# Electricians - why is adapter needed to connect Generator Transfer switch between meter and panel? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 23, 2018, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electricians-why-is-adapter-needed-to-connect-generator-transfer-switch-between-meter-and-panel/811083 "2018-03-23T17:40:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2018, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electricians-why-is-adapter-needed-to-connect-generator-transfer-switch-between-meter-and-panel/811083/1 "2018-03-23T17:40:59Z")
I’m getting an estimate to install a generator at my mom’s new retirement home. House was built 4 or 5 years ago. I had one installed (2013) and there were no problems connecting to my 25 year old panel. Same company will be doing this one. I’m quoting a problem he emailed me. The solution is a new panel & meter box that is compatible with Generac’s transfer switch. Why is an adapter needed? I saw them run wires from my panel into the transfer switch. I wasn’t aware that any adapter was used. My meter box is probably 40 years old. Are the new panels different? What’s he talking about? He’s saying the panel and meter box are a pair. Changing out the panel and meter box is going to be a considerable and unexpected expense. > [@](#): > > The problem I am having is finding an approved way to connect a transfer > switch between her existing electric utility meter and the existing main breaker > to her main breaker panel. > > I have contacted the manufacturer of the existing combination meter/panel now > installed at the house and they no longer have an adapter kit for this particular panel. > I have researched this situation and can not find an approved method of converting > the existing meter/panel unit to install the required transfer switch for the generator. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2018, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electricians-why-is-adapter-needed-to-connect-generator-transfer-switch-between-meter-and-panel/811083/2 "2018-03-23T18:08:54Z")
Here is my WEG: The old panel had a separate meter. That meter was connected to the break panel with cable, so it was straightforward to put in a piece of conduit and re-route the cable into the transfer switch, and then back agin to the panel. The new panel has an integrated meter, and the meter is connected by buss bars directly to the breaker power distribution system. There’s no easy way to connect cables to the output of the meter. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2018, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electricians-why-is-adapter-needed-to-connect-generator-transfer-switch-between-meter-and-panel/811083/3 "2018-03-23T18:16:50Z")
Hmm, I didn’t know they made electrical panels and meter boxes that were integrated into one unit. At my older home the meter box is several feet from the panel. Mom’s house just a few years old. Maybe things have changed. You are correct. This is a combo at home Depot. > **[GE 200 Amp 8-Space 16-Circuit Outdoor Combination Main Breaker Meter Socket...](https://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-200-Amp-8-Space-16-Circuit-Outdoor-Combination-Main-Breaker-Meter-Socket-Load-Center-TSM820CSFLP/202307137?cm_mmc=Shopping%7cVF%7cG%7c0%7cG-VF-PLA%7c&gclid=Cj0KCQjwy9LVBRDOARIsAGqoVnvwp48OOGb4u3wpg3WHWkstVhtNzA9UCq4qJsWDIiTkfUdqr2bObLkaAu0YEALw_wcB&dclid=CPaw5YmHg9oCFcLI4wcd9oYKPw)** > > The GE PowerMark Gold 200 Amp 8-Space 16-Circuit Main Breaker Meter Socket Outdoor Load Center installs easily and delivers dependable performance. This load center is ideal for overhead or underground ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2018, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electricians-why-is-adapter-needed-to-connect-generator-transfer-switch-between-meter-and-panel/811083/4 "2018-03-23T18:21:41Z")
Something like this: [![](https://images.homedepot-static.com/productImages/2b8d0340-6016-46d2-acf0-b9d4e05f8d09/svn/ge-meter-combos-tsmr2020cscufmg-64_1000.jpg) ](https://images.homedepot-static.com/productImages/2b8d0340-6016-46d2-acf0-b9d4e05f8d09/svn/ge-meter-combos-tsmr2020cscufmg-64_1000.jpg) Note that there is no way to break the connection from the meter to the breaker distribution buss. ---
**Author:** ![friedo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2018, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electricians-why-is-adapter-needed-to-connect-generator-transfer-switch-between-meter-and-panel/811083/5 "2018-03-23T18:25:18Z")
> [@beowulff](#): > > Something like this: > > [https://images.homedepot-static.com/productImages/2b8d0340-6016-46d2-acf0-b9d4e05f8d09/svn/ge-meter-combos-tsmr2020cscufmg-64\_1000.jpg](https://images.homedepot-static.com/productImages/2b8d0340-6016-46d2-acf0-b9d4e05f8d09/svn/ge-meter-combos-tsmr2020cscufmg-64_1000.jpg) Man, that’s shitty. Around here, the meter can is owned by the utility and therefore a box like that would (AFAIK) not be allowed. ---
**Author:** ![DavidwithanR](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/3bc359/32.png) [@DavidwithanR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidwithanR)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2018, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electricians-why-is-adapter-needed-to-connect-generator-transfer-switch-between-meter-and-panel/811083/6 "2018-03-23T18:38:40Z")
I don’t visualize or understand electrical systems well. Is this a new “safety feature” designed to prevent some type of tampering? ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2018, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electricians-why-is-adapter-needed-to-connect-generator-transfer-switch-between-meter-and-panel/811083/7 "2018-03-23T18:43:25Z")
