Bridging the Gap: Seamless Transitions with Automatic Transfer Switches

Automatic transfer switches (ATS) are a critical component of many backup power systems and provide a seamless transition to a secondary power source in the event of a primary power failure. A UK provider of power generation equipment understands the importance of reliable ATS.

What is an Automatic Transfer Switch?

An automatic transfer switch is responsible for detecting interruptions or outages in a primary power supply and quickly switching connected electrical loads over to a secondary or backup power source. This switchover, when properly executed, allows for continuous and uninterrupted operation of critical systems and equipment.

● The key purpose is maintaining the continuity of power supply to connected loads 

● Achieved by automatically transitioning loads to a secondary power source when issues detected with the primary supply

● Allows seamless, uninterrupted functioning of vital equipment and systems

● Alternative terminology: emergency power transfer switch, standby switch, backup switch

ATS Types and Options

While all ATS provide the same core functionality, some configuration options include:

● Number of poles - Single pole for switching neutral/ground or multi-pole for switching all supply lines

● Transition type - Open, closed, or delayed 

○ Open Transition ATS

■ Breaks connection from primary power before making a connection to secondary source 

■ A brief interruption in power supply during transfer (not suitable for sensitive loads)

○ Closed Transition ATS 

■ Overlaps the transition period from the primary to secondary power source

■ Enables smooth transfer without interruption 

○ Delayed Transition ATS

■ Inserts time delay before transfer to avoid short-term primary power disruptions

■ Prevents unnecessary switching  

● Voltage and current ratings must match power system properties

● Enclosure type per environment and codes

● Transition speed

● Future expansion capabilities 

How Automatic Transfer Switches Work

The key components of an ATS and their role in detecting issues and facilitating smooth transitions between power sources:

● Control Module - Continuously monitors primary power source for anomalies 

● Voltage Sensors - Detects voltage fluctuations or deviations outside acceptable thresholds

● Frequency Sensors - Detect deviations in primary source frequency 

● Transition Mechanism - Executes transitioning of connected loads to alternate sources upon signal

● Time Delays - Optional feature adds adjustable time delays before switching

● Backup Power Source - Typically a generator or battery system  

● Output Contacts - Safely transitions electrical loads to backup source  

For these facilities, the loss of power supply even for a minute can have drastic consequences in terms of safety, finances, operations continuity, and service provision. Installing reliable ATS integrated with secondary power sources is essential for minimising downtimes from primary source disruptions.

Portable New Generators Are Ideal for Households and Small Offices - Why?

We all know how important an uninterrupted power supply is to maintain the basic operations of small commercial spaces and households. Whether it is a blackout or an appliance downtime, it costs us dearly. This is why households and small commercial setups stay prepared by buying new generators for sale in the UK.

Small offices and households mostly go for portable generators. Here is a list of reasons why these generators are ideal choices.

Emergency power source during blackouts

When your city is hit by a natural disaster, it is most likely the power will go out first. Before disaster management shows up, you can use a modern portable generator to create an alternative power source. It will help you to remain safe in the dark, charge your communication devices, and do many other essential things. Portable power sources are also useful for emergency teams to provide life support at a location far away from a hospital.

Keep your devices running

Our life has undergone a massive transformation in the post-Covid era. Sometimes, we work from home and for that, we have to keep our gadgets handy and charged. Computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, if not charged adequately and at appropriate times, will render us idle. Don’t let power outages drag your productivity down.

A portable generator, on the other hand, is a reliable way to handle power outages. All your family members will remain happy and continue working on their specific duties.

Use your appliances and tools anywhere conveniently

As mentioned earlier, your camping trip will be different when you have a portable generator. You keep the beverages chilled, run a small fan, and can even watch a movie on a projector. You can also work in your garden by using your tools run by the generator without the hassle of drawing power from inside the house.

Protect your devices

A sudden power surge after an outage can damage the connected devices and appliances. It can also lead to a fire incident. Using a generator, in this case, will create an automatic switching function. This function will provide power to the devices and will not let a surge damage them.

Get Your Portable Generator Today!

Always go for the new generators for sale in the UK. Only the latest models will comply with the industry standards and deliver the best emergency power support you need while fulfilling the above-mentioned needs.

Why You Should Replace Your Old Generator Periodically

Generators have long been a crucial part of the UK power infrastructure, providing backup electricity during outages and supporting various industries. However, like any equipment, generators have a finite lifespan. Periodically replacing old generators is a strategic decision that impacts reliability, efficiency, safety, and sustainability. In an age where uninterrupted power supply is critical for businesses, healthcare, and various other industries, buying new generators in the UK is an investment in the future. 

