Installation Guide

30 Amp Manual
Transfer Switch
with built-in load center

Includes:
30 Amp Power
Inlet Kit

Provides additional circuits

when using the GUARDIAN
Ultra Source 17.5 kW
Portable Generator and 60
amp Manual Transfer Switch
with Emergency Load Center

AUTHORIZED DEALER SUPPORT:

MODEL: 005341
1-800-333-1322
 Section 5—Installation for Manual Transfer Switch

PLEASE NOTE:
This installation guide should be used in conjunction with the “Installation and Owner’s Manual that is
furnished with the Guardian® Air-cooled Portable Generator. Please review both manuals prior to installation
and/or use of the generator and transfer switch.

INTRODUCTION GENERAC® cannot possibly anticipate every possible

Thank you for purchasing this GUARDIAN 30 Amp Manual
® circumstance that might involve a hazard. The warnings in this
Transfer Switch with built-in Load Center. This Transfer Switch manual, and on tags and decals affixed to the unit are, therefore,
provides an installation kit which includes: not all-inclusive. If you use a procedure, work method or
operating technique GENERAC® does not specifically recommend,
• An outdoor power inlet box for making connections between
ensure that it is safe for all personnel. Also, make sure the
the outdoor pre-wired conduit and customer supplied indoor
procedure, work method or operating technique chosen does not
wiring.
render the equipment unsafe.
• UL approved wire nuts for reconnecting emergency circuits
within the main distribution panel.
The Guardian 30 Amp Manual Transfer Switch with Load Center
can be installed along with a Guardian 17.5 kW Portable Air-
 ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
cooled Generator. • Utility power delivers extremely high and dangerous voltages
Four commonly used safety symbols accompany the DANGER, as does the generator when it is in operation.
WARNING and CAUTION blocks. The type of information each • Do not handle any kind of electrical device while standing in
indicates follows: water, while barefoot, or while hands or feet are wet.
DANGEROUS ELECTRICAL SHOCK MAY RESULT.
 This symbol points out important safety
information that, if not followed, could endanger • In case of accident caused by electric shock, immediately shut
personal safety and/or property of you and others. down the source of electrical power. If this is not possible,
attempt to free the victim from the live conductor. AVOID
 This symbol points out potential explosion hazard. DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE VICTIM. Use a non-conducting
implement, such as a rope or board, to free the victim from the
 This symbol points out potential fire hazard. live conductor. If the victim is unconscious, apply first aid and
get immediate medical help.
 This symbol points out potential electrical shock hazard.
• Never wear jewelry when working on this equipment. Jewelry
 SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS — The manufacturer strongly can conduct electricity resulting in electric shock, or may get
recommends that these rules for safe operation be copied and caught in moving components causing injury.
posted near the unit’s installation site. Safety should be
stressed to all operators and potential operators of this
equipment.

1
 Section 5—Installation for Manual Transfer Switch

1.
KIT INCLUDES:
1. 30 Amp Manual Transfer Switch and
Emergency Load Center with 4 Circuits
Installed within 1 foot of the home’s main distribution panel. This
transfer switch will provide smooth and safe transition between
utility and generator power. Eliminates the need to run extension
cords to every item requiring back up power.

2. Power Inlet Box

Supplied with the 30 amp male receptacle, this box is located
outside the home where the generator will be operated (Next to the
50 amp Power Inlet Box).

TOOLS REQUIRED:
Drill, drill bits, hole saw (type and length will be
determined by the materials you will be drilling and
cutting), open-end wrenches or adjustable wrenches, 2.
socket wrenches or nut drivers, standard and Phillips
screwdrivers, level, pencil, channel-lock pliers, wire
cutters/strippers and safety goggles.

ITEMS YOU MUST PURCHASE:

30 AMP double pole circuit breaker (must be the same type as in your main electrical
distribution panel)
Padlock (To lock external connection box after installation is complete)
Silicone caulk
Fasteners - to mount transfer switch and 30 amp Power Inlet Box
Intermediate wiring* from Manual Transfer Switch to the Power Inlet Box

Intermediate wiring* - Connects the 30 amp Manual Transfer Switch to the Main
Distribution Panel

15 foot long minimum power cord with NEMA L14-30R and L14-30P connectors

UL listed wire nuts - Sized appropriately for wires being connected

*Individual wires in conduit or wiring in a jacketed cable must be sized for 30 Amp
service and of construction approved by the National Electric Code and other
applicable local codes.

2
 Section 5—Installation for Manual Transfer Switch

THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE TO SERVE AS A GUIDE ONLY!

ANY ELECTRICAL WORK PERFORMED MUST MEET NFPA 70-NEC AND ANY LOCAL CODES THAT APPLY.

