Top 3 Reasons Why You Need A Manual Changeover Switch

Having an alternate power source is a smart way of managing your home, especially in areas that have frequent power shortage. The criteria are even more important for certain types of homes. Homeowners that have a business, practice, or production line up functioning from their homes need the alternate power supply to ensure there is consistency of connection throughout their work process. In addition, homes with small kids and elderly family members should have a proper lighting during all times, a situation, which can be helped if you have a generator or inverter backup for blackouts.

In the midst of arranging for a power backup source, often people overlook the need for the right kind f trigger mechanism for the alternate connection. You do not have to spend a lot on generators, especially if you are just looking to power a few circuits of your home at a time. However, you do need a proper changeover mechanism to ensure that the generator does not come on too suddenly during a blackout and in the process fries your device completely. A Manual Changeover Switch is the ideal solution for this situation. Here are a few tips on why you need to install one immediately.

Appropriate switch to handle appropriate device power

You need to put in manual transfer switches to ensure that the correct ampere of power is triggered during the changeovers. Always check the power chord that comes with your power backup device. The amp of the changeover switch will be exactly the same amount as that of the chord. This helps in balancing the power changeover during the blackouts.

Better control of the changeover

Often homes have more multiple circuits engaged at a given time. With a blackout, if there is no changeover witch to pause and boot the process, the generators will come on suddenly. In this scenario, all the engaged circuits will also be triggered. If your generator down not have the proper wattage to support that many circuits at the same time, this phenomenon will fry your device. It will nullify the entire point of having a power backup if the device is damaged every time there is a blackout and current changeover.

With a manual transfer switch, you will need to trigger this switch to get your generators to engage with your circuits. You can take the time to first switch off all the unnecessary circuits and then trigger the changeover switch to ensure safe and effective power back up changes every time.

Control over the type of switch

Finally, you can decide on the type of switch you need depending on the number of circuits you want to engage at all times, even during power breaks. If you buy a generator of more than 5000 wattage, it can power a higher circuit count. You can buy a changeover switch of appropriate circuit counts to support the phenomenon. In this case, you can buy a switch that powers over 10 circuits at a time.

Top 4 Factors That Affect Your Choice of Emergency Power Backup Devices

Choosing an emergency backup power supply for your home or commercial properties is a tricky affair. You need to be careful about your choice and base it on a multitude of factors. You also have to be careful about the suitability of the power backups to your current main electric system. A simple miscalculation on the correct matching of the right wattage of generator to the right power supply needs might actually damage many of your devices, and fry many circuits of your homes. The following tips however, have been designed to help you process the many choices of Emergency Power backup devices in the market. You can streamline your list of choices based on these factors and make the final decision after checking all the relevant facts and information.

Budget allocation

Always allocate a budget to the project before you begin the process of sifting through the many products available in the market. The budget can be flexible but it should provide a maximum capping for the products so you know what the higher limit is. Do not cross that limit when buying the product. Remember, the higher limit should be set with the inclusion of how much it will cost you to maintain the generator once you have it installed. Often people buy the product with the lowest initial cost but end up paying a lot more during the maintenance.

Why you need the emergency backup

You should be clear about why you want to buy the product. Make sure you have a list of the expectations you have from your generator. The list should clearly mention whether the device is to backup the power supply of a commercial property or a residential property. Do you just need the device as a stand by for rare emergencies or are the power shortage situations are quite frequent in your area? Also note down whether the device is meant to power a few circuits even within the property or you wish to keep a consistent power supply over a large number of circuits.

Brand assurance

Brand value in the case of generators can come in quite handy. Whether you are buying a used generator or a new one, always check the quality of the brand and research the product lines before you make the purchase. New generators will come with the additional advantage of warranty over the device. However, even in the case of used generators a better brad will have a higher lasting power thus potentially reducing your risk factor in buying a used device.

Right kind of changeover switch for your product

Finally, always check the type of changeover switch that you need to install with your generator to give the most appropriate power backup to your existing system. Most residences prefer manual transfer switch, which is cheaper and allows a safe time to trigger the switch only after you have safely closed non-essential circuits. Automatic transfer switches will be more expensive but are a better fit for commercial properties. These switches will automatically changeover to emergency backup with a slight delay time to allow for safe transition from the main supply.

