# Generator / switch question **URL:** \ **Category:** PittSpeed Off Topic\ **Created:** [February 12, 2010, 6:36am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/generator-switch-question/204602 "2010-02-12T06:36:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jeff95TA](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jeff95ta/32/5935_2.png) [@Jeff95TA](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Jeff95TA)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2010, 6:36am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/generator-switch-question/204602/1 "2010-02-12T06:36:36Z")
After six days of extension cords, I’d like to do a more permanent setup and tie into the main panel and have a connection on the outside of the house. A manual transfer switch is kind of costly, and I was wondering if a breaker panel interlock would meet code. If it matters, this is in Westmoreland county. Would the building inspector be able to answer this? ---
**Author:** ![Bravada\_442](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/bravada_442/32/5982_2.png) [@Bravada\_442](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Bravada_442)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2010, 7:52am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/generator-switch-question/204602/2 "2010-02-12T07:52:16Z")
We sell permanent generators that run on Natural Gas or Fuel Oil and I’m almost certain that it is code to have a manual (or automatic) transfer switch. I will look through some of my stuff when I get into the office from the road. As far as a building inspector, they should know, but any electrician that does multi unit buildings (apartments, care homes, etc…) or commercial buildings should know for a fact as well. ---
**Author:** ![JackdUp](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jackdup/32/6015_2.png) [@JackdUp](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/JackdUp)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2010, 1:28pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/generator-switch-question/204602/3 "2010-02-12T13:28:18Z")
Allegheny power requires you to notify them of this setup. They require a double throw mechanism, they don’t mention manual or automatic…but I suppose any rated device of either nature would be acceptable. [http://www.alleghenypower.com/CSC/Services/PowerOutages.asp](http://www.alleghenypower.com/CSC/Services/PowerOutages.asp) > [@\\\\\\"AlleghenyPower\\\\\\"](#): > > Emergency Generators > If you keep an emergency generator in your home to provide electricity during an outage, a double throw transfer switch is required when connecting it to your permanent wiring system. This switch protects your equipment and prevents feedback on our lines, which could cause injury to our employees who might assume the line is dead. If you have an emergency generator, please call us at 1-800-Allegheny (1-800-255-3443) so we can enter that information on your account. ---
**Author:** ![Shaggy](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/shaggy/32/5945_2.png) [@Shaggy](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Shaggy)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2010, 1:48pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/generator-switch-question/204602/4 "2010-02-12T13:48:18Z")
In your home? bad choice of words I thought they gave off carbon monoxide ---
**Author:** ![JackdUp](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jackdup/32/6015_2.png) [@JackdUp](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/JackdUp)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2010, 3:29pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/generator-switch-question/204602/5 "2010-02-12T15:29:12Z")
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