If you have a home standby generator, you can’t overlook the transfer switch. This component ensures uninterrupted power during unforeseen outages. As a homeowner, understanding the significance of a transfer switch in a standby generator system is key to safeguarding your household against the inconvenience and potential hazards of power disruptions. As the experts in installing and maintaining NH generators, our team at Chamberlin Electric is here to explain this critical part of your standby generator.
Let’s take a closer look at this important part of NH generators and how it works.
Automatic Operation
The essential element of the transfer switch’s functionality is its automatic operation. There’s no need for manual intervention. The switch senses when the utility power falters and seamlessly switches to the alternate power source, your generator. This automation ensures that you and your home won’t be without power.
Electrical Isolation
The transfer switch does more than just switch from one power source to another. It also physically isolates the generator from the utility power grid when it takes over. This feature prevents back-feeding electricity into the grid, a measure that protects your appliances and ensures the safety of utility workers on the field.
Load Management
Transfer switches come in various capacities, allowing for customization based on your requirements. When installing your standby generator, the electrician will select a switch with a capacity that meets your needs. Whether you want to power essential appliances or the entire home, the right transfer switch can prioritize what matters most during an outage.
Two Types of Switches
There are two main types of transfer switches: manual transfer switch (MTS) and automatic transfer switch (ATS). The MTS requires manual operation, so it is the type of switch you would need for a portable generator setup. However, for standby generators, you need an ATS because it operates autonomously.
Installation and Maintenance for NH Generators | Chamberlin Electric
There’s a lot more to say about transfer switches, so we’ll continue our explanation of how they work in our next blog post. In the meantime, our team at Chamberlin Electric is here for all your generator-related and residential electrical needs.
