Generator Auto-Start: ST switch

This is a video that I shot a few years ago but never posted. I did a test to see if you can use the 30Amp output of the Westinghouse generator with the auto start, ST automatic transfer switch. It worked for me but its usefulness would depend on your particular situation. Not the intended use and try this at your own risk. Note: I did not show it but I think a better way to do this would be to keep the ST switch on the 30 Amp outlet. Then use the ST switch to power a few critical things like the fridge and freezer. Then use the 50Amp outlet to hook up the house panel via a manual transfer switch.

[JadenSterling]

Your channel by far is the BEST prepper content I've seen. Thanks for posting your great ideas and content, you are appreciated!

[wesr]

Thank you! I like to see that other people have been working with this system! I have a small, 120volt, 4 circuit manual transfer switch I could actually use the 120v outlet on, still it's nice to see the 30/50 amp options! My main frustration is that the Smart Port is only on "dumb" generators. Would love to see this option on the 4500 inverter model. That way I wouldn't have to worry about dirty power to the electronics.

[abdullahumer]

Is there some kind of switch that automatically turn the generator when the battery backup is low ? Let’s say the batteries reach 20% and then the generator turns on.

[JT-]

Very cool experiment. Glad you know what you're doing.😄👍

[juancarloschavezguerra]

Fantastic video, thank you. What will happen to the 50 A outlet on the generator. Will it work the same way as the 20 A once the generator is started by the ST Switch?

[StevePage-cw]

But if your power service cord is plugged into your outlet and generator starts and supplies power to that circuit back to the switch, wouldn’t it think service power restored and turn generator off and be in a never ending start/stop cycle?

[elvinmee]

Did it automatically turn on the fule tap?

[browsedeweb]

Aren't you going to be running on battery power during an outage? I have a rack of Lifepower4 batteries and a 12k inverter and will only get out my Honda generator for recharging the batteries. I also bought a Chargeverter to send that power directly to the busbars.

[bryandunkley]

If you have it hooked to your panel won't it back feed the grid, or are you off grid?

[ramirohuete]

Thank you for sharing your videos!! What if you use the normal procedures (connections) and then add the 50 amp outlet to connect to your home transfer switch? So the ST switch would also shut it off the 50 amp outlet once the utility returns.

[isaakwalker]

I've been trying to figure out a way to do something somewhat similar curious if you have any ideas. I live fully off grid. No connection to main power just a solar and battery set up. I've been trying to find ways to interface my westinghouse generator with the system. It's not good for the batteries to sit empty though since I have lithium phosphate ones it's not the end of the world for short periods of time. I've thought about basically coding my own little widget to output the start up ans turn off codes but that's a lot of work do you have any idea how I might be able to do that. I do have a read out that can output a signal when the amps drop to a certain level I'm just figuring out the easiest way to get that signal to start the generator

[alexvlasov]

Great test, thank you. Does anyone know if there is a way to use the ST swtich for an off-grid system, spesifically to have the generator trun on when my solar powered battery bank runs low?

[howardbarlow]

I just bought this setup and the switch does not work as described. It will not start/stop the generator. Amazon sent a replacement and it doesn't work, either. Any ideas? I am connecting everything correctly.

[TechTen]

Pair this with generlink ATS at the meter and this will work automatically and turn off automatically.

[gordiehattrick]

Holy $hit, how much cash do you have invested in Solar equipment? Will you ever get a ROI before the panels wear out??

[debbierausch]

Wait..do I have this right, you figured out how to auto start your generator but you still have to flip a switch to get it to run something..so the generator is running not powering anything or for not reason until you flip the switch.. you are so over my skies..but that seems to be a no go..lol

[randyk]

Need auto transfer switch to your 30 amp breaker box

[StevePage-cw]

But if your power service cord is plugged into your outlet and generator starts and supplies power to that circuit back to the switch, wouldn’t it think service power restored and turn generator off and be in a never ending start/stop cycle?