#Transfer switch for generator generator
#Transfer switch for generator code

There are no code requirements for power to be transferred to the secondary source within a certain time frame.Ĭritical operations power systems (COPS) (NEC Article 708): Interruptions or outages to designated critical operations areas may negatively impact national security, economy, public health, or safety. However, transfer equipment shall be designed and installed to prevent inadvertent, simultaneous connection of primary and secondary supplies of power. Transfer equipment, including transfer switches, for optional standby systems are not restricted to the same requirements as emergency and legally required system transfer equipment. Optional standby systems (NEC Article 702): Optional standby systems are defined by the NFPA as 'intended to supply power to public or private facilities or property where life safety does not depend on the performance of the system.' These systems may include data processing and communication systems, and mission critical systems that are not legally required by the AHJ. Power must be transferred to the secondary source in 60 sec or less. Transfer equipment shall be designed and installed to prevent inadvertent, simultaneous connection of primary and secondary supplies of power. Transfer equipment, including transfer switches, are required to be automatic, identified for standby use, and approved by the AHJ. Legally required standby systems (NEC Article 701): Legally required standby systems are defined by the NFPA as 'intended to automatically supply power to selected loads (other than those classed as emergency systems) in the event of failure of the normal source.' These systems may include heating and refrigeration systems, communications systems, ventilation and smoke removal systems, and other processes that, when stopped in the event of primary source interruption, could create hazards or hamper rescue or firefighting operations. Power must be transferred to the secondary source in 10 sec or less. Transfer equipment shall supply only emergency system loads. Transfer equipment, including transfer switches, are required to be automatic, identified for emergency use, and approved by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). When shopping for an automatic transfer switch, you need to pick the right size, voltage and whether the switch should be weather-resistant for outdoor use or not.Standby system types include emergency systems, legally required standby systems, optional standby systems, critical operations power systems (COPS), and systems that support health care facilities (see Figure 1).Įmergency systems (NEC Article 700): Emergency systems are defined by the NFPA as 'intended to automatically supply illumination, power, or both, to designated areas and equipment in the event of failure of the normal supply or in the event of accident to elements of a system intended to supply, distribute, and control power and illumination essential for safety to human life.' These systems may include fire detection and alarm systems, elevators, fire pumps, and egress lighting.

#Transfer switch for generator generator

When the link is broken between the two wires, the generator understands it should turn off.Īurora Generators use generator controllers that are compatible with all two-wire start type transfer switches. Typically the ATS signals a generator to start by closing a two-wire connection. It is the job of an automatic transfer switch to tell the generator when it is needed. It is usually at the top of your electrical panel, and it has a number on it representing the size of the circuit breaker. You can often tell what size your home needs by looking at the main circuit breaker for your electrical panel. Most homes are 200 or 100 amps, and large homes may be as much as 400 amps. They are typically matched to the size of electrical service you are provided with by the utility company. Transfer switches come in different sizes. Many business and commercial applications use three-phase power, 208,480 or 600 volts. Homes in North America use single-phase 120/240 Volt transfer switches. It also prevents dangerous back-feeding of energy to the mal utility that can seriously injure or kill someone working on it during an outage. Once the generator is producing power, it safely disconnects your standard utility power and takes it from your generator instead. When needed, the ATS tells the generator to start-up automatically. An automatic transfer switch (ATS) monitors utility power for any trouble or failure. To safely connect a generator to a home or business, you use a Transfer Switch.