How to choose – Used generators Vs New generators

Research is important before any significant purchase. Especially, for purchases, which will determine the fate of your entire working process or the backup power for your entire electrical system, needs to be carefully planned out. When buying generators often people are bogged down by the very superficial features and do not take the time to get a bit technical with their research. The truth is if you want to make an informed decision on whether to choose old generators or New Generators, you have to be proactive with the information gathering process. The following factors have been explained in detail to help the buyers reach a precise conclusion about their purchase. Always take in to account the factors that are most appropriate for your project to make the decision.

Budget

The primary factor when buying any product is the budget you have allocated for it. In case of generator devices, this becomes a prime criterion. You have to invest this huge price margin at one time to get your device and have it installed. However, do not disregard the hidden costs of maintenances down the line. A product that you buy because of low initial costs without checking if they require a higher frequency of maintenance will actually cost you much higher at the end. In general used generator devices will almost always cost lower than the same model of the new versions. However, in case of the new devices you might also have some upgraded features added to the product.

Manufacturer’s warranty

Used generators do not come with the manufacturer’s warranty because they have been used for a considerable period. The new generator devices do come with a warranty period and these periods are considerably large since the devices are meant to last. If you are looking to set up a generator device for the very first time for your production offices or business environment, going with a new device will be ideal to ensure that you do not end up paying too much during the learning curve of the power backup handling.

Availability of parts

While used generators are much cheaper in comparison to new power backup devices, you will need to check if the used engine still has parts available in the market. Often used generators are tricky to maintain because the brands have discontinued the sale of the original replacement arts. You have to check if there are substitute parts available in same power class to help maintain your device. However, these same criteria can be a hindrance for new devices because a new product line might also stop production of replacement parts in a couple of years. Always check with the company to get the right idea about the availability of original replacement parts for both types of generators before you purchase.

Availability of the product

Finally, with used generators, you do not have to wait for the limited period availability or lead times of the brands. You can simply buy a used engine and have it installed immediately. This is an advantage that the old generators have over the more popular brands of new generator devices.

Top 3 Pros And Cons Of Using An Automatic Transfer Switch For Your Establishment

Consistent power supply is essential for most major establishments that are now dependent on the electric supply for the powering of major devices and security mechanisms. Often major establishments like the hospitals, banks, data centers, big corporate offices, prisons, and IT hubs put in high-power generators in place to ensure there is a consistent supply of electricity even under conditions of mechanical failures or power shortage. The establishments might have either new or used generators in place; however, the efficiency of these devices depends on the power transfer mechanism, which is the main function for these devices.

The power transfer mechanism is vastly depending on the type of load transfer switches that have been installed with your system. Many establishments continue to ponder over the pros and cons of the two main types of load transfer switches – Manual and automatic. While the manual switches need to be triggered by a personnel of the establishment, the Automatic Transfer Switch is triggered seamlessly at any indication of blackouts. Here is a look at the three major pros and cons of the automatic versions of load transfer switches.

Advantages of Automatic transfer switches

• The biggest advantage of automatic power transfer switch is that it can automatically transfer the load of the power on to the generator. This makes the transition from main power supply to the generator seamless and the establishment does not lose even a minute of time in the power break.

• The second advantage of an automatic changeover switch s that it has built in sensors to detect any fluctuations in the voltage and frequency of the main power supply. These sensors have an optimum set mark and if the power goes below his mark, the generator will automatically trigger on. If there is a power trip at any one part of the establishment, the generators will handle the shortage of power created due to that issue.

• The final advantage of the switches is that they have a time delay mechanism, which strives to protect both the generator device and your electric circuits from the fluctuations in power. The time delay strikes at between 0-5 seconds during the beginning of the power transfer from main to generator. The end of the transfer session has a time delay of 1- 30 minutes where the generator normalizes according to the main power supply before the full transfer of circuits is made on to the main.

Disadvantages of the automatic power switches

• The major disadvantage of the automatic transfer switches is that there is a higher margin of error for many establishments. There can be discrepancies in choosing the appropriate power of switch to support the number of generators an establishment has in place. This often leads to the failure of the entire mechanism.

• The second disadvantage is that the automatic switches are a tad bit more expensive than manual switches.

• The automatic switches will also need a more technical and elaborate maintenance routine as compared to the manual switches.

Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide To Picking The Right Manual Transfer Switch

Modern world thrives on power. Without electricity driving your gadgets and your smart controlled homes, you will find it difficult to sustain a smooth urban living. However, power blackouts are just as much of a reality. Having a proper power transfer back up is essential to keeping your home always connected to an alternate power source. With proper transfer switches, you can ensure that the main circuits of your house are always connected to a power source. Transfer switches also ascertain that only the appropriate amount of circuits is attached to the alternate power source depending on the source’s capacity. Manual transfer switches are ideal options as they are quite affordable and they allow the user full control over the transfer of the power source in times of blackouts.