Modern generators incorporate the latest innovations in design, fuel efficiency, and control systems. In this blog, we'll explore the many reasons why it's essential to periodically replace old generators.

Reliability

As generators age, their reliability decreases. Components wear out, and the risk of unexpected failures increases. Old generators may struggle to start, suffer from voltage fluctuations, and produce inconsistent power output. This unreliability can be catastrophic in critical situations, such as during power outages in healthcare facilities or data centres.

Maintenance

Old generators typically require more frequent and costly maintenance. The older the generator, the harder it becomes to find replacement parts, leading to longer downtime during repairs. Modern generators come equipped with advanced remote monitoring and control systems, which can help identify and address issues before they become critical. This proactive approach to maintenance reduces downtime and improves overall system reliability.

Environment

Older generators are often less fuel-efficient and emit higher levels of pollutants. Replacing them with newer models can reduce emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment and helping to combat climate change. Modern generators adhere to stricter environmental regulations and are designed with sustainability in mind. With rising fuel prices and a growing emphasis on sustainability, upgrading to a more fuel-efficient generator can lead to substantial long-term benefits.

Safety

Old generators may pose safety risks due to outdated technology and worn-out components. Safety standards and regulations change over time, and newer generators are designed to meet the latest safety requirements. Replacing old generators ensures that safety is not compromised, especially in environments where human lives and critical operations are at stake. 

By embracing the advantages of modern generator technology, businesses and homes can reduce operating costs, minimise downtime, and contribute to a cleaner environment. With special government policies and incentives, it's a no-brainer to buy a new generator in the UK and maintain competitiveness. In the long run, the benefits of periodically replacing old generators far outweigh the outlay costs, ensuring a reliable and efficient power supply for years to come.

Cleaning And Testing An Automatic Transfer Switch: Best Safety Practices

An automatic transfer switch or ATS is a generator accessory that automatically detects power outages and restores power from a secondary source. It is safe to use and convenient, since manual switching is not required. But do you know how to clean an auto-transfer switch and check if it is working in order? Here it is…

How to clean an automatic changeover switch?

First and foremost, you have to de-energise the ATS. If you do not know the correct method, you should hire a professional to do it. Avoid using a blower while cleaning the debris and dust since it can lodge the dirt deeper into the units. This can cause irreversible damage to the equipment. Instead, use a soft bristle brush or a cloth to clean the dust and grime. Once this is done, apply lubrication to the parts that carry current.

 

If you are planning for a deep clean, remove the transfer switch barriers or the arc chutes so you can take a closer look. In case you notice dirt build-up, immediately clean it with a soft and dry cloth. Surface deposits can be hazardous for the auto changeover switch. The most important thing to remember is that cleaning the ATS frequently will lengthen its life and ensure better performance for years.

How to check if the ATS is functioning correctly?

After you have cleaned the ATS, you must check its functioning. One way to do it is by ensuring that all ATS control devices operate perfectly and have the correct settings outlined by the manufacturer. You must also investigate the settings for all connected timers and make the necessary changes.

 

In addition, you can test the transfer switch under different circumstances. For instance-

 

●     a standard total outage situation

●     a complete loss of emergency power

●     and a re-energized normal power source following an outage

 

This test helps you identify the efficiency of the automatic changeover switch under different situations. Here you can investigate any abnormalities and fix them with the help of a certified technician. 

 

Stay backed-up. Stay Productive.

Be it a residential or commercial space, a 24/7 power supply is necessary. Since control power cuts are predicted in current situations, you should be prepared for them with good-quality generators and switches. To experience a wide range of cutting-edge power backup options, visit the nearby electric equipment shop that specialises in generators and automatictransfer switches.

Getting New Generators as Buffer Against Grid Failures

Most businesses today use tremendous amounts of electricity, and a stable power supply is a must for the normal functioning of any business. However, one can not always rely on the mains grid for power 24/7, as there is always the risk of fluctuations, brownouts, blackouts, or some other issue interrupting the supply. 

