What Homeowners Need to Know About Generator Transfer Switch Installation

Years ago, a backup generator might have been considered a luxury for the average South Texas homeowner. However, weather events in the last few years have rendered what was once a luxury more of a necessity. If you are reading this article, you might also be considering a Generator Transfer Switch Installation to make your home safer and more comfortable during power outages.

Generators use fuel—natural gas, propane, and diesel are common energy sources—to produce energy for home use. But, since your home is connected to the power grid, re-introducing power to the home can reenergize the power grid. This is extremely dangerous for linesmen working to restore power, since they will not expect the lines to be energized. Sending power to neighboring homes can also create dangers for unsuspecting families.

The safety solution for generator use is a device called a Generator Transfer Switch. Generator Transfer Switches automatically disconnect the home from the power grid whenever the generator begins to operate. When power is restored, the Generator Transfer Switch disconnects the generator from the home’s electrical system and re-establishes connection to the power grid. Hiring an electrician for a Generator Transfer Switch Installation is an essential part of using your generator when the power goes out.

Types of Generators

There are two basic types of generators, although variations are offered for both types:

• Whole house generators are permanent structures, installed at least 20’ from the home to prevent the exhaust from the generator from entering the home. They are powered by the natural gas or propane supply used by the home. These generators are usually powerful enough to empower all the circuits in a home’s wiring network and cables connect the generator directly to the electrical service panel. The generator begins operating seconds after power is interrupted.
• Portable generators are mobile units, stored in readiness and put into operation whenever the need arises. An ample supply of fuel must also be stored. These generators must also be used far enough away from the home to keep exhaust from entering the home. Portable generators may or may not be powerful enough to empower the home’s entire circuit network. Therefore, the homeowner determines the desired circuits to be empowered and trips the breakers for circuits not in use.

The portable generator often cannot supply sufficient power to 220v appliances, such as ovens, dryers, and HVAC systems. Portable generators must be readied, connected to the electrical service panel, and started manually during a power outage.

Generator Transfer Switch Installation Types

• Whole house generators require an automatic transfer switch This switch is installed between the home’s connection to the power grid and the electrical service panel. When an outage occurs, the switch breaks the connection to the grid and opens the connection to the generator. The generator starts within seconds of the power outage, resulting in a short flicker of power. When power is restored to the grid, the switch shuts off the generator, breaks the connection with the generator, and reopens the connection to the power grid.
• Portable generators require a transfer switch as well, but a manual transfer switch is installed. The manual transfer switch performs the same safety function as the automatic switch, closing the connection with the power grid and opening the connection to the generator. However, since there is nothing automatic about portable generators, they need a manual transfer of power. When power is restored, the homeowner manually flips the switch, disconnecting the generator and re-connecting the power grid. The portable generator is turned off and disconnected from the service panel.

Air Pro Electric is available for the installation of whole-house generators, and both automatic and manual Generator Transfer Switch Installation.

Call AirPro Houston to Discuss Your Generator Transfer Switch Installation Options

With our four decades of experience as an electrical contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the knowledge to help with your Generator Transfer Switch Installation questions.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call our team of Electricians at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your Electrical Repairs, Generator Transfer Switch Installation, whole home generator installation, and electrical installation needs.