Here are a few tips to help you pick the perfect Manual Transfer Switch for your home generators and alternate power connectivity.

Chose on the basis of Amps

You can start your transfer switch search quite simply by looking for the proper amp measurements ideal for your project. To do this, simply check the power chord that has been supplied with the generator or inverter device. You will need the exact amp transfer switch as the amp measurement of the power chord.

Choose how many circuits you need powered at all times

Every homeowner has a different sensibility for this topic. You might be basing a business or work from home, in which case you will need a high watt generator to power maximum circuits of your home office and functional areas of your home. If you are just installing a generator to ensure that you are not left completely in pitch dark during blackouts, you can make do with a lower wattage generator. The rule of thumb is to remember that 5000 watts power about six full circuits of normal homes. If you are using generator larger than a 5000-watt version, pick a transfer switch for 10 or more circuits, which can comfortably handle the power transfer for appropriate amount of circuit connections in your home.

Always check for availability of a wattage meter

Checking the load on your power source is important to ensure that you do not fry the whole generator system trying to power more circuits than is possible for the device. The dilemma is solved with the use of ideal wattage meters placed on most modern manual transfer switches. You can check the amount of wattage currently powered by the generator and ensure that the system is not overloaded. The entire point of a manual switch is to give you better direct control. Make sure this feature is present on your switches to actually control the alternate power supply in your house. You can also watch the meter to ascertain that you save pressure on the generator to make the charge last for longer during periods of severe power blackouts.

Also, check whether the transfer switch comes with proper installation kits with mounting options for transfer switches on the walls. You can also get your repairperson to put the switch in to a recessed wall area.

What Is the Appropriate Time To Replace Your Emergency Generator System

Many times your emergency generator may face some issues and won’t work properly. In this case, you will have to immediately get is replaced as delay may lead to more problems.

Time to Change Your Emergency Generator

• Age: If you have been maintaining your emergency generator but it still stops working, the reason probably would be the age of the generator. When your generator is very old, the replacement of the parts gets harder to find. The company might stop manufacturing the parts of the particular generator model may and then it will be almost impossible to repair the unit.
• Reliability and Maintenance: when your generator has been continuously giving problems, the reason may be poor maintenance. You will have to turn to a professional or company that is quite reliable when you are going for a repair, though it gets really difficult to get one sometimes. Also the costs of the repair aren’t very economical.
• Capacity Needs: when your emergency generator has been there since years and you have new equipment installed to your place, you would require more powers supply to make them work. If you have an older emergency generator, it won’t be able to take load and provide power to all the equipment that you have at your place. A new generator that can handle more load will now be needed at your place.
• Operational Knowledge: a modern emergency generator and electrical switchgear can easily communicate their statuses. Remote monitoring has now become very much common. You need to have a proper knowledge about your generator in order to keep it well functioning. Modern generators are very user-friendly and have many upgraded features.
• Go Green: your previous emergency generator exhausts the engine and create loud noise that may make it very difficult to use. Keeping in mind the safety of the environment, science and technology has come up with modern emergency generator that does not emit harmful emissions and is eco-friendly. Plus, they are also designed to manage the noise levels.
• Fuel Considerations: if you have a diesel generator, fuel storage may be a big issue. It can deteriorate the functioning of your emergency generator. The modern generators have been made that runs on the combination of natural gas and diesel that can lower down your problems. It is also environmental-friendly and commercially viable.
• Start-up Problems: if any electrical device starts giving you problems when you start them, it is a sign that you need to get them replaced. When your emergency generator gives you problem and takes long to start you should get it replaced.

You must have a periodical inspection of your emergency power generator and see that it is working well or not. With the benefits of modern generator and the continuous problems that you face with your old generator, replacing is a good option.

If you are looking for a reputed company to purchase modern generators, Blades Power Generation is the right company for you. For quality power panels, automatic transfer switches, generator connection, inverters and other panel parts, you can visit www.bladespowergeneration.co.uk and get a quality new modern power generator.

Switchgear Buying Guide - Important Aspect to Consider While Buying Switchgear

Electrical switchgear helps to connect a generator to facilitate loads that forms a backbone for your power system. When you want to replace your generator or switchgear, there are some points that you need to keep in mind.

