Generator Transfer Switch
ISC Sales offers ASCO transfer switches by Winco for sale. We’ll walk through what you need to know about transfer switches below.
What is a Transfer Switch?
Transfer switches are what trigger the transfer of electrical power from electrical sources to the generator. You cannot always connect a generator directly to appliances with an extension cord, so a transfer switch is used to hardwire the alternative power source through an electrical panel.
Benefits
It is illegal in the U.S. to run power to home appliances without a transfer switch due to fire hazards and the possibility of electrocution when using an extension cord. This can result in a back feed.
Transfer switches allow you to safely run electrical power from generators to a house or a business and through to its appliances and systems. With a proper installment through the breaker box, transferring power can be a manual process and configured at the time of need in a few simple steps. Alternatively, an automatic transfer switch will convert power within seconds of loss of power to the main power line.
Application
The primary application of power from generators is for backup power in the event of a power outage for a business or home. Rather than using extension cords, it is much easier and safer to run power through a transfer switch. Whether you use a commercial standby generator for commercial buildings and communication systems or a portable generator for home use, transfer switches provide the necessary connection point for converting power to the generator with ease.
Two Types of Generator Transfer Switches
Automatic Transfer Switch
Automatic transfer switches (ATS) are more expensive and most often used in businesses to maintain communication systems, data centers, and more during a power outage. For many industries, unused resources, time, and labor from power outages can result in thousands or millions of dollars in lost revenue. Ensuring there are no electrical interruptions from an outage is a priority and an automatic “switch” connecting to a commercial standby generator is best.
Manual Transfer Switch
Manual transfer switches (MTS) are most often used with portable generators for in-home use. Once the transfer switch is installed, there are a few steps necessary to generate backup power. You will need to start the generator engine and connect the generator to the manual transfer switch with an electrical cord. Then you will go to the manual transfer switch and flip each line that you want to power through the generator. You will reverse the process when power through the main line is restored.
When a little down time after a power outage is not a major issue, a manual transfer switch will do the job with a little bit of help and provide backup power during an emergency.
ASCO Transfer Switch
There are a variety of transfer switch manufacturers. ASCO is over a century old and is the largest manufacturer of automatic transfer switches in the world. ASCO transfer switches are reliable and are universally compatible with any two-wire start generator. Whether needing residential or commercial transfer switches, ASCO can provide a solution to your electrical power needs. For commercial or industrial needs consider the ASCO 300 series and for residential or small business installation consider our ASCO 185 series.
Choosing the Right Transfer Switch
You will want to ensure that your transfer switch can hold the wattage capacity of your generator. This will allow your generator to push the right amount of power during an outage. You’ll also want to work with an electrician to confirm your generator capacity needs and have them install the transfer switch that works best for you.
Buy Your Transfer Switch from ISC Sales
ISC Sales has been in business for over 30 years, serving the industrial sector with expert solutions and products. Contact our generator experts and account managers to get help selecting the right transfer switch. Call us at (877) 602-0010 or shop transfer switches and buy directly online.
