It must be a double throw transfer switch which prevents the generator from feeding electricity back into the power line. This protects the linemen who may be working to restore your service. A double throw transfer switch puts just the electrical load of your farm on the generator, otherwise your generator will try to supply electricity to the whole neighborhood. In addition to posing a safety hazard, that situation is likely to overload your generator. Also be sure that all conductors or wires are of sufficient capacity.
Overloaded conductors get hot and cause fires.
Always keep in mind the capacity of the generator. It is easy to keep adding electrical features to the farm and house, but the standby generator has a limited capacity. Many electrical systems and appliances operate with a narrow range of voltage. If the generator cannot provide voltage within 10 percent of what is needed, some loads must be shut off, Maher says. Increasing the speed of the generator past its rated limit will not necessarily increase the voltage and will damage the unit.