I currently have 220VAC coming into our house. I would like to install a Manual Transfer switch I can hook up my 6KWatt Generator up to using 220VAC. What is the cheapest option...all I can think up is a DPDT switch...
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You really can't use a normal switch, it needs to be listed transfer equipment but electrically it is a DPDT switch. How much work/expense involved is mostly limited by how your panel is laid out now and how much rewiring you are willing to do. The easiest from the user/operation standpoint is to move the circuits you want backed up to a sub-panel with a transfer switch in it. Some styles of main panels will take a transfer interlock device that works with your existing breakers but you will be responsible for your own load management. If your main panel has a back fed breaker main directly across from a spare slot the cheaper interlock will work. When you start getting into interlocks for top mounted mains they start getting expensive, usually more than you can buy a transfer panel for.
