Complete guide to buying a “Transfer Switch” for your generator

1) Knowing the type of Neutral in your power source of your Generator or Battery Inverter is extremely important.

Which do you have? Floating Neutral OR Bonded Neutral

This is due to the National Electrical Code requirements to assure proper

Neutral Bonding is correct

Note: Not all transfer switches can accommodate both bonded and floating neutrals

2) Types of Transfer switches:

ATS -Automatic Transfer Switch. This will transfer load to and from the grid without anyone being present (most expensive)

MTS – Manual Transfer Switch. You will decide when to transfer load to and from the grid.

Both styles are available in NEMA1 for indoors and NEMA3 for outdoors.

3) Options for your transfer switch to energize:

• Single Circuit
• Multi Circuit or Sub Panel
• Whole House

4) Ratings, both Voltage and Amperage:

Every Transfer switch must be rated equal to or greater than the load you are supplying for both Amperage and Voltage.

Note: Your power supply should be 125% rating of your load in watts

5) Testing Lab Approval:

Probably the most important item, every transfer switch must be tested and approved as a ‘whole unit”. Individual parts combined to make one approval, that approval number is UL 1008. UL is the standard used.

There are 20 testing labs in the USA, ETL (Intertek), MET , UL are just 3 examples. All labs assign a number that is associated with the company. In the case of transfer switches, you would see ‘UL1008 and a company number 5xxxxxxx10’.

This number allows the consumer to check for forged labels, which are very common for overseas imports—elimination of all testing and quality control.

Choosing the right transfer switch isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety, compliance, and protecting your home or business. Whether you’re working with a bonded or floating neutral system, understanding your power source and ensuring proper ratings and certifications is critical. Don’t risk using incompatible or uncertified components.

Need help choosing the right UL 1008-certified transfer switch for your setup?
Contact EZ Generator Switch today for expert guidance and find the safest, most reliable option for your generator or battery inverter system.