Hurricane Home Solutions Inc

The Importance of an Automatic Transfer Switch

websitebuilder • Aug 10, 2021

Without an automatic transfer switch, your generator will not turn on during a power outage.

When most people research and purchase a home standby generator they have a handful of expectations about how it will function and what it will do when they lose power. What is not always well explained is that your generator won’t automatically turn on unless it is hooked up to an automatic transfer switch. Many installers will include a transfer switch as part of their installation process but that isn’t the case all the time. Here are a few things to consider during the purchasing process.

Make sure your contract specifically includes an automatic transfer switch.
The transfer switch is often built into the generator purchase, but if you aren’t sure whether or not it will be included, double check your contract details. If your generator installation does not include a transfer switch, you may end up spending a lot of time and money trying to find a contractor who will be willing and able to take on the addition. Hurricane Home Solutions always supplies our customers with switches as part of the installation. 

Make sure your switch is compatible with your generator.
It is generally not a good idea to mix and match parts of equipment on a large project like a standby generator installation. Service providers like ourselves use generators and automatic transfer switches from the same manufacturers that were designed to be used together. It seems like the obvious way to do it, but there are often situations where people will mix and match whatever they can find at the lowest possible cost, this predictably causes function and service issues.
Image of an automatic transfer switch being installed in a home

Understand where your automatic transfer switch box is.

Depending on the complexity of the install and the available space, installers will generally put your new automatic transfer switch as close to your panel box as possible, but that isn’t always the case. Your power will be routed through your new switch and if you ever have electrical or plumbing work done on your home, you may want to make those contractors aware of the fact that you have a standby unit and a transfer switch, just in case it is relevant. 


If you’re in the market for a Home Standby Generator, and want to learn more about the power demands and installation process, give us a call directly or fill out a form here on our site with your specific questions. 

Larger generators require liquid coolant to manage higher temperatures.

Air Cooled V.S. Liquid Cooled Generators

By websitebuilder • 23 Nov, 2023
Backup generators come in both liquid cooled and air cooled models. Liquid coolant is generally used in larger models with higher heat outputs, while smaller home units are generally air cooled.
Polio Virus has been found in major cities including New York and London

Polio Virus in Wastewater - What Does it Mean For Residents

By websitebuilder • 02 Nov, 2023
Viruses like polio pose a serious threat to people who live in the areas where the viruses have been found. Although wastewater is not intentionally ingested, cross-contamination is a serious concern for many.
Homeowner have two major options for fuel, Natural Gas and Propane

Generator Fuel: Liquid Propane v.s. Natural Gas

By websitebuilder • 19 Oct, 2023
Homeowners who purchase a standby generator must fuel it with either liquid propane or natural gas. Both fuel sources have relative benefits and drawbacks for long term use.
The p9500i is an excellent portable generator for off-grid use.

Best Off-Grid Generator Setup

By websitebuilder • 23 Aug, 2023
For the best off-grid power solution, we recommend using a portable, dual fuel generator. The ease of use and broad functionality of the Onan P9500i make it ideal for an off-grid environment.
Some water conditions can be hazardous and unsafe to consume

Is My Tap Water Safe To Drink?

By websitebuilder • 26 Jun, 2023
Tap water is generally treated to some degree in many suburban areas, but you still may have hard water or possibly even some bacteria. The best way to know with any degree of certainty is to get your water tested. Residents who rely on well water will typically have more complex water treatment needs.
Rolling blackouts will cause Powe outages to reduce energy consumption

Are Rolling Blackouts On The Way in New York?

By websitebuilder • 09 Jun, 2023
With an overall increase in demand, a decrease in supply, and increasing regional use of rolling blackouts, residents of New York are wondering if rolling blackouts are headed their way.
Propane tanks like the one pictured can experience in in extreme cold weather.

Can Propane Freeze in Cold Temperatures?

By websitebuilder • 11 Apr, 2023
Most of the time, cold temperatures will not have any effect on propane, but if temperatures get far below zero you may experience delivery interruptions. Thankfully, there are a few tips to handle these issues.
U.V. Systems are ideal for treating bacteria.

Removing Viruses and Bacteria from Your Water

By websitebuilder • 25 Jan, 2023
Viruses and other unpleasant bacteria are commonly found in many water supplies and can be hazardous to homeowners and their families. Frequently used methods of purification include UltraViolet light and Chlorination, which can kill most known viruses and bacteria
Older wells sometimes require restoration, repairs and water treatment.

How To Treat Well Water

By websitebuilder • 20 Jan, 2023
Homes with well water often have unique water conditions that are untreated and potentially hazardous. Regular water tests, repairs and the use of treatment systems will help to filter out contaminants and keep the water in your home clean and potable.
Cummins Home Generator in Winter

Home Standby Generator Cold Weather Performance

By websitebuilder • 10 Jan, 2023
For residents of the North East, one of the more common causes of power outages is related to snow storms and high winds. Temperatures in parts of the state can go well below freezing in some areas and circumstances. Not all home generators will perform optimally in colder conditions, and may require an extreme cold weather kit.
More Posts
Share by: