Automatic transfer switch: what it does and how to look after it
In a country where the power goes out, a standby generator is part of almost every large house, shop or hotel. But the generator alone is not enough: the piece that decides when it starts and when the grid comes back is the transfer switch. This guide explains what it does, how to monitor it and how to maintain it.
What it does
The transfer switch connects your installation to the grid or to the generator, never to both at once. An automatic transfer switch detects the outage, tells the generator to start, moves the load once the generator is ready and returns it to the grid when power comes back. Without it, someone has to do it by hand, and almost always at the worst moment.
What gets backed up
The whole installation is not always backed up. In a house it may be the fridge, the lights, the water pump and some air conditioners; in a shop, the fridges and tills; in a hotel, almost everything. Deciding what goes on backup sets the size of the generator and the transfer switch, and it is the first thing to settle with the electrical engineer.
Monitored transfer switches
A monitored transfer switch alerts your phone when the generator starts, when it fails or when it is due for maintenance. For a villa owner living abroad, or a hotel’s maintenance manager, that means hearing about a problem before the guests do. Monitoring can add consumption, voltage and temperature metering on the main panels.
How it is tested
A transfer switch that is never tested can fail exactly when it is needed. The test simulates the outage and checks that the generator starts, the load moves over and returns to the grid without trouble. The Energy Plan includes the transfer switch test with the generator, a thermal-camera check for hot spots, tightening of connections and cleaning, with a report of measurements.
Where it is built
We assemble transfer switches on our electrical assembly line, with the enclosure cut and bent in our plant. They leave tested, labelled and with their QR-code plate, which keeps their test history, warranty and any maintenance carried out.
To get a quote
Send us the generator details, the list of what you want backed up and photos of the current panel. We send a clear price, with what it includes and the delivery time.
Frequently asked questions
What does an automatic transfer switch do?
It moves the load from the grid to the generator when the power goes out and back when it returns.
Can I see on my phone whether the generator started?
Yes, with a monitored transfer switch: it alerts you when the generator starts, fails or is due for maintenance.
How often should it be tested?
On a scheduled maintenance plan; the Energy Plan includes the test with the generator.
Tell us about your project
Send us a drawing, a photo or a hand sketch. We reply with a clear price, with what it includes and the delivery time.
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