Components and Construction

The construction of switchgear is the key to its functioning. The cabinets are fabricated with heavy-gauge steel and welded to give rigidity and strength. They are tested for every weather type and conditions. The enclosed part is protected by electrostatic powder coating that is corrosion-resistant. The switchgear must be durable. The wires must be flame-resistant with permanent sleeve marker on both ends.

Controls

Your switchgear must have PLC based digital controls to provide auto-start and synchronising power when there is a power outage. The switchgear also consists of manual start, load controls and paralleling to start the generator automatically when power is out.

Long-term Considerations

The switchgear must have grounded and separately accessible compartment with a draw out power circuit breaker placed in the component. Also you need to check for warranty schemes before purchasing switchgear.

A company that offers you a two year warranty might build a better product than the company that doesn’t provide any guarantee. The company must be service oriented company and should provide their technicians in case any problem takes place.

Managing Cost

You need to keep in the mind about your budget for switchgear. You will have to manage the initial cost, installation cost, commissioning cost and maintenance cost in the budget amount.

Maintenance

Switchgear is typically low-maintenance and long life electrical item. Though it is a low-maintenance item, overlooking on this component can cause real troubles for your generator. Most of the times due to water, high moisture, dust and vibration your switchgear can get a trouble.

The excessive vibrations can make loose the terminations and dust and moisture may cause an excessive wear. You must check all the connections and switches to verify whether they are binding or not. The connections and contacts should also be inspected for tightness, pitting and discoloration.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Backup power generators are very useful and with a regular and proper maintenance you can use them till for longer duration. But there must be proper supply of diesel and profane gas for the generator.
• You should plan the location of your backup generator carefully. They emit noise and vibrations hence location must be chosen wisely.
• The UPS systems must be sited carefully. As these generators generate a lot of heat on a normal operation. Also make sure that all the loads are properly connected to your system.

When you are purchasing switchgear, you need to have proper knowledge about your generator and the requirements. It an important component to provide a proper backbone to your backup power system

If you want to buy generator switchgear UK, you can easily find the best products from manufactured by trusted and reputed brand Blade Power Generation. They provide the best quality products with good customer support.

Guide to Choose the Right Transfer Switch for Your Portable Generators

If you want to look for economical solutions to curb electric supply concerns or experience periodic power outage problem, a manual transfer switch can really be a life saver for fast and safe power supply. However, before installing a manual switch you must understand and take an overview of electrical capacity of your house demands.

It is suggested that with the electrical appliances like High Voltage Air Condition system, computers, security systems, and refrigerators, you should consult an OEM manufacturer to design and make your switch.

A manual switch needs to be installed beside an primary electrical panel and further connected to the other circuits where you want it running during the power outage. There are different sort of manual portable generators available for the home users. You need to start this type of powered generator manually. When there is a power outage, simply crank the generator and use one power cord to the transfer switch and as soon as generator starts running, energize the circuit by flipping the required transfer switch.

Let us now read further with the tips on how you can choose the right manual switch for your property.

Circuits

Transfer switches are pre-wired with aligned circuit breakers. If you use a powerful generator; you can power more circuits. Generators with 5000 watts have the capacity to restore power for six circuits. You should opt for ten circuit manual switch if you use large generators. So, no matter how long power outage stays or the cause of it, you would need to power many systems which are critical for day-to-day functioning.

Amps

The size of your manual switch will also depend on the size of your portable generator and property. Amp is a term used for measuring the amount of consumed electricity. If you have a big factory, warehouse, or store you will need multiple systems to power function, you will also need bigger generators and this will also demand manual switches with more number of amps. The simplest way to measure the size of a manual switch is by measuring the size the power cord.

Wattage Meters

Wattage meters keep track of all the electrical devices being powered. Required wattage also depends on the number of circuits you want to run and the electrical capacity of your property. More the circuits, higher wattage needed.

Please remember that only a professional team of trained electrical engineers can assess your property and electrical requirement associated with it. While installing a manual switch you can opt to have it installed on your wall in garage or basements. The power supply can go off at any point of time. You can simply turn on the generators through these manual switches for emergency backup.

If you are a resident of UK and looking for a certified help on deciding the type of transfer switches for your house to complement your portable generator, you can contact Blades Power Generation. They are one of the established service names in the industry for providing safe and quality power panels.

Generator Buying Guide - Things to Consider While Making a Purchase Decision

If you are tired of routine cuts to the power supply in your area or if your business cannot afford the loss of production due to the long power outage, then you know you need a portable generator. The decision is logical and an important one to curb the situation. However, there are many factors you need to consider while purchasing a generator. To simply the process of deciding you must know your expectations about your requirement.

