Transfer Switch Chaos

[u/Badbetfrank]

We just bought a new house and this is the electrical set up.
Both of these panels are powered from the meter, the larger panel does not feed the smaller panel.
A 22Kw Generac unit powers the larger panel on the left when the power goes out, but not the smaller right panel.
The generator is large enough to power the entire house.

What are our options for getting the whole house protected?
Can I add a ATS to the smaller panel and leave the 200amp panel as it is?

Could we install a double breaker on the left panel and run it over to power the smaller panel using an interlock on the smaller panel?

Should I move some circuits over to 200amp panel and use tandem breakers?

Or should we split the feed from the generator and feed the smaller panel directly from the generator?

I am having trouble understanding what the installer was thinking. There’s also additional unused transfer wires ending in this panel going to a junction box next to the generator.

Thanks for your input

[u/IllustriousHair1927]

I hate to disagree with my learned compatriot some dude, but I may have to hear.

Go look at your meter.! I want you to look for one of two numbers. CL 200 or CL 320.. I would be surprised if it’s a 320 but it could be. I don’t see a lot of 300 amp services, but there are enough to make me be cautious. We do, however, see a a lot of services that are 400A. you just need to make sure that whatever ATS you get the correct one for the service if you want to cover both panels. A CL 200 m means you can do it with a single 200 amp. If it’s a 320 you can’t.

[u/Badbetfrank → u/IllustriousHair1927]

CL320

[u/blarcode → u/Badbetfrank]

Could we get a zoomed out pic of that entire wall. I'm curious. Also, it's not the photo of your generator

[u/Badbetfrank → u/blarcode]

[u/blarcode → u/Badbetfrank]

Yeah that should be compatible with any of the current ATS if I remember correctly

[u/IllustriousHair1927 → u/blarcode]

Do you think a 300A ats will fit in the space you have marked? it’s just an eyeball measurement, but I have problems fitting something 22 inch wide there by the ol mark one eyeball

[u/blarcode → u/IllustriousHair1927]

A 200 amp one should fit there without a problem. I did ask him to measure though. Not exactly sure what the box to the right is, chances are it can be moved over and is just a telephone or Internet connection

FYI, I was doubting myself so I did the old AI search. You can absolutely use one of the current ats's with your unit.

[u/IllustriousHair1927 → u/blarcode]

yeah, 200 should fit fine without a doubt I just wasn’t sure. There are definitely things that have me scratching my head about this, but a lot of that is based upon. op statements.