Blog posts tagged with 'manual changeover switch'

Manual changeover switch – a device that has stood the test of time. It provides a straightforward and cost-effective solution. This solution allows for seamless transitioning between primary and backup power sources.

Manual changeover switches remain a popular choice. They are popular for many homeowners, businesses, and industrial facilities. They offer a blend of simplicity, affordability, and dependability.

Their versatility, ease of use, and low maintenance requirements continue to resonate. This resonates with a diverse range of users. These users seek a no-nonsense, hands-on approach to power management. In an age where technological sophistication often comes at the expense of complexity and potential vulnerabilities, the manual switch stands as tangible proof. It testifies to the timeless appeal of straightforward, user-controlled solutions. These solutions prioritize reliability and operational simplicity.

These manual switches are straightforward and cost way less than their fancy automatic cousins. Perfect for those watching their pennies.

• With fewer electronics and gizmos, there's less that can break or malfunction down the line. Simplicity for the win!
• No complex programming is required. Just grab that lever and give them a pull when needed. Easy peasy.
• Minimal maintenance means less headache and money spent long-term.

Sure, automatic transfer switches might seem more cutting-edge. But sometimes that good old manual control is exactly what you need – no algorithms or hiccups, just you calling the shots.

Homeowners love them for keeping things running smoothly during storms and outages. But they're super handy in businesses, hospitals, you name it. Anywhere you've got critical systems that can't afford interruptions.

Getting one of these installed properly is crucial too. Don't go rogue here – leave it to a qualified electrician who knows the codes. And be sure to keep up with inspections and maintenance.

Look, I get it. We're living in an automated world with smart this and intelligent that. But sometimes you just can't beat the simple reliability and hands-on control of a trusty manual changeover switch. It might just be your light in the darkness when the grid decides to take a vacation.

So welcome that manual power, my friends! It's often the straightforward solutions that save us when the world goes dark. A well-placed switch and backup power source could be what keeps your lights shining bright.

At Blades Power Generation, we understand the critical importance of reliable power for homes and businesses. A manual changeover switch serves as a crucial component to guarantee continuous supply during transitions between mains power and a backup generator.

As an established UK provider of quality switches for years, we offer a wide selection to suit an array of applications. Whether you need a robust solution for safe, hassle-free transitions in a commercial setting or a straightforward option for your household, we have you covered.

Overview of Manual Changeover Switches

A manual switch provides a means to switch between two power sources to supply electricity without disruption. Key features include:

•      Ability to safely transition from the mains to a generator or inverter system
•      Prevents back feeding to ensure operator safety 
•      Allows manual control over the power source

Typical applications include:

•      Homes - Switch from the utility to a backup generator
•      Businesses - Transition to an emergency power supply 
•      Off-grid sites – Alternate between solar, wind or diesel generators

Benefits of Installing a Manual Changeover Switch

Installing a quality manual switch delivers numerous advantages:

Reliability:

•      Guaranteed power continuity avoiding disruptions
•      Allows use of backup supply when needed

Safety:

•      Isolates sources preventing hazardous back feeding
•      Gives operators control over transitions 

Convenience:

•      Quick and straightforward switching between supplies
•      Compact designs suitable for many applications

With easy operation and robust safety mechanisms, our switches provide peace of mind knowing you can access backup power seamlessly.

Typical Applications of Manual Transfer Switches

Manual transfer switches deliver the vital ability to transition power safely across various sectors:

Residential:

•      The whole house is backed up with a generator
•      Integrating renewable energy sources

Commercial:

•      Buildings equipped with emergency power systems
•      Maintenance transitions in facilities   

Industrial: 

•      Switching between primary and secondary supply
•      Equipment control and safe isolation

Agriculture:

•      Generator backup at farms or orchards
•      Alternating supply for irrigation systems  

Our ergonomic switches ensure reliable transitions, to keep homes comfortable, businesses operational and processes running smoothly when outages occur.

For years Blades Power Generation has manufactured robust, reliable switches to facilitate secure transitions between power sources. Engineered with care and thoroughly tested, our products provide peace of mind that your supply is consistent and safe.

As UK leaders in switchgear equipment, we invite you to browse our extensive range for your particular needs. For technical guidance or to discuss suitable options, our team is happy to assist. Rely on us for all your manual changeover switch requirements.

