Connecting a Portable Generator is Now Safe and Easy with GenerLink™
In the event of an outage, a generator goes a long way in giving homeowners a sense of stability. With the GenerLink™ transfer switch, using a portable generator is easier and safer than ever! Once GenerLink™ is installed behind your electric meter, using your generator becomes a simple, 5-minute process so you can quickly and reliably supply power to your home's essentials.
You can simply use the GenerLok™ cord to plug your generator into the transfer switch then use your circuit breaker to determine which circuits in your home you want powered. No more running long wires to your generator, compromising on what you want powered, or worrying about electrical backfeed! Once the outage is over, the indicator light on the transfer switch will let you know you can disconnect your generator.
Please read through the FAQs below for more information on the GenerLink™ and how it works. Then, you can use our online form to let us know what GenerLink™ products you are interested in. Once we confirm your portable generator is compatible with the system and receive payment, Sussex REC technicians will be available to install the transfer switch on your home so you are ready when an outage strikes!
(PLEASE NOTE: The GenerLinkTM transfer switch is not compatible with solar net meters. Members with existing solar systems on their homes will not be able to purchase a GenerLinkTM through Sussex REC.)
The GenerLink™ is a transfer switch which is installed directly behind your electric meter. It can be used to connect a portable generator to your house, allowing you to use electricity from your generator to power the circuits of your choice within your home by switching circuit breakers on or off in your electric panel.
The GenerLink™ eliminates many of the issues of using a portable generator and makes responding to an outage an easy process. When power goes out, you should turn off all of the circuit breakers in your panel (except for the Main Breaker), then connect your portable generator to the GenerLink™ using your GenerLok™ cord. Start your generator and turn on the breakers for the circuits you'll want powered during this outage, up to the capacity of your generator. This lets you easily pick areas of the home where essential appliances, like your refrigerator, hot water heater, or well pump are located.
While using the GenerLink™, it safely disconnects your house from the outside power grid to ensure there is no danger of your generator backfeeding electricity onto our lines while repairs are being made.
Most, but not all, portable generators are compatible with the GenerLink™ transfer switch.
There are three main indicators on whether or not your generator may be compatible.
- Your generator must have a compatible receptacle for the GenerLok™ cord, appropriate for the size of the unit (a 20/30-Amp unit requires a 20-Amp L14-20 receptacle or a 30-Amp L14-30 receptacle, and a 50-Amp unit requires a 50 Amp 14-50 receptacle).
- Your generator's running wattage must be between 4,800 and 9,600 running watts.
- Your generator must NOT have a full GFCI panel. GFCI-rated outlets are okay, but the system will not be compatible with generators where there is a GFCI panel, which are typically found on commercial generators to ensure OSHA compliance.
There may be some other conditions which make a generator incompatible, such as having a bonded neutral. Sussex REC staff will be able to assist you in determining if you generator of choice would be compatible.
We need confirmation that you currently own a compatible generator before we will provide an invoice or schedule installation. If you submit a purchase agreement through our online form but your generator is not compatible, we will contact you to let you know that we will not be proceeding with the purchase.
The GenerLink™ does not automatically shut off when power from the outside electric grid is restored.
The GenerLink™ has an exterior indicator light which glows blue while in use. When regular electric service becomes available after the outage has been restored, this light will glow green to indicate your generator can be shut off.
While your generator is connected and running, your system will remain disconnected from the outside power grid to prevent backfeeding. Your home will continue to use generator power until it is shut off or disconnected from your home, even when utility power is available, so be sure to check the indicator light regularly.
Yes. A Sussex REC technician will handle installation of the GenerLink™ transfer switch behind your electric meter. This is a quick, 30-minute installation that includes a demonstration of how to use the system.
You will be needed during the installation to ensure you know how to use the GenerLink™ with your generator during an outage. For this same reason, we require homeowners to have their compatible generator present when the GenerLink™ is installed.
The GenerLok™ power cord that comes standard with GenerLink™ purchases is 20 feet long. This is included in your purchase of the transfer switch at no additional cost.
If you require a longer cord in order to safely use your generator with the GenerLink™, longer cords are available at an additional cost in increments of 20 additional feet, up to 100 total feet.
