Optional plug connector for a transfer switch having a terminal compartment

An auxiliary power supply system for interconnection with the electrical system of a building, comprising:

• a generator for supplying electrical power;
• a flexible cord interconnected with the generator, wherein the flexible cord has an input member;
• and
• a power transfer device including:
• a cabinet;
• a set of switches mounted to the cabinet;
• a first set of wires interconnected between the switches and an electrical distribution panel associated with the building electrical system;
• a fixed position panel forming a part of the cabinet;
• a terminal compartment defined by the cabinet, wherein the terminal compartment is spaced from the switches and is accessible through an opening defined by the fixed position panel;
• a set of power input terminals located within the terminal compartment;
• a removable cover selectively engageable with the cabinet, wherein the removable cover is configured to close the opening when engaged with the cabinet for selectively preventing and providing access to the terminal compartment;
• and a power input coupling arrangement carried by the removable cover and separate from the set of power input terminals, wherein the power input coupling arrangement is adapted to be electrically interconnected with the power input terminals and selectively receives the input member of the flexible cord to supply power to the power transfer device through the coupling arrangement and the set of power input terminals.

A method for constructing a power transfer device for supplying power from a generator to the electrical system of a building, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a cabinet having a fixed position panel defining an opening providing access to a connection compartment within which a power input connection arrangement is located;
• equipping the cabinet with a plurality of switches electrically connected to the power input connection arrangement, wherein the switches are adapted for connection to the building electrical system and are operable to control the supply of power from the power transfer device to the building electrical system;
• providing a first removable cover member adapted for removable mounting to the cabinet, wherein the first cover member is incapable of power input and is configured to close the opening when mounted to the cabinet for selectively enclosing the power input connection arrangement;
• providing a second removable cover member having a power input structure separate from the power input connection arrangement, wherein the second cover member is adapted for removable mounting to the cabinet and is configured to close the opening when mounted to the cabinet for selectively enclosing the power input connection arrangement;
• and
• selecting one of the first cover member and the second cover member and mounting the selected one of the cover members to the cabinet over the connection compartment;
• wherein the step of mounting the second cover member includes electrically interconnecting the power input structure with the power input connection arrangement;
• and
• wherein, when the first cover member is mounted to the cabinet, a set of power input wires interconnected with the generator are supplied to the cabinet and are connected to the connection arrangement.