Choosing a generator for your home or business in the UK may seem like a straightforward experience, but there are several aspects to keep in mind. Consider the following factors to pick the right generator.

• Domestic or professional - Generators are specifically designed for commercial use and for home use. Hence, before you start looking around, decide whether you want the generator for your home or office.
• Type of fuel - Generally, generators come in two fuel types: petrol and diesel. Diesel generators use less fuel than their petrol counterparts and do not depend on spark-based ignition systems. Petrol generators come in different models, and they are less costly than diesel generators. Besides these, you will also find commercial generators running on natural gas or liquid propane. You must carefully go through the advantages and disadvantages of each type of fuel before making your choice.
• Wattage - The amount of power you need to run your place in the event of a power outage must be decided beforehand. If you are unsure of the wattage needed, speak to specialists at Blades Power Generation.
• Changeover switches - There are two models of changeover switches used in generators. They are classified into manual changeover switch and automatic changeover switch. Manual switches have to be operated manually to change from one power source to another. Automatic switches, on the other hand, do not need human intervention.
• Noise level - Depending on the location of your property, you will have to consider the noise level requirements. You may have to adhere to certain noise ordinances. Also, if the generator makes too much noise, it may disrupt you from working and disturb the neighbours. It may hamper the quiet environment of the neighbourhood.
• Running time - Considering the running time of the generator is another important factor to consider. If you want to only use the generator for emergencies, you will need to purchase a different generator that provides an off-grid power supply. So, think of the run time because not all generators are designed to run for hours on end.

These are some essential factors to keep in mind when you want to buy a generator for your home or business. If you need help deciding on the right one, you can contact Blades Power Generation. We offer new generators for sale in the UK and offer complete guidance to help individuals make an informed decision. 

Since the constant power supply is a staple necessity in present times, you must always be prepared for power outages. Using generators in residential and commercial spaces ensures that you have a secondary source of power for emergencies. Just like you, many people cannot decide if they should buy used generators in the UK. We will answer that for you.

Buying a used generator is one of the wisest choices you can make. Why? The following benefits of used generators will elaborate more. 

Easy on the pocket

One of the key benefits of buying used generators in the UK is that they are inexpensive and do not burn a hole in your pocket. If you are low on budget but need a generator for your home or office, buy a pre-owned generator.

No initial depreciation

Generators usually have a depreciation of 40% in the first 12 months. But if you buy a used generator, a large part of the depreciation is mitigated. Moreover, if you want to sell it off later, you will get more back from it.

Immediate availability

Sometimes when demand spikes, there is a long waiting time between placing the order and order fulfilment. However, used generators are readily available, and you do not have to wait too long to get the generator. If you urgently need a generator, this can be a key selling point.

Less paperwork

Buying a new generator includes plenty of paperwork. But it is absent in the case of a used generator. However, a genuine seller offers a warranty for pre-owned generators too. Before signing such documents, you must read the paperwork and review the fine print.

Reduced insurance cost

New generators have a high cost of insurance, just like a new car. However, for a second-hand generator, insurance charges will be less. Usually, insurance companies charge insurance on the base cost. Here the initial price and cost of replacement are both low.

Buy Used Generators in the UK With Blades Power Generation:

We are your one-stop destination for finding the best backup power sources and services. We offer a fool-proof solution for power outages for everyone, be it for your home or office, restaurant or hospital. Based on your need and budget, Blades Power Generation matches you with your ideal generators, manual changeover switch, and automatic changeover switch. Contact us or visit our website to learn more.

It’s a fact of life that virtually all of us take electricity for granted. When we switch a light on we don’t think about what powers it: we just expect the light to come on. In fact, if it doesn’t come on it would be something of a shock, and yet power outages can and do happen. Consider the storms recently in Scotland and the North of England which have brought down power lines and left some people without any power for days. Climate change seems to indicate that this will be happening more often.

This is why more and more people today are buying a generator for their home so that they can have power without necessarily having to rely on the local utility. Buying a standby generator obviously involves a cost. This will be dictated to some extent by the amount of power that you need for your home. The bigger the generator the more power it can produce, and the more it will cost to purchase.

However, you don’t necessarily have to invest in a new generator because there is a second-hand market in these in just the same way as cars. At Blades Power Generation we have used generators for sale, which obviously cost less than brand new.

