What is the difference between partial and whole home automatic transfer switches?

Partial and whole-home transfer switches vary in their ability to power devices at the site and how they are installed in a home standby system.

  • Nov 30, 2023
  • Knowledge

Title
What is the difference between partial and whole home automatic transfer switches?
URL Name
What-is-the-difference-between-partial-and-whole-home-automatic-transfer-switches

Public Answer

The connection of an automatic transfer switch varies by its type and the number of circuits to be covered, with partial home application using a circuited transfer switch or a subpanel, and whole home application installed between the incoming utility power source and the home's distribution panel.


Whole-home transfer switch

A whole-home transfer switch allows the generator to power the entire site during an outage. 

In a whole-home application, the transfer switch is installed between the incoming utility power source and the home’s distribution panel.

 

Partial transfer switch 

A partial home transfer switch is a switch that protects specific circuits in the home instead of the entire home's electronics. For example, if a homeowner wanted to use a smaller kW generator to save on cost, they could choose to protect only their refrigerator, air-conditioning, and heating circuits. 

In a partial home application, the transfer switch is installed similarly to a subpanel, and the circuits that are covered by the generator are moved either into a circuited transfer switch or are installed in a subpanel that is protected by a non-circuited transfer switch.
 

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