Generator Transfer Switch - Do You Really Need One?

It is always a good idea to have a professionally installed transfer switch connect your portable generator to your household control box. Nevertheless, most conscientious homeowners can safely use this source of backup power if they will confine its use to smaller essential home appliances.

When the electricity goes out, the first thing to do is provide enough light within your living environment so that you and your family can move about safely. Depending on the length of the blackout, you always must be sensitive to the potential spoilage of the food in your refrigerator.

Keep in mind that you can rotate power to the various appliances. In other words, you can keep the frig going for a couple hours and then switch your power outlet to other devices like the television or computer.

An average household can usually get by adequately with 5500 watts of power. However, smaller portables such as 1000 watts units can be used for such things as microwaves, toasters and other electrical cooking devices.

Remember to always check with a professional electrician about the need to install a transfer switch. This is especially true if you have appliances that create power surges as a result of their startup operation. Or, perhaps you have high wattage requirements from such things as heat pumps, central air conditioning or deep well water pumps.

A transfer switch provides a safe method to hook up your generator with selected circuits that you identify inside your home. When professionally installed next to your breaker box, it will help to prevent any power from accidentally becoming live and dangerous outside your home where workers might be servicing the utility lines.

Manual transfer switches connect power with either individual breakers or with a large master unit. The automatic transfer switch is a digitally controlled system which is programmed to be fully automatic. It permits you to set individual circuits by preference ahead of time.

In summary, do not assume that because a generator is portable it does not require the safety net provided by a professionally installed transfer switch. While it is certainly possible to operate your small unit safely, it is always better to seek the advice of a professional electrician before taking unnecessary chances.

And, finally, never operate your generator in an enclosed environment where others may be present. Generator exhaust fumes contain poisonous carbon monoxide gas that can be lethal.