With the modern society reeling under the effects of unpredictable weather systems and power outages, generators find themselves at the center of a lot of attention. As demand increases, different sizes and more number of options are being made available to the consumers. It can be an overwhelming process to buy a generator for the first time and many customers are often left wondering about the purpose of having a transfer switch.
Brains of the operation
In the event of a power outage, the transfer switch alerts the generator and quickly gets started with transferring circuits. Proper safety measures are needed while dealing with any electrical power source and transfer switches provides a variety of actions. They help in changing the power source to your home by providing a safe connection between the household wiring and a generator. It is fine tuned to recognize the minutest of problems where a changeover to alternative power is necessary. Transfer switches also gauge the right time to switch back to normal utility services from the power supplier.
In case you are using a manual transfer switch for generator you will have to throw a switch and turn the power on and off. In case of an automatic transfer switch, it senses the loss or gain of power and reacts accordingly to prevent unwanted breakdown in operations. At the time of purchasing a generator, the various transfer switch options need to be taken into consideration as well. The amount of power needed for running the essential electronic equipment in your house will be the determinant factor in influencing your decision on the choice of a transfer switch.
Why proper transfer switch rating is important
Power overload leads to the same drastic consequences as overloading a washing machine or trailer – there is a severe drop in productivity and the equipment often suffers damage. One of the biggest issues of using a lower rated transfer switch in a generator with higher power rating is that the overloading could lead to fire outbreak.
Let us now take a look at some of the benefits of a manual transfer switch used in emergency power supply generators.
Protection for utility workers
Transfer switches act as a protective measure for utility workers against electrocution by preventing unexpected supply of high voltage current on the local utility lines. Electricity distribution from the utility supply system to neighborhoods and businesses is done at a high voltage but stepped down to the standard household voltage before reaching the homes and most small businesses. In case of some commercial buildings, higher voltages are required.
A line energized by a generator that does not have a proper connection will carry the higher stepped up voltage from the transformer. If a utility worker suddenly comes in contact with a 13000 volts line they considered to be safe it could lead to their injury, burns, or even result in death. With the help of a transfer switch this can be prevented.
Protect the building and generator
Although the power produced by the generator and electric utility is AC in both cases, having matching frequency cycles is very unlikely. The combined electricity supply from either source at the same time will lead to the equivalent of an unprotected short circuit.
At best, the main breaker of the generator will trip and the unit will go off line. With regards to the world of electricity, though, the amount of time taken for the main breaker to trip equals a lifetime. These are designed so as to allow a certain level of overload current for a short duration so that motors and similar equipment can start. This short duration is actually long enough to cause irreparable damage to the generator.
Any condition that leads to damage of the generator also has the potential to damage the electrical systems and appliances in the house that may be connected to it. Electronic systems could get overheated and motors may burn out. Transfer switches ensure that there is no need for multiple extension-cords – a potential safety hazard in itself – and allows hard-wired appliances to run on generator power.
If you are setting up a power backup system at home, ensure you seek professional help to take care of the installation. Electricity is a dangerous thing to work with so it is best to leave it to those who are adept in handling all of it.
