HP2S Honda Portable Power Systems
TRANSFER SWITCH HISTORY 1
Introduction
Understanding why the unique and versatile HP2S is an unprecedented technological
advancement for residential power management starts with an understanding of transfer
switch technology and its evolution over the years.
Back-up Power and the Transfer Switch Requirement
A transfer switch is a small control panel that connects to a home’s main load center to
enable the safe, simple, and efficient hook-up of generator power to the electrical wiring
system of a building. Transfer switches are required by the National Electrical Code any
time a portable generator is used to power the electrical wiring system of a building.
Improper connections to a building’s electrical system can allow current from the
generator to back feed into the utility lines. This can electrocute utility workers and cause
damage to the generator when utility power is restored. A generator used for home backup power requires a transfer switch.
In a power outage emergency, many customers either buy a new generator or use an
existing one, along with extension cords, to plug in only one or two devices – perhaps a
sump pump and a refrigerator, for example. The average generator, however, is capable
of operating many additional devices – such as a furnace, television, microwave oven,
lighting, a computer, or a well pump. These devices can add a lot more comfort during a
power outage. A transfer switch can make all of these devices individually available to
the user at the flip of a switch. Only a transfer switch lets a user get all the power that a
generator was built to deliver.
Until the introduction of the HP2S, three transfer switch offerings have been available for
consumers; these include:

Manual Transfer Switch (MTS)
Permanent, easy-to-use system for transferring power from
portable generators to the customer's home electrical system.
Completely manual, the user must switch on and off when needed
and manage generator overloads.

Semi-Automatic Transfer
Switch (SATS)
This type of switch is used when the customer has a manual
start generator unit. SATS has built-in voltage monitoring
capabilities allowing automatic switching to and from a backup
source.

Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)
This configuration ensures smooth and immediate power
between primary utility line and backup power source. It
senses interruption in utility power and starts up the secondary
power source. The ATS monitors the utility power and, when it
is restored, it reconnects the load to the primary source after
disconnecting it from the secondary one.
HP2S
HP2S Honda Portable Power Systems
TRANSFER SWITCH HISTORY 2
The Honda Connection
To date, Honda has offered two brands of transfer switches. These
include Gen-Tran (circuit breaker switches) and Reliance (toggle
switches). Each type of transfer switch accommodates direct-wire
from the power inlet to the transfer switch or plug-in generator
connection.
The Gen-Tran unit becomes the load center and is expandable to 16
circuits.
The reliance unit toggles between utility
power and generator and does not
require a feeder breaker to power the
switches. Both have replaceable
breakers.
HP2S