subject: What Everyone Should Understand About Transfer Switches [print this page] If you want to ensure that you have backup power when you need it and are not inconvenienced by a power outage, than a whole house or fixed generator is a smart choice. These generators are, by definition, larger and more permanent than portable generators. They can be tied into your home's electrical system and can allow for an automatic change from power from your utility company to power through your generator through the use of a generator transfer switch.
Important Information about Generator Transfer Switches
When you install a generator transfer switch, it is possible for the switch to work automatically to change your power source. This may be referred to as an automatic generator transfer switch. These types of switches can detect when current from your utility company stops for any reason and can automatically convert to using your generator to provide power. This is a major advantage since you will not suffer a long interruption in power.
If you are not home when the power goes out to manually switch to the generator, for example, the generator transfer switch will detect an outage, make the switch and prevent your fridge and freezer and other important electrical items from staying off until you come home. This can help prevent food spoilage and is even more important if you have medical or professional equipment that needs to stay on at all times. And if your basement or crawl space has a sump pump, you can rest assured it will be powered automatically by the generator saving you the pain of a flooded space.
A generator transfer switch also does more than just allowing you to switch from using the power from your utility company to using the power from your generator and vice versa. While the convenience of being able to make this switch is nice, especially if you choose a generator transfer switch that provides automatic switching, the generator transfer switch also has additional important safety functions.
The biggest benefit to the generator transfer switch is that it prevents power or electrical current provided by the generator from flowing back out to your utility company. The line that comes into your house from your power company is supposed to carry power in only--it is not supposed to receive outgoing power. When electricity goes out, it can damage your electrical line and cause a host of other potential problems.
A generator transfer switch avoids this by having three positions: one for the generator to provide power, one for the electric company to provide power and then an off switch where nothing is providing power. The generator transfer switch must go to the off position before switching back to electrical power, so the current stops before it would reach your line out to the power company.
In order to use a whole house generator safely and, if desired to enjoy the convenience of an automatic switch from electrical-company power to generator power, it is necessary to install a generator transfer switch. Electrical codes generally require that this switch be installed by a licensed electrician, so make sure you check the rules in your local area before installing your own generator transfer switch.
