When the power goes out in your home, it can usually endure a few hours of darkness, heat, or cold until you return. But when your business experiences a power outage, it could be tragic, especially if your critical functions depend on a constant power supply. This same scenario is the reason many entities, including hospitals, data centers, and even commercial retailers, have emergency backup generators. But just because you have a backup generator doesn’t mean you’re prepared for a power outage. To be prepared, you must ensure that your generator is accessed through an automatic transfer switch and not a manual one.
How is an automatic transfer switch different from a manual one?
Manual transfer switches predate circuit breakers but are still widely used today. Unlike circuit breakers, manual breakers require one to switch from utility power to generator power in the event of a power outage, and then back to utility power when it resumes. In circuit breakers, special circuitry allows this process to be controlled by a computer. In installations that have only one conveniently located generator and do not require constant power, the difference between manual and automatic switches is negligible. But for businesses that occupy a campus and have more than one generator to service multiple buildings, circuit breakers offer the most convenience.
When you choose circuit breakers over manual ones, you have another decision to make: do you need “make-before-break” or “break-before-make” switches? The former immediately connects a building to generator power as it remains on the grid, while the latter waits to access generator power until it reaches a certain frequency. Unsurprisingly, make-before-break models are favored by entities that need energy at all times. But they come with a risk: If utility power suddenly returns while generator power is also being accessed, a power surge could occur. However, because the access time to both sources is short, the danger is considered minimal.
If you are considering protecting your business with an emergency generator, understand that generators benefit more than businesses whose critical services require constant power. Generators can also benefit retail stores, gyms, service centers, and any operation where sales depend on maintaining a powered environment. Before purchasing a generator, it is best to consult with an emergency power equipment supplier to determine what type of breaker arrangement is best for your business. Power outages can happen at any time. By equipping your business with generator power, you will do more than keep the lights on. You will also do business as usual while the competition remains in the dark.