The Basics of Transfer and Safety Disconnecting Switches

Posted by Digital Marketeer on October 16th, 2018

Electrical switches are essential for running uninterrupted business activities and ample access to electrical power in the wake of power outages and incidences. With a no-mess and no-stress functionality, they step in to grant power access from your generators when electricity from the mains is interrupted. When you need to understand how electric switches work, you may need some thorough explanation.

What is an electrical transfer switch?

Let us begin by treating this post as a short crash course without delving into jargon-heavy terminologies. Primarily, an electrical transfer switch provides the simple functionality of your generator by working manually or automatically by switching to the generator power when required.

Without this type of switch, you will have to manually hook the generator to the application you need to power, a rather time-consuming exercise. This method is also less secure and inefficient. Transfer switches make the process automatic while granting power to predetermined circuits.

How Do Transfer Switches operate?

Transfer switches will operate differently depending on whether you are using a manual or automatic transfer switch.

Manual Transfer Switch – it operates by isolating circuits you would need to be powered in case of a power outage event. The isolation of circuits is by make and break mechanism that works by swapping grid power for generator power. Application of the make/break system helps avoid currents that can potentially occur without a break.

Automatic Transfer Switch – they work in much similar fashion as the manual switches only that the process is entirely automated. They automatically change your power supply from the mains grid to your generator power in less than a second if there is a power outage. In case any interruptions occur, whether due to a storm or power line damage, the switch automatically breaks the connection with the grid power system. They are vital and frequently used in commercial set-ups.

What is a Safety Disconnecting Switch?

 Load break switch or safety disconnecting switch are additional to production lines that help to disconnect powered equipment efficiently effectively. They are crucial in monitoring equipment operations and will disconnect in case there is a power fluctuation, dangerous electrical peaks, or disturbances. Besides, they provide access points useful in managing electrical flow during maintenance and repair.

All the switches as mentioned above are essential in controlling and managing electrical power systems. They are useful in both industrial applications and domestic electrical systems. They can also be used in single phase electrical meter to manage power consumption. Smart meters are the most common types that use the electrical switch mechanism.

For more Information Visit Single phase electrical meter