1 Portable Generator Placement Drill Pass Through Hole

Generator should be placed as far away from
house as power cord will allow. It is understood
that the cord should not be pulled tight and it
will lay along the ground between the external
connection box and generator panel. 3 1-3/4”
Diameter Hole

With hole saw, drill hole through the sheathing and siding.
4. Measure the lengths of wire and conduit needed to
FIGURE A 2 reach the Manual Transfer Switch. Allow extra length
to clear the joists/studs. While adhering to all local
electrical codes, route the customer supplied conduit
1. PLAN THE LOCATION OF YOUR GENERATOR
and wiring along ceiling/floor joists and wall studs to
(Fig. A) shows the GUARDIAN Ultra Source 17,5000 the location where the conduit will pass through the
watt portable generator placed outside the home and wall to the exterior of the house.
connected to the weather protective external box. The
ground rod and ground strap show a suggested
location only. When fully installed the ground rod will 5 Feed Conduit and Wires
not protrude above ground level. NOTE: Do not place
the generator directly under a window.
Silicone
Select an area outside of your home about 10 feet away Caulk
where you can easily transport the portable generator
to and from. Keep in mind that the generator must have
free air flow for proper operation and to ensure there is
no possibility for exhaust gases to build up.
2. Drive an 8-foot grounding rod into the ground to grade
(so that no part is exposed above ground). 5. From the inside of the house, feed the end of the
customer supplied conduit through the wall to outside.

3 Drill Hole Through House

6 Threaded Lock Nut

1-3/4”
Diameter Hole

3. Determine where the user supplied conduit will pass

6. Remove the threaded lock nut from the conduit
through the house from inside to outside. When you
coupling.
are certain you have clearance on each side of the wall,
drill a small pilot hole through the wall to mark the
location.
3
 Section 5—Installation for Manual Transfer Switch

8. Connect the black, red, and white wires to the same

7a Prepare Box For Connections color coded lugs on the back of the receptacle. Failure
to match wires may result in damage to generator and
house wiring. Strip wire insulation back 1/2” and
Knockout
torque lug screws to 25 in/lbs. The green wire is to be
stripped back 1/2”, inserted into the ground lug and
torque lug screw to 25 in/lbs. Reinstall internal cover
plate and screw. Close and lock cover.

---  WARNING  ---

The power inlet box must be locked to ensure safety and
to discourage tampering.

7a. Lift cover of the power inlet box and remove the 9 Mounting Manual Transfer Switch
internal cover plate screws and internal cover plate.
Remove the knock out in the lower center of the box.
From the rear of the connection box, feed wires into
box. Slip the lock nut over wires tighten securely onto
conduit coupling.
1 ft
Optional
7b Mount Box Distance

9. Locate manual transfer switch with built-in emergency

load center in close proximity to the main distribution
panel. One foot is the suggested distance. You may
locate the transfer switch a different distance from the
main panel depending on available mounting area.
Always adhere to local electrical codes during
installation. The manual transfer switch should be
7b. Using appropriate fasteners, mount power inlet box over located to the left of the main distribution panel. Hold
pre-drilled hole to fully conceal the hole. Seal around the transfer switch against the mounting surface. Level the
hole and conduit with insulating material and/or silicone transfer switch and mark the mounting holes. Drill the
caulk from both outside and inside of house. appropriate size pilot holes. Mount the manual transfer
switch to mounting surface with appropriate fasteners.

8 Receptacle  DANGER: Although you may choose to perform electrical

connections yourself, Generac Power Systems, Inc.
Green
Red recommends that a licensed electrician or individual with
complete knowledge of electricity perform the procedures in
sections 10a and 10b.

White Black  DANGER: Switch service main circuit breaker to “OFF” or

open position prior to removal of cover or removal of any
wiring of the main electrical distribution panel. The wires
connected to the service main circuit breaker remain live or
“HOT”. Avoid contact with these wires and the service main
circuit breaker connection lugs.
Existing Wire

4
 Section 5—Installation for Manual Transfer Switch

9a. To secure the conduit to the manual switch enclosure Wire nut the black wire to the matching circuit lead
proceed as follows. Remove the cover panel of the wire from the emergency circuit breaker from load
manual transfer switch with emergency load center. center in the transfer switch. Repeat this process with
Remove an appropriate sized knockout from the lower remaining circuits to be powered by the generator.
side of the manual transfer switch. Remove the
threaded lock nut from the conduit connector. Insert Trace each black (hot) wire connected and wire nut
the conduit into the knockout and tighten the lock nut the white (neutral) wire from the same Romex cable
securely on the inside of the transfer switch enclosure. (circuit) to the white (neutral) wire from the
emergency load center. Repeat for each circuit.
10 Connection of Emergency Circuits
The emergency load center in the transfer switch
supplies the following circuits: (4) 15A/120V.

11 Install 30 AMP Circuit Breaker

UL approved wire nuts are included with installation kit.

