Posted on 18 Comments

A Manual Transfer Switch for GFCI and Bonded Neutral Generators

WINCO portable generators are designed with a bonded neutral, the neutral and ground tied together inside the panel. This allows the generator to be safely used in portable configurations.

Whenever you connect a portable generator to a building’s electrical system the NEC code requires you to brake the neutral to ground bond on the generator. This creates a new risk if the portable generator is used as both a home back-up and mobile power source since changing the neutral to ground bond should be left to an experienced electrician.

To solve this problem Winco only offers manual transfer switches for our portable generators that are compatible with bonded neutral generators. An additional benefit of these switches is that they also work with our models that provide full panel GFCI protections.

WINCO offers the Reliance XR series manual transfer switches.

The Reliance XR series are three pole manual transfer switches. By switching the neutral these manual transfer switches meet the NEC code allowing direct connection of bonded neutral generators and are compatible with GFCI protected switches.

XRK0603DXRK0606D
Amps3060
Circuit Breaker SlotsSingle: 10
Tandem: 18
Single: 10
Tandem: 18
PanelIndoorIndoor

Check out our help topic on which type of transfer switch is right for you.

You can find all of the manual transfer switches we offer here.


I hope you found this helpful!

– BIG DOG

18 thoughts on “A Manual Transfer Switch for GFCI and Bonded Neutral Generators

  1. Looking for a price on a bonded neutral transfer switch or panel, up to 10 circuits.

    1. Hello Jeremy, someone from our sales team will be contacting you. Otherwise, you can call 507-357-6821 for pricing too.

    2. I have a predator 13000watt generator 30 amp with a inline serge protector to a reliance transfer switch. Generator is grounded to ground rod . The generator is using about 4000 watts. Everything is running fine but I’m worried about the THD . Is there anything I should be concerned about.

  2. I have a new 2021 Ford F150 Powerboost that has an onboard 7.2kw ProPower generator that I would like to use with a transfer switch to power my home in the event there is a power outtage. I am told the ProPower generator utilizes a bonded neutral and I have some questions about this. Could someone contact me?

    1. Hi Jed,
      I am having someone in our Sales Department email you.

    2. If you haven’t already installed a manual transfer switch, I can tell you first hand that mine (different brand) works GREAT. 2021 Lariat w/7.2Kw ProPower.
      There are numerous success stories on F150 forums. As long as your house wiring is up to code, it will work without any modifications to the ground connector on the plug.

  3. I have the same question as Mr Lackman I need to power the whole house panal with an out building

    1. Hi Paul, I will have our Technical Support team contact you.

  4. Also looking for a transfer switch that will work with the 7.2kw bonded neutral generator from my new 2021 Ford F150 PowerBoost.

    1. Hi David, this will work with the Reliance 30Amp MTS.

  5. If the generator has an internally bonded neutral, how does the external transfer switch brake the bond?

  6. My 6KW portable generator has a GFCI 25a main breaker. The breaker trips with the generator neutral connected to the service panel neutral.
    From what I have read online, I need to use a 3-pole GFI transfer switch. Your thoughts ?? What switch would work for me?

    1. Most Winco portable generators have a neutral-ground bond. Depending upon how you have the generator connected to your house, you may need to have the neutral-ground bond in your Winco generator disconnected in order to stop the nuisance tripping you are experiencing with your GFCI circuit breaker. To be sure, give Winco Service Department a call at (507) 357-6831 and ask for technical support to discuss the specifics of your install first.

  7. Need help with a transfer switch using an interlock kit with Ford Powerboost. I do not want to limit myself to just the 10-16 circuits. I prefer to energize my entire panel and use the interlock as intended. I wish someone made a generator three position switch to break the bonded neutral while in generator mode. I look forward to speaking with someone.

    1. 1.) Most home panels are 100 to 200 amps. The largest Ford F-150 Generator option has max output of 30 amps. There is no way to energize your entire main panel with just 30 amps. (I.e. if you need to power more than 10 circuits, then you most likely will need a larger generator.)

      2.) To our knowledge, Ford is not sharing how to, or recommending that customers disconnect the neutral-ground bond in their generator panel.

      3.) The discussion regarding how to connect a back up power source to your home safely and legally is one that you should be having with your licensed electrician. We can only provide helpful advice on this subject pertaining to the products we make and sell.

  8. Is there a model that doesn’t include breaker spots that can be used between a main and sub panel? Our sub panel is small enough, and generator is big enough, that there is no need to move breakers to a critical loads panel.

  9. These generators are designed with a bonded neutral, but when connecting them to a building’s electrical system, the NEC code requires breaking the neutral to ground bond, raising safety concerns for those using the generator as both a home backup and mobile power source.

    What specific safety precautions should individuals take when breaking the neutral to ground bond on a WINCO portable generator to ensure their safety and the proper functioning of the generator?

    1. When connecting a generator of this type to a building, NFPA 70 refers to this as a ‘separately derived system’. When connecting it to a building a transfer switch specifically designed for GFCI and bonded neutral generators is required.

      That being said, For your safety, all wiring must be done by a qualified electrician and conform to the National Electric Code and comply with all state/local codes and regulations. Check with local authorities before proceeding.

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