Selecting A Generator Changeover Switchgear

Today power outages are becoming a frequent happening and the order of the day. Thus it is becoming extremely imperative for any family or a business house to plan for power blackouts before it causes a major inconvenience and even loss to your business. Generator Changeover Switchgear can prove to be a highly effective emergency backup system here which can seamlessly, safely and quickly be connected to any generator to supply electricity. It can also reverse the process once the grid power gets restored. However, before purchasing one, many factors should be look into and considered. Some of them are:-

Ampacity draw/usage 

Foremost the ampacity required to adequately supply power to the building needs to be determined before one selects the transfer switch. How many equipments must be powered, will help you determine the power requirements. The transfer switch ampacity and the subpanel must match for a seamless power supply without any interruptions.

Permanent vs. portable generator 

Any permanent generator requires an automatic transfer switch which can transfer the power from the utility grid to the generator in seconds. This minimized downtime is certainly attractive but it is also a costly affair when the overall cost of the unit, its parts, installation and maintenance cost is considered. In some areas, one may require few seismic permits as well as periodic testing.

Manual transfer switch is a more cost-effective alternative to connect any portable generator to the premises even though the power supply is not immediate and may take up to few minutes. However, its installation is much easier. A manual transfer also lends a much smaller footprint which makes them a highly attractive option facing space issues. A portable generator can be rented whenever required or if you have one, you can use them in multiple premises.

Safety requirements 

Typically, any new electrical equipment installation requires a ‘listing’ and approval of Underwriters Laboratories or similar recognized test lab which must be submitted to the local building inspectors. For standby systems or portable generator connection, UL 1008 must be complied and adhered to. Any non-adherence might invite penalties.

Environmental factors 

Any transfer switch would by default be exposed to various environmental factors like heat, rain, rodents etc. Typically a Type 3R enclosure protects the unit from outdoor climatic conditions. To protect the unit from small animals, insects and debris, the enclosure should have a removable cover over the cam opening which is normally located at the bottom of the enclosure. The manual transfer switch is typically always in use after installation. A pad-lockable door bars any unauthorized entry and its lockable handle cover prevents any possible tampering with disconnect handles.

Other factors which need consideration are the connection option and the interlock options. Proper evaluation can help you make the correct choice and make all the difference in the aftermath of any power disaster. Thus, before you select any product, you need to ensure that they are made of the highest quality and can withstand pressure put on it. It is best to read the reviews on the internet to help you make the right choice.