into the grid? A: The transfer switch's internal breakers are utilized when using the solar-powered inverter, preventing any accidental backfeeding into the grid.

Q: Can I install the transfer switch myself, or do I need to hire an electrician? A: While installation can be a DIY project for those with electrical knowledge and expertise, it is recommended to consult a professional electrician for safe and compliant installation.

Q: Will rebalancing loads between leg one and leg two breakers affect the performance of my electrical system? A: Proper load balancing is important to evenly distribute the power draw between the legs of your electrical system. Failing to do so may result in overloaded circuits or inefficient power distribution.

Q: Are there any other reliable brands or models of transfer switches available on the market? A: While the Reliance Pro Tran 2 is a popular choice, there are other reputable brands such as Generac, Square D, and Eaton that offer a wide range of transfer switches suitable for various applications.