Why You Need a Generator Transfer Switch

Winter often has us longing for warm evenings by the fireplace, cherished moments with family and friends during the holidays, and beautiful snow-blanketed scenery. While we can all agree that this season brings beauty and cheer, did you know that it also brings an increased risk of power outages? High winds, snow, and ice put a lot of stress on power lines and often cause them to fail. Since these outages can leave you without lights and heat for hours or even days at a time, preparing with an emergency power system can help everyone stay out of harm’s way.

As you work towards installing your client's emergency power system, be sure to invest in a high-quality generator transfer switch. Many consider transfer switches to be one of the most important components in an emergency power system. This is because they bridge the gap between a generator and a home’s circuits to keep the power on. Since transfer switches come in a wide variety of sizes, max power ratings, and configurations, we’ll spend this article exploring the importance of transfer switches and share our product recommendations to help you stay warm and worry-free all winter long!

Why Do I Need a Generator Transfer Switch?

Before the next cold front rolls in, let’s take some time to break down just how dangerous winter power outages can be. When the heat’s out and temperatures drop, frostbite and hypothermia can make a quick and unwelcoming appearance.

Frostbite and hypothermia are serious conditions that happen when your body loses heat faster than it can produce. You might think, “I’ll just bundle up in some extra layers,” but prolonged exposure to cold air can cause these health issues to quickly set in, especially for young children and the elderly.

• Frostbite happens when you're exposed to the cold for too long and your skin and body's tissues begin to freeze. Frostbite is most common in areas that are more exposed to the cold, such as your fingers, toes, ears, and nose. Numbness, tingling, and discolored skin are the earliest signs of frostbite. However, if left untreated frostbite can cause tissue damage and may even require amputation.

• When your body’s temperature drops below 95°F or 35°C you become at risk for hypothermia, and this can happen a lot faster than you'd think. Stay on the lookout for symptoms such as shivering and mental fog. If you or a loved one experiences this, call help immediately!

But the cold doesn’t stop there, it can also wreak havoc on a home’s plumbing system.

• As temperatures fall below freezing, the water within your plumbing system begins to freeze. Since water expands when it freezes, it often causes pipes to erupt. Burst pipes are most common in areas that are most exposed to the cold, such as in a basement or attic. If you experience strange smells, weak water pressure, or no water flow at all, this could be a sign that your pipes have burst. If not addressed quickly, burst pipes can lead to water damage and expensive repairs.

While winter power outages may seem a bit scary, a generator transfer switch can save the day. This handy power distribution unit can ensure that your clients have a steady supply of electricity when the grid goes down. It supports a smooth transition from utility to backup power. So, even during the harshest snowstorm, there’s no need to worry about getting left in the dark.

What Does a Generator Transfer Switch Do?

We get it. Winter storms can be a headache, and wondering if the power will go out only adds to the stress. Luckily, once a transfer switch is installed you can wave goodbye to those concerns.

Now, let’s talk about the generator transfer switch variations that can make all of the difference. There are two main options: manual (MTS) and automatic (ATS). An MTS requires you to manually switch from utility to backup power during an outage, which means you’ll need to step in and flip the switch. It’s a little extra effort, but it’s an affordable and reliable option to help you power through a winter storm without breaking the bank.

We offer the G2 Manual Transfer Switch Kit by Connecticut Electric, which is perfect for residential use.

• Includes a transfer switch, outlet, and cord for hassle-free installation. However, we also offer each component sold separately.
• Offers 10 circuits to power portable heaters, lights, and appliances.
• ETL-Certified and has a NEMA 3R enclosure for safe performance indoors and outdoors.
• Available in 30A or 50A.

If you’re looking for a transfer switch that can automatically swap from running off utility to generator power, the Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) is where it’s at. This powerful unit is equipped with advanced sensors that constantly monitor your utility power. If it detects a dip in power levels, it automatically fires up your generator to keep the lights on and business running smoothly. So, whether it’s a snowstorm or a power surge, your backup power will kick in without you having to lift a finger.

On top of keeping the power flowing freely, transfer switches also make sure that circuits are never connected to utility and generator sources at the same time. This is important to stop back feeding, which happens when electricity from your generator flows back into the electrical grid.

Back feeding is extremely dangerous because it causes excessive amounts of electricity that puts utility workers in harm’s way. By isolating your home’s circuits from the grid, transfer switches make sure that you stay powered while also protecting your property and helping to keep the broader electrical infrastructure safe and sound.

We hope that you’ve enjoyed this article, and if you need a generator transfer switch - we can help! Please visit our Temporary Power Page to explore our collection of transfer switches. If you have any questions or need any help picking the perfect switch for your needs, please contact info@bigelectricsupply.com or call (317)-721-4702 today!