If you're planning on investing in a portable generator to provide backup power to your home or business, then don't forget the Gen/Tran transfer switch. Required by the National Electric Code, a transfer switch is an electrical safety device that is installed next to the electrical panel in your home or business. Installing a Gen/Tran transfer switch is the safest and most convenient way to feed power from a generator to important circuits you'll want to use during a power disruption, like a refrigerator, lights, sump pump, furnace, home office, and television. There are three basic components to a backup power system, a transfer switch that matches the output of your generator in continuous watts, a power inlet box that mounts on the outside of the dwelling for quick and easy generator connection, and a generator chord with a male plug that matches the full power receptacle on your generator, and a female connector that goes to the power inlet box. When choosing a transfer switch solution, look for a unit that is UL listed, includes interchangeable type breakers for easy replacement or expansion, and make sure it accepts arc fault and GFCI breakers now required by code in some areas. Before installation, we recommend that you discuss with your installer which circuits or appliances you'll want to run during an outage. Your installer can help determine which circuits you'll be able to run with your specific generator and determine the best place to install the transfer switch in your home or business. On installation day, your contractor will relocate the selected branch circuit breakers from your main panel into the transfer switch as if it were a subpanel. This way, the critical circuits will all be in one place when you'll want to connect your generator during an emergency. Once the transfer switch installation is complete, your contractor will install the power inlet box in a convenient location outside where you plan to hook up and run your generator. Your installer will run a wire from the transfer switch to this box, so when you connect your generator, you'll be feeding generator power to the circuits in the transfer switch. Lastly, your installer will want to test the generator with this system, and show you what to do when in actual outage happens. Operating instructions are provided on the front label of your Gen/Tran transfer switch to remind you what to do during an actual outage. When an actual power outage occurs, be sure to operate your generator outdoors. Make sure your generator is located at least five feet from window and door openings, dryer vents, and air conditioners. And never run a generator indoors or in an enclosed area, like a garage, even with the door open. Colorless and odorless fumes can seep in through tiny cracks and could expose your family to deadly exhaust. So now you can be prepared for your next power outage with a portable generator and a Gen/Tran transfer switch system.