> [@DavidwithanR](#): > > I don’t visualize or understand electrical systems well. Is this a new “safety feature” designed to prevent some type of tampering? No, it’s just cost-reduction. Smaller footprint, easier to install (no monster 0 cable to bend), faster to hook up. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2018, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electricians-why-is-adapter-needed-to-connect-generator-transfer-switch-between-meter-and-panel/811083/8 "2018-03-23T18:44:42Z")
I talked with the electrician. He said this is a Square D combo panel. A very good brand. It’s our rotten luck the builder used a model they were discontinuing. The bus bar adapter for a transfer switch is no longer available. Four year old house and the panel is discontinued. Sheesh We’re getting a SEPARATE panel and meter box installed. So we don’t get screwed again. My electrician said the combo units are a bad idea because if either goes bad the whole thing gets replaced. He’s getting a Square D panel and we can reuse all the breakers. That’ll save some money. My electrician said they usually install Square D and they like that brand of panel. ---
**Author:** ![friedo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2018, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electricians-why-is-adapter-needed-to-connect-generator-transfer-switch-between-meter-and-panel/811083/9 "2018-03-23T18:46:39Z")
That sounds like the only reasonable way to go. Sucks that the job will be a lot more expensive now because the builder wanted to save five bucks on a separate meter can. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2018, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electricians-why-is-adapter-needed-to-connect-generator-transfer-switch-between-meter-and-panel/811083/10 "2018-03-23T18:52:29Z")
This is the new model Square D meter/panel box. [https://www.westsidewholesale.com/square-d-rc816f125ch.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwy9LVBRDOARIsAGqoVnvBz4gmwObYwZt762G\_EHRGfOltorbyDMew1yJSEweMcGxf8ar93IQaAnP1EALw\_wcB](https://www.westsidewholesale.com/square-d-rc816f125ch.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwy9LVBRDOARIsAGqoVnvBz4gmwObYwZt762G_EHRGfOltorbyDMew1yJSEweMcGxf8ar93IQaAnP1EALw_wcB) But, we plan to buy them separately. ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2018, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electricians-why-is-adapter-needed-to-connect-generator-transfer-switch-between-meter-and-panel/811083/11 "2018-03-23T19:01:36Z")
> [@friedo](#): > > Man, that’s shitty. Around here, the meter can is owned by the utility and therefore a box like that would (AFAIK) not be allowed. Where I live, the power company owns the meter but you own the box it sits in. I found that out the hard way when the connection inside the box went bad and I started dropping a phase. If the meter had gone bad, it would have been on their nickel to fix it. Since the box went bad and not the meter, I had to pay for the repair. They also want the meter outside where they can read it, so a box like that wouldn’t be allowed here either. Just for different reasons. ---
**Author:** ![Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/46a35a/32.png) [@Tim\_T-Bonham.net](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tim_T-Bonham.net)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2018, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electricians-why-is-adapter-needed-to-connect-generator-transfer-switch-between-meter-and-panel/811083/12 "2018-03-24T01:07:51Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Four year old house and the panel is discontinued. Sheesh A 4-year-old Square D box should be eminently salable. Advertise it on Craigslist, for about 50% of the new price. Or maybe even ask your electrician if he wants to buy it. ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2018, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electricians-why-is-adapter-needed-to-connect-generator-transfer-switch-between-meter-and-panel/811083/13 "2018-03-24T05:00:43Z")
Those combo meter can and breaker boxes are fairly common around here in older houses. Probably half of the houses I’ve lived in had the panel outside, either under the roofline or in a plywood box with a round cutout for the meter. Of course, now that we have remotely-read meters, the whole thing can be inside the house or garage since nobody ever has to look at the meter after it’s installed. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2018, 8:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electricians-why-is-adapter-needed-to-connect-generator-transfer-switch-between-meter-and-panel/811083/14 "2018-03-24T08:19:27Z")
> [@t-bonham@scc.net](#): > > A 4-year-old Square D box should be eminently salable. Advertise it on Craigslist, for about 50% of the new price. Or maybe even ask your electrician if he wants to buy it. Thank you for the Tip. I’ll definitely list it.and try to get some of the value back. ---
**Author:** ![ZurBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/71e660/32.png) [@ZurBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZurBob)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2018, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electricians-why-is-adapter-needed-to-connect-generator-transfer-switch-between-meter-and-panel/811083/15 "2018-03-25T00:01:28Z")
Oh, for the days of just backfeeding with a dryer plug.🙂