What is Needed to Provide Power to an A/C and Fridge w/ a Generator Through a Transfer Switch

Question:

I have a small champion generator with one 120v/30A TT-30R outlet and I want to power a refrigerator and a small air conditioner in my house during emergencies. I have manual transfer switch with a 50A female input. Questions: 1. which adapter should I use on the 50A side 50A male to 30A male? 2. I assume the 50A side has service on two legs. Does the power from the generator go to both legs? 3. Do you sell a 30A extension cord with male plugs on both ends? If not, is there a male-to-male adapter?

asked by: Allan M

Expert Reply:

I have an alternate solution for you and while there are 30amp to 50amp cords, it is not going to provide you with what you are needing. You are also correct that the 50amp side will have two legs, but you are not going to be able to provide power to both legs with your 120v/30amp generator.

What you will need to do in order to accomplish what you need is to get a bigger generator with a 240v output like the Firman 10,000-Watt Portable Generator # 333-H08051.

There are a couple different types of 50amp plugs available, you will want to see what style you have and you can then go to your local hardware store to get the correct 50amp to 50amp cord.

expert reply by: Scott S