These used generators work just as well as a new one, and of course we have checked them over before offering them for sale. There are a number of reasons why these are available, but one that happens often is that a business that uses generators will expand and need more capacity. Hence that business has to invest in a bigger generator and will trade in the old one with us in part exchange.

You Will Need A Transfer Switch

When you buy a standby generator, you will need a transfer switch in order to switch from mains power to the generator when the mains goes down, and back again when it comes on. There are two choices – a manual changeover switch or an automatic one.

When you have a manual changeover switch you have to go outside to fire up your generator and then manually switch over when it is up and running. You also have to switch back when the mains power comes on again. This is OK if you are at home when it happens, but if you happen to be away for the weekend or whatever, you could lose all the food in your freezer! An automatic changeover switch will save you all these sorts of issues.

Today as lives are powered by electronic appliances, it has become necessary to have an alternative source of electricity at all times. Moreover, to mitigate disruptions caused by power cuts, a backup power source is essential for smooth functioning and to keep productivity at its highest. The most common alternative power sources are generators or battery backup.

A manual transfer switch or MTS is used in diesel generators to switch between the primary power source and a generator in the event of power outages. Here, you must manually turn a handle or an alternative lever to switch on the generator. 

Advantages of an MTS:

If you are looking for a reliable backup power source within a budget, your search ends with a manual changeover switch. Here are eight benefits of using an MTS for your home and business:

1. Manual changeover switch has a longer life span.
2. They are convenient and best for use at homes or other spaces that do not require super-fast power transfer load shedding.
3. MTSs are inexpensive and suitable for all budgets.
4. The manual changeover switch is resistant to high voltage and has high mechanical endurance. They are not easily affected by frequency variations and are a reliable option with security.
5. They are easy to install as no programming is needed.
6. Manual changeover switches are easy to maintain.
7. They are smaller in size and have a single-pole erection. Hence, there is no need to use unnecessary fixing sets for connections. 
8. MTSs also help save energy by reducing the loss of power.

Disadvantages of an MTS:

Like all other equipment, a manual changeover switch also has some limitations, such as:

1. Someone must switch on an MTS manually.
2. The changeover time required is longer, especially if the generator is away from the building.

Although there are some drawbacks of an MTS, the advantages outweigh its limitations. 

In the end:

Be it a residential or commercial space, a 24/7 power supply is necessary. Since you cannot control power cuts, you can ensure a constant source of electricity for your facility by investing in a manual transfer switch. We offer state-of-the-art power backup to our large clientele ranging from homeowners or businesses. If you are tight on the budget and looking for inexpensive options, buy used UK generators from Blades Power Generation and light up your homes forever. 

It was William Shakespeare who wrote the words “Now is our winter of discontent” in his ‘Richard III’. However, in this instance he was referring to times being good, because those words were followed by “Made glorious summer by this sun of York”. It was a reference to the accession to the throne of Edward of the House of York. So, things were much better.

Unfortunately, in the UK at the moment, it seems we are only at the beginning of our winter of discontent, with all the strikes that are going on, the price of electricity, and the likelihood that we might not even have any. Heck, they’ve been without electricity on Shetland for four days now as I write this.

However, some of the residents of Shetland will be fine and have no issues. Why? Because they have their own power generator, so when the lights go out, they can keep theirs on. This is why so many people are beginning to sit up and take notice and are making enquiries about buying their own generator.

We have always taken electricity for granted for the last 100+ years, but it seems that that is no longer the case. And we don’t want to be sitting in a dark house freezing to death just because there is no power.

If you are one of those people thinking of doing something about it, why not consider the fact that you can buy used generators in the UK? Yes, at Blades Power Generation you can do exactly that: buy used generators in the UK. We have always got used generators for sale because people trade them in when they buy a new one. It’s exactly the same as buying a used car, which is what many people also do.

Why do some people buy a new generator? Well, many businesses that use them will expand, and when they do that, they may need a bigger generator to cope with their needs. That means that there is a second-hand market in generators. OK, they may have a few scratches or a dent in the bodywork, but so what? They still work!

If you do buy a used generator, you will need a changeover switch. The cheapest sort is a manual changeover switch as opposed to automatic. If you use a manual changeover switch you will need to fire up the generator yourself before you can switch over to it, but it is a lot less expensive than an automatic switch.

