EV & High-Draw · CEC Section 10 & 14 (Transfer Equipment)

Transfer Switch Load Calculator

Size your manual or automatic generator transfer switch panel based on critical circuits and generator rating to safely isolate utility power.

1. Generator & Essential Load Selection

Generator Running Capacity (Watts)

Transfer Switch Mechanism

Number of Emergency Circuits Needed

2. Transfer Switch Specifications

CEC Backfeed Interlock Mandatory

RECOMMENDED TRANSFER SWITCH RATING

30A 6-Circuit Manual

GENERATOR INLET PLUG RATING

NEMA L14-30 Inlet (30A)

MAXIMUM CONTINUOUS GENERATOR LOAD

6,000 Watts (80%)

Interlock Safety Mandatory: All Canadian generator connections require a mechanical or electrical interlock to prevent lethal backfeed into the utility grid.

Safety & Permit Rules for Transfer Switches

Direct suicide cords (plugging generator into wall outlet without interlock) are illegal under Canadian law and can kill power line workers during a blackout.
Sub-panel transfer switches isolate neutral and line connections safely; neutrals must be bonded or unbonded depending on generator frame bond configuration.
An ESA permit is required in Ontario for installing generator inlet boxes and transfer switches.

Generator tie-in

Essential-circuits starter list

What most households back up with a portable generator + 6–10 circuit transfer switch.

Circuit	Typical running W
Refrigerator	700 W
Furnace fan	800 W
Sump pump	1,000 W
Well pump	2,000 W
Kitchen lighting + plugs	300 W
Living room lighting	150 W
Microwave	1,000 W

Sum the essentials, then confirm your generator's running rating exceeds it — the calculator above does the math against your selections.

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