30
NOTE: Balance must be maintained when moving circuit
locations from main electrical distribution panel to emergency

30
load center. Circuit breaker positions alternate buss bars
vertically. Circuits sharing a neutral wire should either be
moved together to adjacent positions in emergency load center
or not moved. If you are unsure of proper procedure or if your 11. Install the 30 Amp double pole circuit breaker that you
installation differs from that described in this guide, consult a have purchased into main electrical distribution panel.
licensed professional at this time. This circuit breaker must be compatible with your
main electrical distribution panel. It may be
necessary to reposition remaining circuit breakers or
10a. Remove the main electrical distribution panel cover.
remove circuit breakers that have been disconnected
Remove appropriate size knockout from the bottom
to accommodate the insertion of the 30 Amp double
or side of the main panel. (This will depend on which
pole circuit breaker. Connect white wire to the main
is the best location for routing your wiring). Remove
distribution panel neutral bar. Connect solid green
threaded lock nut from conduit coupling. Feed all
wire to main electrical panel ground bar. Connect the
wires through knockout into main panel. Slip lock nut
black and red wires to the 30 Amp double pole circuit
over wires and tighten securely onto conduit
breaker. Replace electrical distribution panel cover.
coupling.
NOTE: Circuits to be moved must be protected by same size
breaker. For example, a 15 amp 120V circuit in emergency load Your GUARDIAN Ultra Source
center will replace a 15 amp 120V circuit in main panel. Manual Transfer Switch is now installed.
NOTE: Both grounded and ungrounded conductors for each
circuit must be moved to the emergency panel and connected to
to the new wiring from the emergency panel using supplied
locknuts.

10b. In your main panel, remove the black (hot) wire from
a circuit breaker that protects a circuit you want to
have powered in the event of a power failure.

5
 Section 6—Operation of Generator with Manual Transfer Switch

USING THE ULTRA SOURCE PORTABLE ULTRA SOURCE PORTABLE COMPONENTS

The GUARDIAN® ULTRA SOURCE with manual transfer switch
gives you the ability to provide power safely and conveniently
to vital items in your home including hard wired items. The
supplemental 30 Amp Manual Transfer Switch includes a
Power Inlet Box with built-in 30 Amp twistlock male receptacle
only.

The power cord you will supply should be made up of 4 wires,

power (black & red), neutral (white) and ground (green). At
one end there should be a 30 Amp female receptacle (NEMA
L14-30R) which is inserted and twist-locked into the power
inlet box.

At the other end of the power cord should be the male

connector (NEMA L14-30P) which is inserted and twist-locked
into the portable generator’s control panel.

---  WARNING  ---

17,500 Watt Ultra Source Portable Generator
The power inlet box must be locked to ensure safety and to
12 Volt DC
discourage tampering. Receptacle

POWERFUL: Superior motor-starting SAFE POWER: Electronic governor, automatic

capabilities starts a 5-ton air conditioner voltage regulation and automatic idle control

LONG LIFE ENGINE: Full pressure LONG RUN-TIME: 16 gallon fuel tank features
lubrication and spin-on oil filter 10 hour run-time at half load

GENERAC• POWER SYSTEMS, INC.

33HP 990cc

NEMA L14-30
Twistlock
Receptacle

Power Inlet Box NEMA L14-30,

with 30 Amp Male Receptacle 30 Amp Receptacle

6
 Section 6—Operation of Generator with Manual Transfer Switch

TRANSFER TO GENERATOR POWER SOURCE TRANSFER BACK TO UTILITY POWER

WHEN UTILITY POWER FAILS SOURCE
1. Move generator to within approximately 10 feet of the When utility power has been restored, you will want to
power inlet box. Connect ground strap to the transfer back to that power source and shut down the
generator’s grounding lug and to the grounding rod. generator. This can be accomplished as follows:

2. Open the door of the Manual Transfer Switch. Slide the 1. Open the door of the Manual Transfer Switch and slide
mechanical interlock connecting the 30 Amp Utility and the mechanical interlock to turn “OFF” the “STANDBY”
30 Amp Standby circuit breakers at the top of the panel circuit breaker. Both circuit breakers will be in the “OFF”
to turn “Off” the “Utility” circuit breaker. Both circuits position.
will be in the “Off” position.
2. Twist to unlock and remove the NEMA L14-30 plug from
3. Open the power inlet box. Insert and lock the 30 Amp the outlet on the generator. Twist to unlock and remove
female plug into the male receptacle in the external the 30 Amp female receptacle from the power inlet box.
connection box. Insert the 30 Amp plug into the 30 Amp Close and lock the box. Coil the power cord and place it
NEMA L14-30 receptacle located on the face of the with the generator.
generator’s control panel.
3. After the generator has run for a couple minutes to cool
4. Start the generator and allow it to warm up for a couple down, turn off the generator.
of minutes.
4. Flip the “UTILITY” circuit breaker handle to the “ON”
5. In the 30 Amp Manual Transfer Switch, flip the position. Close the door of the Manual Transfer Switch.
“Standby” circuit breaker handle to the “On” position.
Close the door of the Manual Transfer Switch. 5. The Utility is now supplying power to the load center
circuits.
6. The generator is now supplying power to the load center
circuits in the manual transfer switch. 6. Disconnect the ground strap from the grounding rod
and the generator’s grounding lug. Retain the ground
strap with the generator. Return the generator to its
storage location.

