A generator transfer switch is an essential part of a functioning emergency backup generator. Standby generators can be installed at a home or business to provide emergency power when before the electricity goes out.
This can be important in order to allow your electrical appliances and machines to continue to function during a power outage. It can be especially helpful and convenient for providing you the ability to continue cooking, keep the lights on, and otherwise use electricity when you do not have access to it through a conventional power-line hookup.
When you have a backup generator in a home or a business, however, you may need a generator transfer switch in order for that generator to kick on and begin providing backup power. Below we’ll examine some of the transfer switch options for generators as well as their importance.
The Importance of Transfer Switches
Normally, the power in your home or your business is provided by your wired connection to power lines. The power from the power lines, produced by a local power company, comes to a property through a junction box and is distributed by electrical wiring throughout the home or business to power things like the HVAC system, appliances, and televisions, lights, computers and other popular electronics.
However, when power is no longer flowing due to a sudden outage, a backup generator set will then need to be turned on and notified that it has to produce all of this power that you need to operate the home. This is where generator transfer switches come in.
A generator transfer switch will close off the power line coming from the primary electrical source, instead switching to the generator’s power source. The transfer switch does this when the power goes out and detects as soon as the main electrical source is no longer available. Once the power from the primary power source is turned back on and electricity is flowing to your property again, the generator transfer switch senses the change before reversing the process by shutting off emergency power access and switching back to the primary electrical source.
Generator Transfer Switch Options
It’s important to understand the importance of transfer switches for generators, especially for permanent standby emergency generator installations. When it comes to generator transfer switches, there are a few options available.
Basic transfer switches require a user to manually switch between power sources once a power outage occurs. Automatic transfer switches are able to detect and automatically transfer to the emergency power source seamlessly, increasing both convenience and safety.
If you’re unsure which transfer switch is best suited for your emergency power solution, it’s best to consult an emergency power specialist. Contact MTS Power Products to speak with an expert about incorporating the best option into your emergency power solution.
