Can I use a transfer panel with something other than a generator?

Question

What I am trying to do is use a transfer panel to power some 15-amp sockets with ether a dimmer pack, or from the main. (trying to set up a theater space so when there's not a show going on you can plug sensitive things into the walls) Can you do this with a transfer panel?

More info: There are 4 sets of 3 outlets (set A, set B, set C). Each set has 2 circuits, and each circuit is rated for 20 amps. (some of the outlets are tied together, it's a bit confusing due to the fact that the space was built in the 40's, how long does it take for the plastic/rubber shell on wires to get go bad?) I want each circuit to be switchable, able to run off the main panel, or run off dimmers that run off the main panel (theses are the big dmx controlled dimmers you would use for theater or djing, they give out 4800 watts @120V spred across 6 channels). Everything would run a at 120V although I can get 240V. Even though its inside a building we get main lines (L1, L2, and a neutral, just like you would get from the street pole), this comes from a sub breaker room, that comes from a transformer, that then finally comes from the street. I'm pretty flexible as in to what the plan is in the end. Sorry if Im just repeating myself, felt that the first Q. was not adequately expanded upon, so I just restated it.

Edit2: Well at least I think its from the 40's but it probably din't go in at that time, there was also some retrofitting in the 80's so any sockets and switches were replaced, the sockets I want to power are ground level, there are no sockets on the ceiling, power goes straight from the light board, through the walls (brick and morder), to "junction boxes" on a grid on the ceiling of the stage. If you can identify the model of the light board I'm planning to take out, that would help me a lot. All I know is that its a Zinsco. And yes, it is used without problems, although it does give out dirty power (have not checked with an oscilloscope, only know by experience). I most likely am going to have to hire an electrician, but I would still like to have a solid plan. Also, as far as I know, and I have searched high and low, any electrical floor plans for the stage do not exist.

This thing also acts as the main panel for half of the building.

Answer 1

You can but that takes some work, re-routing wires. I don't know how many breakers you are talking about, but if it's just 2 or 4 you can and you have room in your panel you can use a breaker interlock switch.

The silver bar mounted on the breaker handles does not allow both breakers to be on at the same time.

To answer your question, yes, you can use a transfer switch. But from the picture you can see the advantages of using the interlock. No extra wiring, no subpanel to install. No more breakers to buy. Not many electrical distributors will stock this, and the brand does matter. These usually don't work with breakers / panels from different brands. They are not permanent so they can be removed easily.

EDIT - This is why all information would be great to have. A xfer switch is made to move power from 1 panel to another panel. You can't switch some of the breakers of the panel. So basically the way I see it is that you will need two sub panels, 1 for one task and another for another task. Probably a couple of j-boxes to do some of the wire make-up because some of the wires won't be long enough. Lets say that totals to 30 or 50 amps (just guessing because you have not told anyone that.) Then instead of buying the more expensive xfer switch you can use the interlock, switching the breakers feeding each sub panel.

It really would help if you gave more info, like how many circuits (poles and amps) for one task and the same for the second task.

There are other items you can use for simple things, like breaker handle locks that screw on;

or breaker lock outs.

Either can be used to lock on or off. The breaker will still trip even when locked. I would prefer the one without the padlock.

You should also check local code to make sure there is no problem having the receptacles out of use, even if it is for part time.