Cord Prices When Purchased With the GenerLink™:
- 20' - Included
- 40' - $160.00
- 60' - $250.00
- 80' - $385.00
- 100' - $440.00
If you need to replace a GenerLok™ cord after your initial purchase or want to purchase an extra cord during your initial GenerLink™ purchase, our online form allows you to specify this. These will be considered "separate purchases" and have a different cost applied.
Cord Prices When Purchased Separately:
- 20' - $210.00
- 40' - $240.00
- 60' - $280.00
- 80' - $385.00
- 100' - $590.00
Please note that the manufacturer's warranty does not apply to the GenerLok™ cord. If your cord is lost or damaged, a new one will need to be purchased.
No. The GenerLink™ must be paid for in full before we can install it. Also, the cost cannot be applied as a charge on your electric bill. Once generator compatibility is confirmed, you will be sent an invoice for your requested equipment.
All GenerLink™ transfer switches are covered by a 7-year manufacturer warranty, beginning from the date of installation. You will receive documentation upon your purchase related to this warranty, to be fulfilled through Global Power Products, the manufacturer of this product.
In addition to the 7-year warranty on the transfer switch, Global Power Products also supplies a warranty for its surge protection components. This covers repair or replacement of any surge protection device that is defective or damaged by an electrical surge for a period of 15 years. "White Good Appliances," such as washers, dryers, stoves, refrigerators, freezers, HVAC units, dishwashers, or garbage disposals, which sustain surge damage due to failure of the surge protector are covered for up to $1,000 per appliance and $10,000 per residence. Claims must be made with Global Power Products within 30 days of damage.
Yes. Once purchased, you own the GenerLink™. If you end up moving, you can choose to either eave it installed or contact us to remove it.
As a courtesy, we will remove the GenerLink™ for free. It can be brought with you to your new home or gifted/resold to another Sussex REC member. There is a $260.00 service charge for us to install it at another house on the Co-op's lines. Please note that the warranty is not transferable between members.
If you move outside of Sussex REC's service territory, you will need to verify with your new utility that this device can be installed behind your electric meter. Some utilities may have requirements that will not allow this. You will need to work with a licensed electrician to have the device installed there, if allowed by your new utility.
Per the manufacturer of the GenerLink™, this product is NOT compatible with solar installations, due to additional components or configurations that may be required for compatibility with solar panels.
If a member currently has solar panels and inquires about the GenerLink™, Sussex REC will not sell them the product due to its incompatibility with solar.
Members who have a GenerLink™ and then choose to install solar will be notified by their solar installer or Sussex REC that the device needs to be removed. In these cases, we are able to have a Sussex REC technician remove the device at no cost to the member. The member does not need to be home for this work, but should specify where on their property we should leave the device. Afterwards, the GenerLink™ is the homeowner's to dispose of, give away, or resell. As noted in the question above, Sussex REC can reinstall the GenerLink™ on another home within its service territory for a $260.00 service fee, but the warranty is not transferrable between members.
All GenerLink™ models supplied by Sussex REC have built-in surge protection. This feature will protect a member's electronics and appliances from a possible power surge through Sussex REC's power lines. This feature is active at all times, not just when your generator is in use.
Note that this feature can only protect from a power surge over utility lines. It does not protect against possible power surges from other sources, such as cable TV lines, phone lines, or a direct lightning hit.
In addition to a 7-year warranty on the transfer switch, there is also a manufacturer warranty from Global Power Products on the system's surge protection components. This covers repair or replacement of any surge protection device that is defective or damaged by an electrical surge for a period of 15 years. "White Good Appliances," such as washers, dryers, stoves, refrigerators, freezers, HVAC units, dishwashers, or garbage disposals, which sustain surge damage due to failure of the surge protector are covered for up to $1,000 per appliance and $10,000 per residence. Claims must be made with Global Power Products within 30 days of damage.
Per the manufacturer, if you hear a buzzing coming from your GenerLink™ unit, this is an indication that your surge protector has absorbed a surge and may need to be replaced. Your transfer switch's power backup features will still function normally even if its surge protector is no longer functioning.
If you choose not to purchase a GenerLink™ but are interested in surge protection for your home, Sussex REC also supplies and installs surge protectors. You can learn more here.