Think of a transfer switch as a miniature circuit breaker panel that draws electricity from your generator instead of the power company. When electric service is out in your area, you plug your portable generator into an outdoor outlet that’s connected, through the house, to a transfer switch inside.

What is the purpose of a transfer switch on a generator?

Transfer switches basically police the connections of your business to utility power and generator power. The transfer switch prevents any form of overlap, and in the event of an outage gives you a direct and simple method of powering critical functions, comfort solutions, lights, and emergency equipment.

Are generator transfer switches legal?

While you might be tempted to skip a transfer switch when installing your generator, the truth is that it is almost a mandatory part of owning and using a backup power source. The only real choice you have is to use a manual switch or an automatic one.