Nope, needs to throw the mains in. Switches the bus from the mains to the generator and isolates the outside mains to prevent feedback onto the local grid. That's why you should never make up a generator extension cord with a plug on both ends. Some folks put a dryer/stove 220 plug on the non generator end to back feed into the panel but if you don't open the main breaker when you do that you could easily kill the utility worker who thinks the circuit he is working on is dead. The power companies (and every building code in the country) definately prefer a lockout type switch for just that reason. Reliance makes a reasonably cheap 6 or 10 circuit transfer switch for that purpose. I will install one as soon as I can if I decide not to go with the whole house backup gunny.As long as it also throws the neutral.
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