What are Portable Generator Transfer Switches

Eighty percent of power outages are weather-related—ice, high wind, and lightning account for most outage events that affect 50,000 people or more. That means that Texas is always moving from one season of power outage threat to the next.

Losing power due to hurricanes winds is the largest power outage threat on the calendar. While an hour-long power outage might be inconvenient, losing power for days or weeks adds a whole other degree of difficulty to urban living.

Power outages can lead to more than the inconvenience of spoiled food. For this reason, many Texans are planning ahead by installing portable generators; since the winter of 2021, generator sales are up significantly. Homeowners have many choices of brands, fuel types, and sizes of generators readily available.

A generator can power key appliances with a series of long extension cords, or it can be connected directly to the electric service panel to power the HVAC system and necessary lights. However, if you plan to connect your fuel-powered generator to the service panel, you will need to also install a safety feature—a generator transfer switch.

Why Do You Need a Generator Transfer Switch?

• Normally, electric power is supplied to the neighborhood through the power grid, and when an outage occurs repair crews begin immediately to restore power to the grid. Often the weather is still changing. Quite often it is nighttime, and the system of streetlights will also be down. Downed limbs and trees are generally the culprits. Power can be cut off at strategic points so that linesmen can remove obstacles and reconnect the massive circuit that makes up the power grid. They are not expecting to encounter the electricity from portable generators on power lines that should be dead.
• Another danger point is other homes in your neighborhood. If nothing stops the electricity produced by one home generator from entering another home, it can create short circuits, damage appliances, and even start a fire. For these reasons and more, the National Electric Code mandates generator transfer switches in every state.
• A portable generator may not produce a steady, uninterrupted flow of electricity and this can lead to power surges. A transfer switch functions to adapt the current from a generator, protecting appliances and systems in your home.

How Does It Work?

• A generator transfer switch is sized to fit the output of your generator. Priority circuits are selected, and the transfer switch is installed adjacent to your electric service panel. The selected circuits–say the HVAC system, kitchen appliances, and key lighting/outlet circuits — are wired into the transfer switch. A power outlet box connects the generator on the outside of your home to the transfer switch.
• In the event of a power outage, this system requires two toggle switches to be manually flipped to
  • close the circuit connecting the power grid and
  • create the circuit from the generator to the house
• The switch must toggle either to the power grid or the generator—the two power sources do not mix. This double switch makes certain electricity produced by the generator cannot enter the power grid and cause issues.

If you are looking for an alternate power solution for your home or office when the grid goes down, consider a standby generator. Unlike portable generators that require manual steps to supply power to your home or office, a standby generator can handle the switch in power supplies for you automatically.

Air Pro’s Master Electrician can set up a standby generator that is properly sized to power your home or office. Standby whole home generators will automatically activate and safely provide seamless power to your home or office, ensuring the appliances and devices that you depend on can continue to function and make life a little more comfortable.

Interested in a Generator Transfer Switch Installation Before Hurricane Season?

Our four decades of experience as a Houston Electrician and contractor AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to help with Generator Transfer Switch Installation in your home and business.

We have financing options available with great options with up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at  281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your electrical repair and installation needs.