Choose a lamp or light fixture located in a frequently

occupied area of the building as a signal light to tell
you when utility power has been restored. This light
should be on a utility powered circuit only, so it
operates independent of the generator.

7
8
S U G G E S T E D M AT E R I A L F O R I N T E R M E D I AT E W I R E
* 3 / 4 " F L E X I B L E M E TA L C O N D U I T
BUILDING * 3/4" CONDUIT FITTINGS
EXTERIOR * 8AWG. THHN WIRE FOR
-LINE
-LINE
-NEUTRAL
* 10AWG. THHN WIRE FOR GROUND
F O R S A F E O P E R AT I O N
G E N E R AT O R S H O U L D B E P L A C E D
A S FA R A W AY F R O M B U I L D I N G
A S P O W E R C O R D L E N G T H W I L L A L L O W. I N T E R M E D I AT E W I R E

NOT TO (CUSTOMER SUPPLIED)

SCALE M U S T M E E T N F PA 7 0 - N AT I O N A L E L E C T R I C C O D E
& LOCAL CODES

"UTILITY"
BREAKER
TO HOUSE BRANCH
CIRCUITS SPLICED
P OW E R I N L E T B OX USING WIRE NUTS
" S TA N D B Y "
EMERGENCY BREAKER
CIRCUITS NEUTRAL
GROUNDED & UNGROUNDED
CONDUCTORS
30 AMP PLUG INTO
G E N E R AT O R R E C E P TA C L E
20A
GFCI TEST RESET
AS SHOWN 12Vdc IDLE TEST RESET

CONTROL

50A
ON OFF 20A
120V 120V
10A
20A 20A
GFCI
CIRCUIT BREAKERS - PUSH TO RESET

120V
30A
30A 30A

120V
30A
30A 30A

OUTLET FROM BACKSIDE 30A 2-POLE

CIRCUIT BREAKER 1 2
(CUSTOMER SUPPLIED)
3 4
NEUTRAL GROUND
5 6
(G)
Section 6—Operation of Generator with Manual Transfer Switch

GREEN 100A OR 200A 7

MAIN SERVICE
8
(Y)
INTERCONNECTION DRAWING

BLACK
(W) (X)
WHITE RED
(CUSTOMER SUPPLIED)

GENERAC UL LISTED
GROUNDING ROD 8FT GROUND
30A POWER CORD (MANUAL TRANSFER SWITCH)
(CUSTOMER SUPPLIED)
(CUSTOMER SUPPLIED)
GENERATOR GROUND
ULTRA SOURCE GENERATOR CONNECTED TO THE EXTERNAL CONNECTION BOX,
MANUAL TRANSFER SWITCH AND HOME’S MAIN ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION PANEL
 Section 7 - Notes
Residential Portable Generator System

9
 Section 8 – Warranty
Commercial-Industrial-Residential Portable Generator System

GENERAC POWER SYSTEMS, INC. WARRANTY/SERVICE

Generac Power Systems, Inc. will warrant from the date of purchase that our transfer switch will be free from
defects in material and workmanship for the items and periods set forth in the warranty statement found in the
owners manual of the Generac Power Systems, Inc. generator that this transfer switch will be utilized with.

Any equipment that the purchaser/owner claims to be defective must be examined by the nearest Generac
Authorized Warranty Service Dealer which may be found by visiting our website at www.generac.com or by calling
the dealer locator number at 1-800-333-1322. Select the prompt that describes the brand name of the generator.

THIS WARRANTY IS IN PLACE OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, SPECIFICALLY,

GENERAC MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES AS TO THE MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply
to you.

GENERAC’S ONLY LIABILITY SHALL BE THE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF PART(S) AS STATED ABOVE. IN NO
EVENT SHALL GENERAC POWER SYSTEMS, INC. BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES, EVEN IF SUCH DAMAGES ARE A DIRECT RESULT OF GENERAC’S NEGLIGENCE.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitations may not apply to you.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You also may have other rights that vary from state to state.
GENERAC® POWER SYSTEMS, INC.
P.O. BOX 297 • WHITEWATER, WI 53190

Part No. 0G1889 Rev. 0 Printed in U.S.A. 5.19.06