In this article, we take you through different points that you can consider and may help you simplify the search of perfect generators.

Power Requirement:

Power needs are one of the determining factors for choosing the size of the generator. If there is a power outage, will you require only the emergency loads for certain units or should it run the complete building? Based on the choice, if power requirement is for the complete building you need to keep in tab on things like peak demands in summer time and amperage of services. If you are considering only the emergency loads, you need to also consider emergency circuits.

Fuel Type:

One of the common types of fuel used in emergency generators is natural gas, diesel, and propane. The cost of these fuel types can be one of the factors while choosing among all three options. Another thing is the availability of the fuel source. Diesel gives an on-site facility along with a refill requirement during the extended power outage and natural gas can be filled from local resource utility.

Location:

Generators should be well located in the area where it is easily accessible for repair and maintenance. It should be kept away in a higher location to prevent water to reach the generator.
If you plan for indoor location, ensure the requirements for ventilation, fuel supply, exhaust, and its proximity to an inflammable material. For outdoor generator installation, adhere to the requirements for distance from building openings and combustible substances and walls. Have your generator installed nearby a fuel supply and transfer switch.

Features:

Some important features to ensure you are buying the best generator are the automatic start, fuel gauge, multiple outlets, inverter technology, low oil off, alternative fuel options, electric start, along with wheels and removable consoles.

Warranty:

Look for a standard warranty provided by an OEM depending on the type of generator. Residential one comes with a standard warranty of one to five years, whereas industrial generators come with one to two years of warranty and extension offers. Understand the coverage and upgrade cost.

Maintenance

Like every electrical appliance, your generator also needs proper maintenance to have the product run as expected till the power outage. Negligence can lead to product failure during the critical time. You can either opt for professional maintenance program or follow the guide and do it by yourself.

Therefore, if you want that your patio also keep lightening like your neighbour during the power outbreak, or your business does not go unattended during those extended outages, get a standby generator with above considerations to not let the wind, rain, and snow keep you stay in the darkness.

Blades Power Generation is one of the famous brands for manufacturing precise and top-notch electric panel and transfer switches. You can reach them by calling them on +44 (0) 1453 821322 - 799655 or visit their website www.bladespowergeneration.co.uk for more information.

Automatic Transfer Switch - Reasons Why You Should Buy These Switches

If you have ever experienced power outage, then you would understand the effect it causes on your work. You may be able to withstand it for few hours, but if you are running a busi-ness, the power outage can prove critically tragic and results into a certain level of loss es-pecially if your critical functions depend on the continuous power supply. In order to curb this situation, be prepared with a backup generator which is accessed through an automatic transfer switch.

Automatic switches have special circuits that allow the process of transfer to be managed by computer. Such switches are majorly used by companies that cover and occupy large space setting and include more generators to provide service to numerous buildings.

Types of Switches

Automatic switches also require more maintenance especially the “open transition switches” which helps in removing a facility from power grid before transferring towards generating power supply.

This entitles with a 24-hour power supply and relies on another type of switches known as “closed transition switches” which immediately connect the facility to power because it re-mains connected to power grid briefly.

Open transitions switches are commonly used in residential settings and sometimes in retail stores as well. However, the closed transition switches are recommended for large com-mercial units.

Let us now learn about various advantages of using automatic switches:

• Uninterrupted Power Supply

  Automatic switches are the best option if your business requires constant power supply to manage critical service functions like hospitals, fire departments, prisons and jails, police departments and defence organisations. In such settings, the automatic switches hold more importance to deal with the emergency conditions.

• Efficient switching to power generators

  Unlike the manual transfer switches, you do not have to go through the task of locating the switches once the light goes out. Automatic switches offer changeover and start automati-cally without affecting the power supply of the building and with the unnoticeable effects of the outage, letting the business go on like before.

• Convenient for less accessible power generators

  Small business owners usually put the generator in the small utility rooms which are either in the upper area where you may need a ladder to reach, some with key access. During a power outage having to turn on the manual switch is highly inconvenient and contains po-tential dangers. Having accosted automatic switch can power the generator from any loca-tion of the building.

Hence, if you own any business and consider protecting it with an emergency backup plan; understand the benefits of power generators for a constant supply. When deciding on buy-ing a generator, always consult a generator provider to determine the type of transfer switch arrangement suitable for your business.

There are many companies in UK that manufacture various types of switches or power gen-erator. One such name that has been providing reliable services for ages is Blades Power Generation. Contact them and get assistance from the certified professional for all your queries.