Therefore, getting a new generator as a backup insurance policy is always safe so that if anything goes wrong with the mains, you can still enjoy a steady supply of electricity. However, there are a few things to consider when buying a new generator. Let us see what those factors are- 

1. Power Output - Each generator model has a different power output, and it is worth checking your power requirements before buying. Too low of a wattage will result in not all your devices working, but too high of output will result in idle capacity, which is a waste of money.
2. Fuel Type - Generators can run on various fuel types, such as kerosene, diesel, natural gas, petrol, etc. You should research the costs and availability of different fuel types in your neighborhood and choose a generator appropriately to ensure cost-effective usage.
3. Portability - Depending on your use case for the generator, you may need one that can be easily moved around to supply power at various events, emergencies etc. While larger new generators are often more fuel efficient, it can still be worthwhile to check out some portable options too. 
4. Noisiness - Some new generators can be extremely noisy, and using them in a residential area might cause problems. Depending on your area and needs, you should test the noise level produced by the generator to ensure it isn’t too noisy. Keep in mind that quieter generators can often cost more.
5. Safety - It is essential to ensure safety when running a generator, so check to make sure that the new generator has all the required safety features, such as a surge protector, circuit breaker, and fire safety mechanisms. Not only will these features protect the generator from damage, but they also ensure that no disaster occurs due to poor handling.
6. Brand - A highly complex machine like a generator should come from a reputable brand with a reputation for safety and efficiency. Research some common brands before buying to make sure you don’t get scammed.

Check all these parameters while buying a new generator. You will be sure to get a machine that is useful, safe, and value for money. 

Care For Your Generator Before It Is Too Late

Are you planning to buy a new generator in the UK? A generator is undoubtedly a worthy investment in an era where 24/7 connectivity is a necessity. However, there are a few maintenance tips you must follow to prolong the life of your generator and keep it functioning for years. 

5 tips for generator maintenance for extended use

1. Change oils and lubricants regularly: It is the first and the most important step of caring for a generator. Just like a car, generators also need oil changes. In the case of a new generator, the first oil change should be done after 20 hours. Then consequently, after every 100 hours, you must change the oil. You can also stock up on oil so you do not run out. 
2. Power up the generator every three months: If the generator is seldom or has not been used in a long time, charge it for 30 minutes every three months. It ensures that the engine is working smoothly. You can also identify minor problems and repair them before an emergency. 
3. Inspect the air filters: Air filters protect a generator from dust and debris that can otherwise get into the combustion chambers. Old and clogged air filters lose their efficiency and can damage the engine. Therefore, it is essential to change the air filters frequently, especially if using the generator daily. 
4. Avoid using stale gasoline: Stale gasoline can damage the engine of a generator. Therefore, always use fresh gasoline. If you seldom use the generator, then drain the gasoline when not in use. You can use a stabiliser to make it last longer; however, that is not a permanent solution. 
5. Allow the generator to cool down before refuelling: Before adding gasoline to the generator, ensure that it has cooled down. Give at least a 15 to 20 minutes window. You can start a fire by pouring gasoline into a hot generator, especially if it spills onto the hot engine parts. The briefest fire incident can damage the generator beyond repair and cause life threats. 

Buy a new generator in the UK with Blades Power Generation:

We are your one-stop destination for finding the best backup power sources and services. Be it for your home or office, restaurant or hospital, we have a solution for everyone. Based on your requirement and budget, Blades Power Generation matches you with your ideal generators. 

Should You Use A Manual Or Automatic Changeover Switch?

More businesses these days are installing a standby generator that will keep them powered if / when the mains power goes down. The way things are in the UK today, there is ever more likelihood of power outages, and if this should happen to you, your business is going to come to a halt. Having a standby generator will enable everything and everyone to keep functioning when the mains power fails.

If you are considering installing a generator, it needs to be of the appropriate size to run all of the equipment that you use in your business. At Blades Power Generation, we have generators in a wide range of sizes, ranging in price from £482 to £20,594, so there is bound to be one that is right for your business. We also have a number of second-hand generators available, so there may be one that is the right size for your business for a lower cost.

Whatever size of generator you need, you will also need a changeover switch. This performs the function of switching off from the mains when the power goes down and then switching to the generator when it is up and running.

There are two types of changeover switch, either a manual changeover switch or an automatic one. Whichever type you choose, that again has to be of the right size. The big advantage of a manual changeover switch is the cost.

Downside

However, there is a downside, as you can imagine. When you have a manual switch and the power goes down, you need to switch off from the mains. You then have to go to the generator and start it up. When it is running at full power, you then have to go back to the manual switch and switch it over to the generator.

Then, when the mains power is back on, you have to go and switch the manual switch to the “off” position, then switch off the generator, then go back to the switch and switch back to the mains.

