Patent ID: 7208850

Claim:
A transfer switch for transferring the supply of electrical power to a load between a utility source and a generator that generates electrical power when started, the transfer switch comprising: a transfer relay having an utility input, a generator input, an output, and a coil operatively connected to the generator, wherein the output is selectively connected to one of the utility input and the generator input in response to the application of electrical power on the coil by the generator; a power cord having a first end terminating at an electrical plug receivable within an electrical outlet electrically connected to the utility source and a second end electrically connected to the utility input of the transfer relay; a generator cord for electrically connecting the generator to the generator input of the relay; a first duplex outlet electrically connected to the output of the relay, the first duplex outlet being adapted for receiving an electrical plug for the load therein; and a generator control structure operatively connected to the utility source and the generator, the generator control structure: providing a signal to start the generator in response to the absence of electrical power from the utility source; and including a generator relay having a first contact connected to the generator, a second contact connected to the generator and a coil connected to the utility source, the generator relay being movable between an open arrangement wherein the first and second contacts are isolated from each other and a closed arrangement wherein the first and second contacts are electrically coupled in response to the absence of electrical power on the coil by the utility source.