Note that Siemens historically doesn't have the best reliability on it's stuff either though the modern ones probably aren't too bad.

There's no magic in supporting a whole house ATS at the main panel. However, if you have an automatic switch you need a generator capable of the entire switched load.

Note the panel you show is a mechanical interlock panel NOT an ATS. You can buy mechanical interlocks for a variety of panels as well.

Thanks, Ron. That panel is pretty versatile. You might not have had a good look at it. Check the Siemens web site if you are interested. You choose between manual or auto transfer, main lug or main breaker, flush or surface mount and indoor or outdoor.

I'd be interested in your thoughts of its operation and idiosyncrasies of set-up from the diagram if you are not familiar. I'd love to know if anyone else makes a similar ATS, split bus panel.

One thing that might be of concern is the proprietary ATS. I think I'd be tempted to buy a spare right out of the gate to be sure a replacement is there for the life of the panel. The other is the range of generators that it might be used with. I don't know if the list of generators precludes use of other.

Oops, I should have posted two links:

https://extranet.w3.siemens.com/us/internet-dms/btlv/Residential/Residential/LoadCenters/RPFL-NEMA3-0609_low%20res.pdf

Here is a link that might be useful: Siemens

This post was edited by ionized on Tue, Aug 12, 14 at 10:25