It is a legal requirement to have a changeover switch because if you did not, and the mains power came into contact with the generator, it would almost certainly burn out the generator. The other way around, if the generator power should backfeed into the mains it could put the lives of workers at risk.

All in all, although an automatic generator is more expensive, it is by far and away the best option.

The Benefits Of An Automatic Changeover Switch - Vs - Manual

If you are thinking of buying and installing an electricity generator for your home, you are not alone. With all of the situations that we are facing just now, including the lack of gas from Russia, the race to go green which has resulted in lack of drilling for oil in the North Sea, and the hold that was put on fracking in the Northwest, the possibility of power outage is as great as it has ever been. So, buying a generator for your home makes a lot of sense.

At Blades Power Generation, as our name suggests, we can provide you with the generator for your home or business that you need. The most important thing when buying a generator is to ensure that you have one which will produce enough power for your needs. 

Different Sizes

Generators come in many different sizes as far as power output is concerned, so if you are going to buy one, you need to calculate what size you need. Ideally, you should then invest in a generator which can produce a bit more than you need. There are ways of calculating your requirements yourself, but it is better to let a qualified electrician calculate the figures for you.

You will also need what is known as a changeover switch. This is a legal requirement. When the power goes down you have to change from the mains to your generator, and vice versa when the mains power comes back on. However, you cannot have both mains power and generator on at the same time. This could cause your generator to fail and/or result in injury to engineers working to restore the mains.

So, the changeover switch is used to switch from one to the other. You can have either a manual changeover switch or an automatic changeover switch. If you have a manual switch, it means that when the power goes down you have to go to your generator and fire it up. Then once it is running, you can manually switch from mains to generator. Equally, when the power comes back on you turn off the generator and switch back to the mains. All fine if you happen to be at home. Not so good if you are away for a few days and your freezer goes down and maybe your tropical fish don’t get the warm water they need.

As you might guess, an automatic changeover switch does all this for you, firing up the generator when the mains power goes down and then switching over to it. And of course, the other way around when the power comes back on again. So much easier and simpler.  

What To Do If You Do Not Have A Standby Generator And The Power Goes Down

If you are running a business that relies on electricity - and apart from farmers and gardeners, who isn’t? – there are some things that you need to know if the power goes down. We take electricity for granted, but the way the world is going it is very likely that there will be many more power shortages in future.

What with the lack of oil and gas from Russia and the fact that, in the UK at least, we are not going to have new fossil fuel-run cars from 2030, we are going to need more electricity than we are using now. Add to that the fact that our government doesn’t want to begin fracking, and we are heading towards the day when the lights going out will be a regular occurrence.

This is why more and more businesses – and families as well – are investing in generators in order to provide continuing electricity when the power goes down.

When, not if, it does, there are some things that you need to do if you don’t have a generator. The first is to switch off appliances when the power goes down. If you have a laptop, you can run it on the battery, of course. But you need to switch appliances off because when the power comes back on there can be a power surge. This can cause damage to the appliances. It is OK to leave a light on because that will tell you when the power is restored.

Check with your neighbours, whether business or other residents. If they have power, the issue is likely to be in your own home or business, soyou will need to call an electrician.

There is a free service in England, Scotland, and Wales which you can call on 105 on your mobile. This can give you information regarding a power cut in your area and an estimate of when the power will be back on.

If you run a business, you may also want to call important customers to let them know that you have an issue. You can also do this using your business social media.

Of course, the perfect answer is to invest in a backup generator for your home or business connected to an automatic changeover switch. This means that when the power goes down, the automatic changeover switch will instantly fire up the generator, and when it is up and running switch from mains to generator. So, you will only be without power for a matter of seconds.

A Used Generator Could Save You A Lot Of Money

April 1^st is only just around the corner, and for many people it is going to result in a vast increase in their electricity bills. The energy price cap is going to increase by no less than 54%, which means that those on default tariffs paying by direct debit will see an increase of £693 from £1,277 to £1,971 per year. Prepayment customers will see an increase of £708 from £1,309 to £2,017.

Furthermore, what many people haven’t taken into account is that the prices are going to be lifted again in October.The Chief Executive of Ofgem, Jonathan Brearley, said “The energy market has faced a huge challenge due to the unprecedented increase in global gas prices, a once in a 30-year event, and Ofgem’s role as energy regulator is to ensure that, under the price cap, energy companies can only charge a fair price based on the true cost of supplying electricity and gas”.

