Nowadays, power backup options have become an extremely common both in commercial places and in the residences. In all the places, generators are installed for providing the power backup. This situation has also made the common people much aware about the uses and advantages of a load transfer switch. It is crucial to select the right transfer switch and the ideal generator as per the required backup in the necessary premises. Both the generator and the transfer switch together facilitate safe and uninterrupted power supply in the times of power outages.

What is Meant by a Transfer Switch?

A transfer switch refers to a switch that has performs the function of switching the load between any two sources of power. These switches help to provide an uninterrupted power supply to the designated places by connecting the power backup source or the generator to the wiring system of the location where the backup power supply is intended.

Different Types of Transfer Switches

The proper selection of the source of power backup and then installing the appropriate transfer switch is very vital for an effective supply of backup power at the times of emergencies. For this reason, before the selection of the switch, you need to have some idea regarding the switches so that you can select the most appropriate one for the exact purpose that you want it to serve. While purchasing the transfer switches, you will come across different options to choose from that are as mentioned below.

Automatic Transfer Switches – As the name indicates, these switches are automatic in nature and are capable of connecting the backup power source to the mains of the premises where the backup power supply is to be provided and no human work is required here. These are the most common switches that are in high demand in the market.

Manual Transfer Switches – These transfer switches are operated manually where a human needs to connect the source of backup power supply to the mains of the premises to get the power supply. These manual switches have lost its popularity due to the availability of automatic switches, but they work best in the case of the portable generators.

Single Circuit Transfer Switches – In these types of switches, you will find only a single circuit where the power supply would be a lesser amount, and you will be able to connect less number of devices.

Dual or Multi Circuit Transfer Switches – Here you will be able to find more than one circuits. First of all, you need to consider the amount of power that you would require and then decide on the number of circuits in the transfer switches.

How the Transfer Switches Work

The main work of the transfer switches is to transfer the original or the primary source of the power supply of the building to the backup or the secondary source during the times of power outages. These transfer switches work in either a closed transition or an open transition. In the closed transition switches which are also known as "make before break" switches transfers to the backup power supply from the original power supply source before ending its connection with the original source of power. On the other hand, in the open transition switches which are also known as ‘breakbefore make’ switches transfers to the backup power supply from the original power supply source after ending its connection with the original source of power.

Benefits

Using the transfer switches have a number of benefits that are as mentioned below –

•First and foremost, the transfer switches are one of the safest and secure options for a power backup during times of emergencies thus preventing any kind of accidents or fire hazards.

•Secondly, you get an uninterrupted power supply even at the times of power outages. Using f an automatic switch requires intervention at all making it very convenient for the user.

•These switches are available at a pocket-friendly price and hence do not put a lot of pressure on the pocket.

•The switches have an inbuilt mechanism that has the capability to prevent any damages to the electrical appliances due to power fluctuations.

Thus, it can be very well understood what great benefits one can get on installing the transfer switches.