Generac Generators

Works well. Could be a bit smaller.

by Harmless Gryphon 2009-08-04, 5 people found this review helpful

This review has been edited somewhat since I installed the item and started using it.

This is a simple DPDT switch made up of two Cutler-Hammer CH260 circuit breakers connected by a special bar that prevents them from being engaged "on" at the same time. The unit has a neutral (or ground) bar in the upper right corner, and has sufficient knockouts and mounting holes to adapt to any application. In all, it's a simple, effective manual-switch solution that doesn't have a lot of crap on it, like some other switches do.

When I received the unit, I had originally thought "this is a lot larger than it could be." I still think that, but the extra space does allow for easy cable routing inside the box. The top is occupied by the busbar, but the bottom could have several inches lopped off to make for a smaller box.

I was pleased that the breakers used are common styles. CH2xx breakers are available almost anywhere that sells electrical panel equipment, so I decided to change the 60A breaker out on the generator side for a CH220 (20 Amp) unit that more matched my systems capabilities. I figure that I won't have much going during an outage - a tiny freezer and some lights, maybe a laptop, so 20A will hopefully trip before my generator gets outstripped. If you do replace a breaker, remember that CH breakers require a lot of force to engage on their bars. (You have to push HARD, but they remove easily enough.)

The only other real con is the labels they use to identify the sides are tiny. A giant red arrow with "UTILITY" on it would have been better.

In all, however, it does the job I bought it for.

Pros:

Surface mount
Standard breakers
Internal bus bar
Putty color easily identifiable (opposed to standard grey equipment)
Could be converted to a breaker box (albeit an expensive one)


Cons:

Could be a little smaller
Better ID labels
A cover would be nice