Connecticut Electric Series 2 Backup Power Manual Transfer Switch Kit, 50 Amp, 10 Circuits, with 25' Cord & Outdoor Rated 50A Inlet

A practical, high-capacity backup power solution I trust

A late-fall windstorm took out power to my place last year, and it became the perfect proving ground for the Series 2 transfer switch kit. I paired it with a 50A portable generator and tied in ten critical circuits. The experience was refreshingly straightforward: start the generator, flip the rockers on the panel, and the lights, well pump, furnace blower, fridge, and networking gear were back up in minutes. For a manual system, it felt confident, controlled, and—most importantly—safe.

What’s in the box and how it comes together

The kit is thoughtfully complete. You get:
- An indoor 10-circuit manual transfer switch panel with individual double-throw rockers
- A weather-resistant 50A outdoor inlet box (CS6375) with a gasketed cover
- A heavy-gauge 25-foot generator cord that matches the inlet

Installation was clean and predictable. I mounted the inlet on the exterior wall near the driveway, ran 6/4 cable through the wall cavity to the panel location, then hung the transfer switch next to the main load center. The enclosure has generous knockouts and enough working room to move selected branch circuits over, land neutrals and grounds, and tidy up the conductors. The front panel labeling is clear, and the included stickers make circuit ID painless.

My advice if you’re planning your circuit list:
- Pick the essentials first: heat source (or blower), refrigerator/freezer, sump or well pump, lighting in high-traffic areas, garage door opener, Wi-Fi/router, and a few convenience outlets.
- Save at least two adjacent positions for a 240V load if you need one (well pump, small HVAC, or mini-split). The panel supports switching a 240V circuit using paired positions.
- Balance loads across the two legs as you go; the panel’s dual load meters (one per leg) make this easy once you’re up and running.

I strongly recommend a licensed electrician for the install. It’s not a complicated job for a pro, but it does involve moving branch circuits, following local code for bonding/grounding, and pulling a permit in many jurisdictions.

Design and build quality

The panel feels like a professional-grade product. The steel enclosure is stiff, the finish holds up, and the rockers have a positive, deliberate throw. The door closes cleanly, and the layout makes sense even for someone who only touches it during an outage. The outdoor inlet box is properly weatherproofed, and the hinged cover snaps down tight. The included 25-foot cord has the right heft and strain relief for frequent use, and the length is practical—it lets me stage the generator a reasonable distance from the house to mitigate noise and exhaust while keeping the cable off traffic paths.

One callout: this kit uses the 50A 120/240V locking standard (CS6364/CS6375). Many generators have this, but some only offer a 14‑50R. If that’s your situation, plan on an adapter or verify compatibility before you buy.

Power and performance

With a 50A rating (up to 12,500W at 240V), the Series 2 is well suited for homes or small businesses that want more than just lights and a fridge. On my setup, I could run:
- A 240V well pump
- Gas furnace blower and controls
- Refrigerator and chest freezer
- Kitchen and living-area lighting
- Office circuits with networking gear
- A few outlets for small appliances

The dual load meters are worth mentioning. They’re simple, analog meters that display draw on each leg (L1/L2). In practice, they make load management a breeze: I could see at a glance if I was leaning too hard on one leg or creeping toward my generator’s limit. On one test, bumping a microwave and a toaster onto the same leg pushed the needle higher than I liked, so I moved one to a different outlet tied to the opposite leg and watched the balance settle.

Switching is predictable. The double-throw rockers positively isolate utility and generator sources, eliminating the risk of backfeeding. The action is firm, and each circuit has three positions: line (utility), off, and generator. During an outage, I start the generator, let it stabilize, switch circuits one by one to generator, and watch the meters. When utility returns, I flip circuits back to line and shut the generator down. It’s not automatic, but it is controlled, and that’s exactly what I want in a manual system.

Safety and compliance

The safety story here is strong. The panel uses true double-throw switching on the hot conductors, so there’s no shared connection between utility and generator. It’s ETL-listed to relevant UL standards. As with any transfer system, follow the manual regarding neutral and ground connections, and check local code—requirements vary on neutral bonding depending on your generator and jurisdiction. If you’re unsure, your electrician and local inspector are your best resources.

Operationally, a few practices keep things safe and smooth:
- Switch high-demand loads to off before transferring power.
- Let the generator warm up and stabilize before bringing circuits online.
- Exercise the system a few times a year under moderate load.
- Label the panel clearly for any family member who may need to operate it.

Where it shines

• Capacity with margin: The 50A rating means I’m not constantly triaging loads. I can keep “normal life” going, not just survival mode.
• True 120/240V flexibility: Having a dedicated 240V option covers a well pump or small HVAC equipment—something many 30A kits can’t do comfortably.
• A complete, matched kit: The inlet and cord match the panel and simplify planning. No hunting for compatible parts.
• Clear, usable interface: The rockers are intuitive, the labels are legible, and the dual meters provide immediate feedback.
• Solid mechanical build: The enclosures and hardware feel dependable, and the outdoor inlet is genuinely weather resistant.

What could be better

• Compatibility check required: The CS6375 inlet is the right choice for a 50A locking setup, but not every generator has the matching plug. It’s not a flaw, just something you must verify.
• Ten circuits may go fast: If you’re used to a “whole-house” experience, you’ll need to be strategic. For many homes, ten is perfect; for larger loads, consider a larger circuit count or a whole-house transfer switch.
• Manual operation is, well, manual: You need to be on-site to start the generator and throw switches. If you travel frequently or need seamless switchover, an automatic transfer switch tied to a standby generator is a better fit.
• The cord is heavy and stiff in the cold: That’s typical for 50A cords, but worth noting if you expect winter use. Coil it warm and store it where it won’t freeze into shape.

Who it’s for

• Homeowners with a 50A-capable portable generator who want reliable, safe power to essential circuits, including at least one 240V load.
• Small-business owners who need to keep POS, lighting, networking, and a few critical appliances up during outages without moving to a full standby system.
• Anyone who values hands-on control and clear load visibility over automation.

If your power needs are modest (no 240V loads, fewer than eight circuits), a 30A kit might be more economical. If your goal is truly whole-home coverage without touching a switch, a standby generator and automatic transfer switch are more appropriate. The Series 2 sits in a sweet spot between those extremes.

Final recommendation

I recommend the Series 2 transfer switch kit. It’s a well-engineered, complete solution that brings 50A, 120/240V capability to ten circuits with clarity, safety, and enough capacity to live comfortably through an extended outage. The build quality inspires confidence, the interface is friendly, and the inclusion of a weatherproof inlet and long, heavy-duty cord removes a lot of friction. As long as your generator has a compatible 50A locking receptacle (or you plan for an adapter) and you’re comfortable with manual operation, this kit offers excellent value and performance for residential and small-business backup power.