An automatic transfer switch continuously monitors your utility power supply and, when it detects an outage, automatically signals your generator to start while simultaneously switching your home's electrical load from grid power to generator power—all within 10-20 seconds and without any manual intervention required.
The automatic transfer switch operates through a sophisticated three-stage process that ensures seamless power continuity during outages. The device is installed between your utility meter and your home's main electrical panel, positioning it as the critical decision point for power routing. Inside the switch, a sensing circuit constantly monitors the voltage and frequency of incoming utility power. This monitoring happens in real-time, checking for both voltage drops and frequency variations that indicate a utility outage has occurred.
When the utility power fails, the sensing circuit detects the loss within milliseconds. At this point, the transfer switch sends a signal to your standby generator to begin its startup sequence. Simultaneously, the switch's mechanical contacts begin transitioning, disconnecting your home from utility power while connecting it to the generator circuit. This switching action typically completes in 10-20 seconds, depending on your generator model and transfer switch specifications. For most modern Generac units—which we're an authorized dealer for—this transition is nearly instantaneous from a homeowner's perspective, meaning your lights may flicker briefly but critical systems like your HVAC, refrigerator, and security system experience virtually no interruption.
The return process is equally automated. Once utility power is restored and stable for a predetermined period (usually 5-10 minutes, depending on your settings), the transfer switch's sensing circuit recognizes the restored grid power. The switch then sends a signal to your generator to cool down and shut off safely, while simultaneously transferring your electrical load back from the generator to utility power. This prevents your generator from running unnecessarily and consuming fuel.
The intelligence of automatic transfer switches lies in their ability to prevent backfeeding—a dangerous condition where generator power flows backward into utility lines and could electrocute utility workers. The transfer switch's mechanical design ensures that utility power and generator power can never be connected simultaneously; it's a physical impossibility by design.
During installation, we test the complete automatic sequence to ensure proper operation. This testing includes verifying the sensing circuit's responsiveness, confirming the switching timing, and validating that your generator starts reliably when called upon. We also program your switch settings according to your specific needs, such as adjusting the delay before the generator shuts down or selecting which circuits receive generator power if you opt for a partial-load transfer.
Blackmon Plumbing has provided generator installation, maintenance, and automatic transfer switch setup for homeowners across the region for 19 years, holding our Master Plumber License (MPL-38162) and maintaining our status as an authorized Generac dealer to ensure your backup power system works flawlessly when you need it most.