Power outages can happen at any time, even without any warning. These kinds of situations have been avoided with a reliable backup power source. Having an electrical transfer switch for your generator installed is hands down, one of the best ways to ensure your home still has power in an outage. In this article, we will look at an electrical transfer switch, why it is needed, and what its advantages are when installed professionally. We will also explain why it is a reliable device for your home, especially if you are considering a generator installation.

How Do Electrical Transfer Switches Work?

An electrical transfer switch is an essential piece of equipment that links a generator to the home’s electrical system. Its primary function is to switch off the power from the utility grid and onto the backup generator in case of an outage. This transition can happen so smoothly that you will not even notice that the power has gone out in your house when using an ATS.

Consider the transfer switch in charge of your home’s electricity infrastructure. When moving from the utility supply to the backup power supply, the generator, the switch directs the electrical feed from the main panel towards the generator. When returning to the utility supply, the load from the generator is moved back to the utility supply safely and in a predetermined manner so that no manual handling of the load changeover switch is necessary.

There are two main classifications of transfer switches:

• Manual Transfer Switches require the user to manually switch over to generator power when there is an outage of the utility electricity supply.
• Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) since the power outage and the house’s electrical load are transitioned to the generator without manual intervention.

In electrical outages, automatic transfer switches are preferable for standby generators since they don’t need someone to switch the power over manually. When using a manual transfer switch, it is imperative you shut off your main so that you aren’t feeding electricity down the line, perhaps to a repair technician trying to fix the outage.

Why is it necessary to use an electrical transfer switch for your generator?

An electrical transfer switch must be considered when adding a generator to your property. For those who don’t want to be deprived of the benefits of a generator, here are some of the significant benefits of having one:

• Safety First

Safety is one of the most significant benefits of installing a transfer switch. The danger of backfeeding is one potential risk if you directly connect portable generators to your home’s electrical system without a transfer switch. Back feeding happens when the utility circuits become alive, and therefore, utility workers who may be reworking these lines are at high risk for electrocution or injury.

A transfer switch prevents this by ensuring that the electrical circuits in the house are not connected to the grid and are powered solely by the generator. That means the only power flowing into your home from your generator is yours, while the line remains safe and unpowered to everyone.

• Ease

With Automatic transfer switches, the usefulness is advanced because the power loss is automatically detected, and the power supply to the generator is changed without the operator’s input, which is commendable. This situation is beneficial when the person is out of the house and some appliances, such as emergency devices, must be constantly powered.

• Optimal Usage of Time and Resources

When a transfer switch is installed, it guarantees electricity supply to household devices. House activities can still be maintained during power failures without overusing the generator.

• Safety Precautions When Dealing with Connection to Electrical Outlets

In most locations, a provision must be made for a provisioned fuse switch whenever a generator is connected to the building’s electrical system. Failure to take these measures may violate local codes and safety issues, which may endanger your property and your family. A transfer switch protects a user’s home and facilitates proper adherence to the requirements imposed by the authorities in the area.

Turning on the Light: What Are Generators

These dependable power supply devices provide extension power during outages, sustaining the home and some appliances in the long absence of the utility supply. Depending on how much energy you need and what other needs you have, there are both large and smaller sizes and capacities.

Types of Generators and Their Purpose

• Portable Generators: The machine has many attachments that can be bought for various tasks. These are multifunctional, relatively cheap, and can be transported to multiple sites. They are good at meeting urgent power requirements; however, they need manpower for installation, and the equipment to be powered is moved physically with the wires.
• Standby Generators refer to units that cannot be lost since they are mounted permanently and provide instantaneous power when required. They are incorporated into the house’s wiring and function through transfer controls that prevent power supply interruption during a blackout. Standby generators are usually best suited for homeowners considering a hands-free solution during power outages. These devices are built to commence operation when power fails and stop when utility power returns.

Reasons Why Installing a Generator is a Good Idea

Generators offer various advantages that surpass the simple fact that they maintain lights on during blackouts. Below are reasons why you would want to have one of these in your house:

Electricity Supply When Power Goes Out

• During an outage, a generator serves as a temporary electricity source so that some basic activities do not have to stop while power is out. This makes running even more critical appliances and systems possible, especially if you have medical devices, security, or freezers that must always remain on.

Protects Your Appliances

• Power spikes or electrical blackouts can be frustrating and ruin the operational capacity of your appliances and electronics. Installing a generator restores the electrical system’s regular operation, preventing unnecessary damage to your valuable equipment.

Adds Value to Your Home

• Potential home buyers are more likely to prefer homes with standby generators installed. Many consider this feature a significant upgrade, especially in places more exposed to adverse weather conditions or frequent power losses.

Peace of Mind

• Having a backup power solution in place makes you more relaxed during emergencies. It means you do not have to think about food going bad, house temperatures, or being stranded in darkness and can focus more on being safe and warm.

When to Call Twin Cities Electric

While tackling something on a to-do list may be rewarding, there are instances when some tasks should be left to the experts. This is why you need to call Twin Cities Electric when you need to have a generator and a transfer switch installed:

• Experience: Twin Cities Electric’s experts understand the correct installation procedures for the generators and the transfer switches.
• Health Risks: Obtaining the installation services of professionals can avoid the chances of backfeeding, electric shock, and fire accidents.
• Compliance: Twin Cities Electric ensures that your generator and transfer switch installation meets the necessary codes, so you won’t have to worry about any violations.

When you let the professionals handle the installation and repairs, you don’t have to do them twice because the first time is always completed right at Twin Cities Electric.

The Dangers of Installing a Generator and Transfer Switch by Yourself

Although tempted to go ahead and install a generator or transfer switch to save money, the danger makes this suggestion impractical. Here are some reasons why you should not attempt to self-install:

Electric Risks

• Dealing with electric wires presents danger if you are not well trained. An appropriate installation protects against electrical shock, wire burning, and damage to any part of the house wiring.

Risk to Your Generator as Well as The House

• When you install the generator and transfer switch incorrectly, they could sit there and do nothing when a power outage occurs. You could also accidentally damage your electrical system, requiring expensive repair.

Local Codes Not Acknowledged

• The same omissions may happen to electrical codes and permissions, whereas activities that would commonly violate electrical codes aren’t noticed. Twin Cities Electric ensures that any installation they do for you is up to code.

Why Choose Twin Cities Electric for Your Generator and Transfer Switch Installation?

Firstly, let’s agree that seeking the services of a master electrician is wise for your home’s overall safety and efficiency. This is the reason behind it:

• Experienced Technicians: Twin Cities Electric is the premier choice for all electrical in Shakopee, MN, and surrounding areas, with experience that can handle your installation and electrical repair needs.
• Quality Service: We do everything to keep a happy client, providing you with high satisfaction levels, responding on time, and doing efficient work.
• Comprehensive Solutions: Twin Cities Electric customizes services to meet your home power needs and gives you the finest generator installation.

Given These Points

A generator transfer switch is one protective measure for your household power supply. It provides reliability and availability and adequately manages the power supply during outages.

Why risk your home or family by attempting the installation yourself? Contact Twin Cities Electric for a professional consultation and to schedule a generator and electrical transfer switch installation. Let us help you so you won’t be left in the dark during the next major power outage.