Generator Transfer Switch Installation in Kalispell Montana
Also Serving Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, Lakeside, Polson and surrounding Flathead Valley
Whether you’re installing a permanent standby generator or a portable generator for your home, a transfer switch allows for the safe switchover of power from the electrical grid to your generator, preventing voltage from accidentally traveling from the home’s generator back to the grid, or from the grid to your generator.
A transfer switch mechanical interlock is required by the National Electric Code for any connection of power to a home and should be installed by a licensed electrician. Portable generators typically use a manual transfer switch, while permanent standby generators require an automatic transfer switch.
How an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) Work for Generators
- The utility power source fails because of a lightning strike, downed power line or other failure.
- The transfer switch detects the loss of voltage from the utility and immediately shifts the load to the emergency power source when power from the generator is stable and within prescribed voltage and frequency tolerances.
- When the utility power is restored, the transfer switch re-transfers the load from the back-up power source to the normal power source.
Generator Transfer Switch Options
To provide power to 8-16 critical circuits from your main breaker panel, we can install a load center transfer switch, also known as essential circuit switch. Depending on your power needs, a transfer switches can provide between 50-400 amps. Before installation you will need to know whether you want to power your entire electrical panel, or only your home’s essential appliances, such as the refrigerator and HVAC system.
Need to power everything in your home instead of choosing individual circuits? A service disconnect transfer switch powers your entire breaker panel to provide true whole-house backup power. This type of transfer switch is installed between your electric meter and breaker panel in situations where a 16-circuit load center isn’t enough.
For all your home electrical and backup power needs, Central Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical is here to help. Our electricians are backup power experts and can recommend the right solution for your needs.