As a business owner, one of the biggest concerns you might have is how to preserve your operation and keep things functional in the face of a power failure. One of the best ways to do that is to invest in a power generator, but then you need to decide how to manage that generator's operation. You have two choices when it comes to the electric transfer switch. You can choose an automatic or manual switch. If you're considering an investment in an automatic switch, you should understand the advantages and disadvantages of this option.
Benefits Of An Automatic Electric Transfer Switch
When it comes to the ways you manage the electricity flow between your main electrical feed and your generator, an automatic transfer switch may actually be the easiest option for a busy business. Here are a few of the benefits you'll get from investing in an automatic switch system.
You'll Get An Uninterrupted Power Feed - Since an automatic switch engages immediately when the power goes out, it's a great way to maintain consistent, uninterrupted power in your facility. This is particularly important if you have a business that relies on that power for critical operations. Whether you're managing things in a safety sector, a financial business, or any other vital operation, having a switch that engages immediately will keep things running without missing a beat, even when the power goes out. Some other types of businesses that benefit from automatic transfer switches include emergency services, hospitals, data centers, and digital-security-controlled storage facilities.
It Provides An Efficient Power Source Transfer - Not only does an automatic transfer switch ensure uninterrupted power, it does so in a highly efficient manner. The switch is designed to detect a fluctuation in the incoming electricity and automatically engage when that feed drops. That means you don't have to worry about trying to find the switches to engage your generator in the dark after the power has gone out. It's the most efficient means of swapping your power source and it happens almost seamlessly, so your employees and clients won't even notice the power failure in most cases.
You Don't Have To Worry About Your Generator Location - Sometimes you're left with little choice but to install your generator in an area that's very difficult to get to, especially when the power goes out. If you have to do this, that can make a manual transfer switch difficult to engage, if not potentially dangerous. An automatic transfer switch eliminates any concerns about the generator's location because you don't have to touch it at all.
Concerns With An Automatic Electric Transfer Switch
As you can see, automatic transfer switches have their advantages. However, that doesn't mean that there aren't some downsides to be aware of. The more you understand about these switches, the easier it is to make a sound decision.
Automatic Switches Are More Expensive - As with anything that's automated, an automatic transfer switch is going to be more expensive than a manual one. Automatic transfer switches are larger and more complex than their manual counterparts because they have to incorporate the sensors and everything as well. Make sure that you have the budget to cover the additional cost before you make the choice.
They Can Sometimes React To False Readings - Since automatic transfer switches operate on a sensor system, they monitor the electricity level coming into the building. If that level is disrupted in any way, it could inadvertently trigger the generator even when it's not necessary. While this isn't necessarily problematic, it could waste power from the generator while it runs briefly.
They Are More Care-Demanding Than Manual Switches - Since automatic transfer switches have more complex components, they need more monitoring and maintenance to ensure that they are working properly. There are fewer things to go wrong with manual switches because they are simpler, so make sure you're prepared for the additional maintenance demands.
Visit a site like http://www.enercon-eng.com for more information and for help deciding on what will work best for you.
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