Generac 6853 HomeLink Upgradeable 30 Amp Transfer Switch Kit - Reliable Power Solution for Homes - 10' Cord and Resin Power Inlet Box

This is one of those products that I’m annoyed with myself for not getting sooner. Works perfectly and relatively easy to install after watching a YouTube video. I will say the instructions that come with it suck. They have pictures for multiple different boxes and just weren’t very clear in my opinion, luckily there’s tons of videos on YouTube about this box. I did want to address that I almost didn’t buy this box because one of the other reviews said he has to manually switch it for it to work and he thought it was because of his generator. His was either faulty or not installed properly. Mine works perfectly and automatically with any generator.

I installed this unit myself after some YouTube videos.I’m not an electrician by any means but with some common sense and patience, it wasn’t too difficult, and really adds some peace of mind.Nothing fancy, my well and heat and lights work great on a generator when the power in my rural area goes out.The self installation helps understand how it actually works, and that’s a good thing!Consideration by generac to offer the automatic upgrade for the unit helps to improve it as I can afford to do so, allowing an economical solution to the primary functions with my existing portable generator.

I did my own installation with my basic wiring knowledge. There are several Youtube videos that were very helpful. The instruction sheet is okay but the videos were better. I was a little disappointed that the supplied single breakers were 15 amp with 14 gauge wire. I needed to replace all of them with 20 amp breakers as that is what is my main panel which required me to replace all the 14 wires with 12. Once I got everything hooked up it worked like it is supposed to. I did have to drill a couple of holes to create 2 runs for the wires as the supplied flexible conduit was too small after I changed to the 12 gauge wiring. I have tried to hook it up to my 7.2kw generator built in to my Ford F150 hybrid but there's something wrong with it that causes it to kick off even when I'm not hooked to the Generac. I have an appointment with Ford service later this month to what is wrong.

Works well, and not a difficult install for someone who knows what they’re doing. I did all the carpentry/drywall stuff, mounted the box, ran the cables to the breaker panel and the switch, and then called a qualified electrician to do the electrical connections.. I’m handy enough doing electrical, but had a rare “know your limitations moment” and decided I wasn’t handy enough to do this one. I’m very happy how it turned out.The reason for the four vs. five stars is that the logic behind the generator/utility switch lights on the panel is confusing. When the generator is on, the amber light on the switch is on. HOWEVER, when the green utility light is on, it doesn’t mean that all the circuits in the house are back on utility power. You have to press the panel switch again to get the green utility light to turn OFF, which means that ALL of the circuits in your house are running on utility power. This caused me a lot of confusion since it’s not explained in the manual, and I had to call the electrician back out who explained it to me. Fortunately he didn’t charge me, and now I am going to label it clearly on the switch— in case I get run over by a bus.

We installed this next to our breaker panel to run the essential circuits for emergency backup power - our fridges & freezers, well pump, upstairs furnace etc. It was easy to install, and seems like it's the same high quality as our Generac generator. Our mountain ranch is sort of remote, and our farmhouse is almost 100 years old, so power can get sketchy during bad weather. We lost power for over 8 hours one day, my husband hooked up the generator to the transfer switch and fired it up... worked like a charm! We were able to keep the essentials running while we got the wood stove roaring and lit the antique oil lamps for lighting at supper time - our kids thought it was fun, like a taste of old pioneer life, while we had peace of mind knowing our modern conveniences worked, so our food wouldn't spoil and we could still use running water and have heat upstairs. Perfect combo! Really glad we went ahead and got this.

Easy to install with licensed electrician. Instructions were somewhat confusing but all clear after walking through the process.

Instructions could have bigger illustrations. I read blogs of Generac should have supplied wires and a 50 amp breaker. I beg the differ as there are at least half a dozen Manufactures of breakers out there. And how much wire is enough? I did buy a circuit breaker as suggested by Generac that matched my breaker box. Placement of the inlet box will differ from one home to another thus you would need to figure out how much wire you must buy or replace the supplied wires for longer ones. Then I read blogs saying they cant hook up a 120v generator. Wrong, you can as I have. Some folks didn't do some homework. Generac input box comes with a L14 input that is ready for 220 volts and there are 2 legs of 110 v that add up to 220v. There is a L14 to L5 Dongle you must get but must be labeled Bridged. I am happy with my unit and I did take time to install and perform custom installation as we all have different needs and configurations. Good Luck to all. 9/8/2020, I am adding additional info, although I was able to use my 120v generator and the transfer switch will return to utility on the panel when utility returns. However, switching to generator operation requires a manual activation unless you have a 220v generator. A 220v generator purchase is in the works for me. This way I will not need the dongle and can use the 4 prong L14 extension cord. Thank you for allowing me to share my experiences.