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Generator transfer switches are essentially an electrical power transfer device. This means that when the local or conventional source of power supply isn't available, they switch-on the power supply from the generator. The transfer switch should be of premium quality since it should be able to keep the two sources of electricity isolated. During phases of repeated power outages, the swapping between the primary power supply and generator-powered electricity can recur at short intervals. The generator transfer switch should be able to handle such demanding situations. Thus, it is vital that homeowners planning to install generator transfer switches know about the various options available in this niche.
Types of Generator Transfer Switches Include:-
1. Automatic Generator Transfer Switches
Automatic transfer switches minimize the amount of manual handling needed to operate them. They are equipped with various control mechanisms to ensure that the transfer of electricity from either of the sources is devoid of issues like surges in voltage. Automatic transfer switches are further divided into:-
Rack-mount Switches—These switches are mostly used for small, electrical devices with a single-wire or uni-chord connection, concentrated in a small space. They are commonly found in rooms with multiple connections to computers or light electronic gadgets. They aren’t recommended for heavy-duty electrical devices.
Free-standing Switches—These are not meant for household use. They are used in the commercial space for providing power back-up for a single, critical equipment that requires instantaneous power back-up without the slightest of hesitation. Common examples include public lighting devices and ATMs.
Household Automatic Switch—Automatic transfer switches are more common in the commercial niche though they are also used for residential purposes. An automatic household transfer switch is slightly modified to ensure greater ease-of-operation for homeowners. It is directly hooked into the main power supply line of the house. The transfer switch is used for providing regulated power backup for major electrical devices like the refrigerator and television. These switches have information panels that detail information about the state of electricity supply and the load being induced on the generator.
2. Manual Generator Transfer Switches
Generator transfer switches used in households are usually manually operated. They can be easily installed using basic, DIY methods. These switches don’t provide the kind of voltage monitoring and regulation of power associated with automatic switches. Though they are a bit more demanding in terms of needing physical handling, they are much cheaper and hence, preferred by smaller households.
3. Open & Closed Transition Transfer Switches
Open Transition Transfer Switch or the OTTS is also called break-before-make generator switch. This is the more conventional option wherein some degree of power is lost. This is because before switching across to the generator connection a power outage, it temporarily breaks the power connection with the household circuit.
Closed Transition Transfer Switch or CTTS is the more performance-oriented option. It is also called the make-before-break switch. Here, rather than breaking-off the existing circuit from the main supply, both the power supply sources are synchronized and run concurrently. This happens for a few seconds before the circuit is automatically switched over to the generator. CTTS are beyond the basic level of electrical repairing skills associated with homeowners, i.e. they need professional handling.
4. Metered or Non-metered Generator Transfer Switches
This categorization of generator transfer switches is more applicable to manual switches since most automatic switch brands provide a comprehensive display of wattage-based readings. However, meters can be installed or added to either of the transfer switches through a professional installation. The use of non-metered generator transfer switches is quite rare.
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