Equipping your home or company with a diesel generator is a great way to ensure necessary backup power when you need it most. And here, let’s talk about the role of the diesel generator transfer switch.
One of the most important accessories of a diesel generator is the transfer switch. This little add-on makes the backup power process seamless and helps ensure overall safety. Here’s a brief overview of the role transfer switches play and the importance of having them.
What does the transfer switch do?
In simple terms, a transfer switch is a permanent switch attached to your power box that changes the power load between two power supplies.
For permanent backup power, this happens automatically when the first power source is unavailable. This is ideal as it keeps the energy flowing seamlessly with minimal delay.
In the case of diesel generators for corporate electrical use, the diesel generator plugs into a transfer switch located on the circuit board. When the diesel generator starts, the transfer switch switches the load from grid power to the generator.
Which generators need a transfer switch?
Homes and companies almost always need a backup diesel generator. Since they’re always waiting for outage time, it’s important to have this extra piece of equipment to keep power flowing without downtime.
However, portable diesel generators do not strictly need a transfer switch, and the biggest benefit of using a transfer switch in a stationary scenario is that you can power the unit through the breaker panel without having to use an extension cord. This includes hard-wired equipment such as various appliances, computers, air conditioners, office appliances, construction tools, etc. All you have to do is plug the portable diesel generator into the power cord and you’re ready to start delivering steady power to these devices!
