Template · Generators

Standby generator with load shedding single line diagram

A 14 kW generator carries the whole panel, with load shed modules holding off the A/C and the dryer. Use this where an air-cooled generator is smaller than the house’s full load but the whole panel is to be backed up. Load shed modules keep the largest loads off while the generator is running.

A free template with typical ratings, conductor callouts and general notes. Open it, change what differs on your job, fill in the title block and export a PDF.

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Standby generator with load shedding single line diagram: A 14 kW generator carries the whole panel, with load shed modules holding off the A/C and the dryer. — Standby generator with load shedding. 16 devices on an 11 × 17 in sheet with a title block and notes column.

What the reviewer checks on this drawing

The reviewer checks that the load left connected on generator is within its rating, which loads are shed and by what, and that the service-rated transfer switch is the service disconnect with the panel neutrals isolated.

What the drawing shows

Every device on the sheet, in the order power reaches it.

Symbol	Label	Rating or detail	Conductors feeding it
Utility source	Utility service	120/240V 1φ 3W
Meter	Utility meter	200A socket	Service conductors, per utility
Transfer switch	Automatic transfer switch	200A · service rated, 200A main breaker inside
Circuit breaker	60A 2P	Generator breaker
Generator	Standby generator	14 kW · 120/240V, air cooled	3 #4 Cu + #10 G
Ground	Grounding electrode system	GEC moved to the ATS
Panel	Main panel	200A bus · neutrals isolated	3 #3/0 Cu + #6 G
Circuit breaker	Branch breakers
To (continues off sheet)	To house loads
Surge protective device	SPD	Type 1 or 2
Circuit breaker	40A 2P	A/C
Device	Load shed module (LSM)	50A · opened by the ATS
Load	A/C condenser
Circuit breaker	30A 2P	Dryer
Device	Load shed module (LSM)	50A · opened by the ATS
Load	Dryer

Notes on the sheet

Generator 14 kW ÷ 240V = 58A, protected at 60A. Its conductors carry 115% of that, 67A (NEC 445.13): #4 Cu.
The whole panel is transferred. Load shed modules hold off the A/C and the dryer while the generator is carrying the house, so the load it sees stays within its rating (NEC 702.4, automatic load management).
Load calculation of what stays connected on generator, submitted with this drawing, does not exceed 14 kW.
Transfer switch is the service disconnect. Grounding electrode conductor and main bonding jumper terminate at the transfer switch; the main panel becomes a subpanel with isolated neutrals. Surge protective device at the panel, Type 1 or Type 2 (NEC 230.67).
The transfer switch does not switch the neutral, so the generator is not a separately derived system: its neutral is not bonded to its frame. A sign at the emergency disconnect gives the type and location of the generator (NEC 702.7).
The transfer switch, as the service disconnect, is outdoors and readily accessible, marked EMERGENCY DISCONNECT, SERVICE DISCONNECT (NEC 230.85, 2020 and later). Where it is indoors, add an outdoor emergency disconnect ahead of it.
Generator placement and clearances per manufacturer instructions and the gas code.

Diagram is schematic and not to scale. Field-verify existing equipment ratings. Ratings and conductor sizes shown are typical. Confirm against the adopted code, the equipment listing and a load calculation before installation. Code references are to the 2023 NEC and the 2024 Canadian Electrical Code: see references and editions.