However, for many people, a price increase of 54% is not going to seem a “fair” price. No wonder April 1^st is called “April Fools’ Day”.

Why Not Buy Your Own Generator?

So, what can you possibly do about it? One thing might be to consider purchasing a generator of your own, as it may be that you can produce a fair amount of the energy you need for electricity with one of those in your own backyard. It is certainly worth looking into.

Many people already have a standby generator for their homes and businesses because power outages do happen, and they have been occurring more frequently with the recent storms that have blown in. If you have a standby generator, you can team it with an automatic transfer switch which will mean that when the power goes down it will only affect you for a matter of seconds. This is because the switch will detect the power outage, fire up the generator, and then the lights will come straight back on.

Not only that, but you can buy used generators today. It operates just like the second-hand car market. When you buy a new car, you trade in your old one and the dealer then sells it on. The same thing works with used generators, so you can buy a second-hand one for a lot less than a new one. So, you can save money on the generator and also save money on your electricity bills in a lot of instances.

Why Buy A New Generator? Save Money With A Used One

 

If you are thinking of investing in a generator to power your home or your business in the event of a power outage, you are one of a growing number of people who are realising that outages are likely to become more common, and that if you want to continue using electricity when they occur then you do need to have a backup.

To some extent it is a personal choice, because some people would consider having even one power outage too inconvenient and that it warrants a generator anyway. However, if you live in an area with frequent outages – by which we mean more than three blackouts a year – or ones that go on for hours or even days, then a generator is more of a necessity than a convenience.

used generators for sale in UK

 

 

 

Generators are available in a wide range of sizes and are sized by kilowatts – the amount of power that they can produce. One kilowatt is a thousand watts, so a 17kw generator can produce 17,000 watts of electrical power. So, the size of generator that you need will be determined by the amount of power that you need to produce to run your electrical appliances. In order to work out the size of generator that you need, it is a good idea to have an experienced electrician to calculate the amount of power that you require.

There are two main costs associated with a generator and they are the cost of the generator itself and the cost of installation. It also needs to sit on a concrete base, so you have to allow for that as well. You can buy a 1kw generator for as little as £300, but the cost of installation, which takes 2 – 3 days, will add another £1,000 on top. A 15kw generator is around £6,000, while a 45 kw one would be £10,000. (Those are estimates, of course).

However, you don’t need to buy a new generator. At Blades Power Generation we have used generators for sale in the UK. This is much the same as buying a second-hand car. It will work perfectly OK but will cost a lot less than new. Sure, it might have a couple of scratches, but if you can save £1,000 or £2,000, or even more it’s well worth it.

Our stocks of used generators for sale in the UK obviously change all the time, so contact us with your requirements.

Automatic Transfer Switch or Manual. Which Is Best?

  

If you have a generator as a backup in the case of the local electricity mains failing, it is a legal requirement to have a transfer, or changeover, switch. This is for two reasons.

First there is the danger to electricity workers. If the generator has been powered up and the mains reconnects, it could back feed electricity into the mains. There is also a danger to the generator because if the mains powers up again while it is running it could burn out your generator. So, the system is designed so that the generator and the mains can never be in contact with one another.

Now your transfer switch can either be manually operated or it can be automatic. A manual changeover switch requires somebody to be on the premises when the mains power goes down whereas an automatic transfer switch does not. Both perform the same function, but the automatic transfer switch does it automatically which saves time and reduces the power outage length. 

If the power goes down and you have a manual changeover switch, it means that you have to go to wherever the generator is situated and start it up. Once it is up and running, you can then manually switch to the generator. Of course, when the mains power comes back on you have to reverse the procedure by switching off the generator and only then can you switch back to the mains.

 

 

The Automatic Switch Does It For you

An automatic changeover switch does all this for you. It monitors the mains power and when it goes down it sends a signal to the generator to start. When the generator is running at full speed it sends a signal back to the transfer switch telling it to disconnect from the mains and connect to the generator.

Some automatic transfer switches do not have mains detection built in. In this instance, the mains detection would have to be in the generator or elsewhere. If the generator detects a mains power outage, it sends a signal to the automatic transfer switch to disconnect from the mains and then starts up. Once it is running it sends a signal to the changeover switch to now connect to the generator.

At Blades Power Generation we have a complete range of both manual and automatic changeover switches. Manual transfer switches are less expensive, but for the sake of convenience, an automatic transfer switch is the preference of most people.