ATS question.

[ThePimentals]

How much is too much? I can get an auto transfer switch for free but its 480volts 100amps. I'm only going to 50 amp if that. I plan for just 30 amps. And also not even running that much, of course things change but.. I have a plan to only use stove, oven, fridge, couple fans more or less. It's early in my build for electrical, but this is a free part, so any wisdom would be great.

[bapos]

You wont have any problems as long as your below what its rated for. If its free and you need it and it works.. I say roll on with it. Most electrical components may have higher voltage ratings but if your doing 120 vac and less that 100 amps you should be good to go.

[Redbear]

If the contacts are rated for 480 volts at 100 amps, there is no problem using the unit for a lesser load, assuming that physical size is not a problem, and you can trip the switch properly.

If the switch is automatic, what is the voltage rating on the relay coil (activating mechanism)? If it happens to be a 120 volt coil, then you are "golden." If the coil requires 480 volts to automatically switch from one source to the other, then 120 volts may not be enough to activate it, or it may hang partially activated.

If the coil is marked 480 volts, and you knew someone with a Variac that could dial up or down AC voltages, you could find the actual activate and drop-out voltages. Or just test it with a lead cord, and if it trips check for resistance across the contacts. If 120 volts will not trip the switch, it still might be possible to use it with a small (as in low current) step-up transformer to drive the coil when the alternate power is present.

In any event, you want to be sure that the contacts trip firmly, and are not just lightly touching while being held back by the return spring due to low coil voltage. The loose contacts would be a high resistance point, and a very heavy current draw would result in heat, possible burned contacts, and in the worst case a fire.