If you have ever dealt with a power outage during severe weather conditions or grid failure, you know how frustrating it is to be left in the dark. Even though a portable power station or a solar generator can be a great home battery backup, you'll need to manually plug and unplug appliances one by one. Jackery Transfer Switches are compatible with some Jackery products.
The transfer switches enable you to connect your Jackery Power Station directly to your home's electrical panel, allowing you to keep essential appliances running during an outage. In this article, we will guide you through exactly what a transfer switch is, why it matters, its various types, and which Jackery Portable Power Stations are best suited for it.
In this article, you'll learn.
- A transfer switch paired with a Jackery Portable Power Station enables you to seamlessly switch from grid power to battery backup during power outages.
- Jackery offers two types of transfer switches: Manual and Smart, allowing you to choose between hands-on control or automatic switchover in the event of a grid failure.
- The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus, Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000, and Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus are compatible with transfer switches.
- How to install and connect Jackery to a transfer switch.
What is a Transfer Switch and Why Do You Need One
A transfer switch is like the bridge between your Jackery Portable Power Station and your home's electrical panel. Instead of running multiple extension cords to each appliance during a blackout, a transfer switch lets you power selected circuits directly from your Jackery Portable Power Station. For example, you can select multiple circuits, such as refrigerators, lights, and WiFi routers, to keep them powered when the grid fails.
Which Jackery Power Stations are Compatible with a Transfer Switch
Some Jackery Portable Power Stations are compatible with the transfer switches. Here are the three home battery backup solutions that can power essential household circuits during outages and are compatible with the transfer switches:
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
If you want a reliable home battery backup to keep your essential household appliances powered during an outage, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus paired with the Jackery Manual Transfer Switch is a good starting point. It's ideal for powering essentials like lights, a WiFi router, and even a refrigerator for several hours. It is especially handy for smaller homes, apartments, or anyone looking for a home battery backup for outages. You can also expand the battery capacity from 2kWh to 24kWh with the add-on packs if your needs grow.

Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000
If you need something more powerful to keep your essential home appliances running during longer outages, the Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000 is a reliable choice. It can support multiple rooms simultaneously, including kitchen appliances, work-from-home setups, and entertainment systems. If you are using the Jackery Manual Transfer Switch with the Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000, the transition between on-grid and essential home battery power becomes seamless.

Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus
Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus is an essential home backup solution compatible with the Jackery Smart Transfer Switch. With the ability to power large appliances, such as electric stoves, refrigerators, central heating units, or even a well pump, it is designed for extended outages and high-demand situations. If you want full control during emergencies and unexpected power outages, this is the ideal home battery backup for you. It is also expandable from 5kWh to 60kWh with the add-on battery packs.

What Types of Transfer Switches Does Jackery Offer?
Jackery Transfer Switches make it easy to connect the compatible Jackery Portable Power Station to your home's electrical panel. There are mainly two types of transfer switches for power stations and solar generators: Manual and Smart. Each one is designed with different needs in mind, so you can pick the one that fits your home setup best.
Jackery Manual Transfer Switch
The Jackery Manual Transfer Switch is installed next to your home's electrical panel and allows you to switch from on-grid power to home battery backup in just 0.5 seconds. It is completely pre-wired for easy installation and eliminates the dangers involved in backfeeding.
You can choose up to 6 essential circuits from the breaker panel, such as refrigerators, lights, garage doors, and any outlets in the living area that you would like to keep powered even during an outage. There are two versions of the Jackery Manual Transfer Switch, one of which is compatible with the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus and the other with the Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus.
Jackery Smart Transfer Switch
The Jackery Smart Transfer Switch provides a UPS backup within ≤20ms to ensure essential circuits remain powered during power outages. It monitors your grid connection and automatically switches to your Jackery when it detects a power loss. Once power returns, it switches back to the grid. It supports 12 essential circuits to incorporate a wide range of household appliances. The smart app management allows you to automatically switch to stored power during peak hours, saving you money on your electricity bills. It has two modes:
- 0 ms Online Mode: It ensures zero downtime for sensitive devices and provides automatic and seamless power transfer, keeping devices such as desktops, WiFi, etc., running without interruption.
- 20 ms Backup Mode: It supplies uninterrupted power to essential home appliances, such as refrigerators, lights, and fans, ensuring a nearly unnoticeable transition for most appliances.
How to Install & Connect Jackery to a Transfer Switch
Connecting a Jackery Portable Power Station to your home's electrical panel using a transfer switch requires proper installation and adherence to safety guidelines. While the process is simple for a licensed electrician, it's important to follow safety guidelines and choose the right circuits based on your backup needs.
For step-by-step guidance on the installation, you can refer to our articles:
- How to Install and Uninstall Smart Transfer Switch (Automatic Transfer Switch)
- User Manual: Jackery Transfer Switch for Whole-Home Backup Kit
FAQs
What is the transfer switch on a generator?
A transfer switch on a generator is a device that allows safe switching from on-grid power to home battery backup during an outage or blackout. It not only allows for a seamless transition but also prevents the dangerous backfeeding of power into the grid.
Can I run a Jackery Solar Generator without a transfer switch?
Yes, it is not mandatory to buy the Jackery Transfer Switches with the Jackery Solar Generator. If you prefer, you can run your appliances directly by plugging them into the Jackery Solar Generator outlets. However, using a transfer switch makes things more streamlined, especially during a blackout, by letting you power selected circuits in your home.
How many types of transfer switches are there?
Jackery offers two types of transfer switches: manual and smart. The Manual Transfer Switch gives you hands-on control to manually switch power sources during an outage. The Smart Transfer Switch detects a grid outage and automatically switches your power source over to the Jackery Solar Generator.
How many circuits can a transfer switch handle?
The Jackery Manual Transfer Switch supports up to 6 essential circuits, whereas the Jackery Smart Transfer Switch supports 12 home circuits.
Can I run two transfer switches with one Jackery Solar Generator?
No. You should use only one compatible Jackery Transfer Switch with the Jackery Solar Generator. It is designed to work safely and efficiently with only one compatible transfer switch at a time.
Conclusion
When it comes to protecting your home from unexpected outages, a Jackery Portable Power Station paired with a compatible transfer switch takes your essential home backup solution to the next level. It makes powering your essential home circuits safer, simpler, and far more efficient, especially when you don't want to use any extension cords in the dark.
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