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HOW
AN AUTOMATIC GENERATOR AND TRANSFER SWITCH SYSTEM WORKS
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The completely
automatic transfer switch monitors incoming
voltage from the utility line, around the clock.
- When utility
power is interrupted, the automatic transfer
switch immediately senses the problem and signals
the generator to start.
- Once the
generator is running at proper speed, the automatic
transfer switch safely shuts off the utility
line and simultaneously opens the generator
power line from the generator.
- Within seconds,
your generator system begins supplying electricity
to the critical emergency circuits of your home
or business. The transfer switch continues to
monitor the utility line conditions.
- When the
automatic transfer switch senses the utility
line voltage has returned at a steady state,
it re-transfers the electrical load back to
the utility line and resumes monitoring for
subsequent utility loss. The generator will
continue to run for an engine cool-down period
of several minutes while the entire system stands
ready for the next power outage.
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There are
other reasons to uses a transfer switch. You may void your
fire or homeowners insurance if you install a generator
without a transfer switch, because these switches are required
by the building code electrical codes in most areas. The
information below explains other information why transfer
switches are required. NEVER CONNECT A GENERATOR THROUGH
A DRYER PLUG OR OUTLET IN A BUILDING. YOU CAN CAUSE A FIRE
OR ELECTROCUTE SOMEONE!
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USE A TRANSFER SWITCH
It must be installed
by a qualified electrician or knowledgeable person and must
comply with all applicable laws and electrical codes.
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Use A Transfer Switch
Use a transfer
switch when connecting to a building's electrical
system.
Have an Electrician install the isolation
switch.
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TRANSFER SWITCH PROTECTS
LINEMAN
The utility
line voltage is normally "stepped down" before entering
the building, by a transformer. The transformer can work
in reverse when voltage is sent through it in the opposite
direction and "step up" the voltage. This stepped up voltage,
back-feeding through the utility lines, may electrocute
workers that come into contact with the utility lines. |
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Protects Linemen
A Properly Installed
Transfer Switch Protects
Linemen
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A TRANSFER SWITCH PROTECTS
THE HOME
Improper connections
can allow electrical current from the generator to short
circuit with utility line current when power is restored.
This can cause a fire in the electrical system.
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Protects The Home or Business
A Properly Installed
Transfer Switch Protects
Your Home or
Business
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A TRANSFER SWITCH PROTECTS
THE GENERATOR
Improper
connections can allow electrical current from the generator
to short circuit with utility line current when power is
restored. This could cause the generator to explode or burn.
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Protects The Generator
A Properly Installed
Transfer Switch Protects
Your
Generator
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THERE ARE SEVERAL TYPES
There are several
types of transfer switches that may be used with our generators.
We sell both
Portable and Small Generator Transfer Switches
and
Large/Industrial Generator Transfer Switches.
For Portable
and Small Generator Transfer Switches
For
portable generators and for applications where only part
of home or business will have emergency power available;
we offer
Small Transfer Switches, described
below. These switches are limited to 21,000 watts (21 kW)
and are usually manually switched.
The information
below gives specifications and a just a few recommendations
for matching a transfer switch to a generator. All the transfer
switches we carry are UL listed and CSA certified. We have
detailed descriptions and tables on each type of switch.
If you don't find what you need, please ask us. Please go
to the
Small Transfer Switch
page to see the details and the many models we offer. Here
is a sample:
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We Provide
Several Types
4 Circuit,
120V/15A (3-prong)
6 Circuit, 120/240V/20A (4-prong)
6 Circuit, 120/240V/30A (4-prong)
10 Circuit, 120/240V/30A (4-prong)
12 Circuit, 125/250V/50A
(3-pole 4-wire plug)
See our Gen-Tran ordering
guide and catalog. Click
Small Transfer Switches
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TRANSFER SWITCH
OPERATION -
For Small & Portable Generators
The Transfer switch isolates selected circuits from the
home with "Break" then "Make" switches. Each switch has
3-positions; LINE, OFF
and
GEN (generator).
In the LINE
position, utility power feeds the
selected circuits. In the GEN
position, generator power feeds the
selected circuits. To switch from
LINE
to GEN,
the switch is passed through the
OFF position.
This allows a positive break to occur, which prevents sparking,
arcing or short circuits that might be created if the positive
break was not part of the system.
Individual
circuit protectors protect each selected circuit from overload.
This allows a larger generator to be connected to the transfer
switch without the transfer switch being overloaded.
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.Transfer
Switch Operation
Offers "Break"
then "Make" switches
Only pre-wired circuits can be powered protecting
against overload.
Each circuit is protected
ˆˆ circuit protector.
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For Large/Industrial
Generator Transfer Switches
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For Large
or Industrial generators and for applications where all
of the home or business will have emergency power available;
we offer
Large/Industrial
Transfer Switches, described below.
These switches are can handle various voltages and are generally
unlimited in the size available. These switches usually
transfer automatically and have a wide range of features
including automatic excising, changeable start and stop
delay times, changeable cool down times and other features.
Transfer
switches are available fused and with breakers. Special
switches are available that allow using more than one generator
at a time, switching between multiple generators and other
situations.
Click on
the pictures below for specific information about the types
and sizes available. Most transfer switches are UL listed,
and come in a variety of enclosures.
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We Provide
Several Types and Sizes
Indoor,
100 to 4,000 Amps
Outdoor, 100 to 4,000 Amps
Paralleling Panels
Load Shedding
Automatic and Manual
Enclosures of all types
See our ordering guide
and catalog.
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Large/Industrial Transfer Switches
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TRANSFER SWITCH OPERATION
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For Large Industrial Home and Business
Generators
The Transfer
switch isolates the entire electrical service panel. The
Electric Codes in most states require that the building
service and Transfer Switch size be the same. If the building
has a 200 Amp service the Transfer Switch must also be 200
Amp. This is true even if the generator is smaller in amperage
than the building service.
Most Electric
Codes also require that the buildings total load cannot
exceed the total load that the generator is capable of.
This means that you may have to install devices that prevent
some circuits from being used if the generator is "on-line".
For all these
situations you should utilize the services of a qualified
electrician. Improper wiring of equipment can lead to fires,
explosions, serious injury and even death.
Large industrial
transfer switches have an automatic mode that switches the
transfer switch and starts the generator on loss of power
and then stops the generator and switches the transfer switch
back when power is restored. They also have "OFF" modes
so that the generator will not start automatically.
Each switch
type and brand has its own features and options. We carry
only the top brands of switches including ASCO, Generac,
Kohler, Onan and Zenith. All are high quality and
field proven to be reliable.
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Follow good safety practices
at all times!
PLEASE ALSO READ
GENERATOR
SAFETY
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