Transfer Switch Frequently-Asked Questions
Click on question marks below to get answers to these frequently-asked questions.
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Specifically what does an electrical transfer switch do?
Typically an electrical power Transfer Switch “transfers” the load (ie lights, motors, elevators…) on an electrical circuit, from it’s normal source (ie electric utility) to another source such as a generator.
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Who might use a transfer switch?
Transfer Switches are very common in hospitals, data processing centers, large office buildings, and communications centers. They are used anywhere there are safety or security concerns if the normal power goes off.
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Who operates the switches when the power goes off?
Most electrical power transfer switches are automatic transfer switches. If the power goes off for more than a second or two, they will transfer to another backup power source. If the backup power is a generator, it will take about ten seconds for the generator to start and the transfer switch to operate, turning the lights back on. But that ten seconds can seem much longer when you are in the dark.
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Are all transfer switches automatic?
No, some are automatic electrical transfer switches; some have special time delays; and some are manual electrical transfer switches requiring someone to physically operate the switch.
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Who are the manufacturers of these manual or automatic electrical transfer switches?
Some names you might recognize, such as Westinghouse and General Electric (GE) transfer switches. Others are ASCO, Onan, Russell Electric, Zenith, and S & C Electrical Transfer Switches.
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Anything else I might want to know about an electrical transfer switch?
Well, most are actually constructed with switches. But some are made with circuit breakers. Some have maintenance by pass functions. Many have complicated controls for use with generators, emergency power circuits, or other back up power supplies. Sometimes you don’t even know they operated except for the lights flickering for a second. In practically all cases they are an important part of an emergency electrical backup power system.
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Where should I look to acquire a transfer switch?
MIDWEST Switchgear Division offers a range of transfer switches, both new and used, at competitive prices.
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What are transfer switches used for?
Manual transfer switches are commonly used to select between multiple sources. Automatic transfer switches are used in applications where power outages are not acceptable.
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