Planning and Types of Manual Transfer Switches

Experience of power outages in extreme weather makes it necessary for homeowners to explore backup power options. Fortunately, your home can be equipped with built-in backup generator, which is connected to automatic or manual transfer switch.

Planning emergency power strategy

First thing is to determine the appliances you need to run in utility power cuts. In addition, calculate how much power they use. This will allow you to select a generator with ample output capacity.

A 7,500 W portable generator delivers 60 amps and 30 amps at 120V and 240V. It is enough to power few lights and necessary appliances like sump pump, or refrigerator. For powering a central AC or electric range an expensive 15,000W generator is needed.

Generally, a portable generator filled with gasoline has to be installed outdoors, away from doors and windows while it is on. In addition, it will be a bad idea to keep windows or doors open a little for running cords during bad weather.

If you use portable generators to operate appliances usually wired to dedicated circuits directly then it is unsafe. The right way is to connect generator to main load centre with manual changeover switch.

Types of manual transfer switches

Transfer switch kits - Include selected circuit changeover switch, power cord and power inlet.

Selected branch circuits - These transfer switches are designed for fast installation and transfer energy to chosen circuits within the load centre.

Single circuit - This type is economical and ideal for supplying backup power to sump pumps or furnaces or other single circuit applications.

Main or sub transfer panels - Transfer switch and circuit breaker box is combined in these models.

Generator-ready load center - This model blends load centre and transfer switch in s single package.

Whole house/business - This type is perfect for powering the whole house, garage, pole barn or small business.

Industrial and commercial - Single and 3-phase switches up to 600 V are designed especially for industrial, telecom, agricultural, commercial, and municipal applications.