If you are thinking that you should buy a new generator in the UK for your home, you are by no means alone. With the current situation, shortages of gas and everything else going on at present, the last thing that you need is to be sitting at home in the dark with no TV, no heat, no cooker, and the food in your freezer melting so that you have to throw it all out. Not only that, but your Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio in the fridge will warm up as well! It doesn’t bear thinking about.

Many people are looking to buy a new generator in the UK for all these reasons. There are several considerations if you are among this group, one of the most important of which is the amount of power that you need to produce. This will depend partly on the size of your home and also what you use electricity for. So, if you have a gas boiler, or an AGA, for heating, you won’t need as much power as if you have electric heating. It can be a little complicated to calculate the amount that you need, so the best bet is to call in an electrical expert who will be able to do the calculations for you.

You Need One With The Right Power Output

No matter how much power you need to generate, at Blades Power Generation we have generators of all sizes and output. While you want a generator that will cover you for all your needs, there is no point in buying one that produces more power than you require. You need one with the right output, with a little extra just to be safe. 

You will also need a changeover switch. This is used to transfer from the mains to the generator when there is a power outage. There are two types of switch - a manual one or an automatic one. 

If you have a manual changeover switch, as the name implies, when the power goes down you have to manually use the lever switch to change to the generator once you have fired the generator up. An automatic one takes care of everything automatically, firing up the generator when the power dies and switching over to it as soon as it is up and running. 

A manual changeover switch is quite a lot less expensive than an automatic one, so if there is always someone on the premises it might be the best bet. If not, an automatic switch will keep everything running even when there is nobody at home. 

What Would We Do Without Electricity?

The short answer is that we would be living like that ancient fellow in the Amazon jungle who was found dead a couple of weeks ago, and who had no contact with humans in the outside world. All he knew was hunting and fishing and being able to build himself a home by digging holes in the ground.

He didn’t have light, except for daylight. He didn’t have a laptop. He didn’t have a fridge or freezer. He didn’t have a TV. He didn’t have a shaver. He didn’t have hot water. The list of things that he didn’t have goes on. We have all of these things, (with the possible exception of the shaver if you are of a female persuasion!). What would we do without them all?

The answer is that we would be in the dark, both figuratively and literally. Yet, the way that climate change is going, and the race to get to green power without producing a carbon footprint means that in the not-too-distant future, power blackouts could become a regular feature of our lives.

That is no fun at all and is the reason why a lot of smart people are investing in a home generator which can produce power when the mains power goes down. Anyone who has the space for a generator can do this.

However, there are certain things to take into consideration, the size of the generator being one of them. It needs to produce enough power to run everything that you want to run.

A Transfer Switch

You also need a manual transfer switch or an automatic one. A manual transfer switch is much cheaper than automatic. What happens is that when the power goes down, you have to go and start your generator and then switch from mains power to generator using the manual changeover switch.

Why do you need a changeover switch? Because if you start the generator and the mains comes back on and the two are connected, you will burn out the generator. It can also work the other way. The generator can produce power which would go into the mains and very easily cause injuries to workers trying to restore the power.

So, the system is set up so that you cannot have mains and generator power at the same time. The way that works is that you use the manual changeover switch to switch from one to the other, either when the power goes down or when it is restored.

If you don’t want to suffer from power outages in your home or business, the time to buy a standby generator is now. There is no doubt that climate change seems to be causing more storms, and in turn that can lead to power lines going down and not being repaired quickly. Recent storms in the Northwest and Scotland left some people without power for two weeks!

Furthermore, with the war in Ukraine, and countries trying to avoid buying Russian gas, that can only make the situation worse. No, we do not use a lot of Russian gas directly here in the UK. Depending upon whose figures you believe, it is either 4% or 8% of our total energy imports. However, other countries in Europe are turning away from Russian gas, and that means that the electricity we buy from those countries will be less available. So, the war will still affect us in that way.

Generators are available in a range of different sizes, and the one that you need will depend upon a few factors. You need an electrician to calculate the amount of power that you require. Then you can buy the appropriate size of generator. Obviously, the more power that you need, the bigger generator that you will require, and therefore the more expensive it will be. 

Used Generators

However, you don’t have to buy a new generator. You can find used generators for sale in the UK. This is just the same as buying a second-hand car. You only have to watch the TV ads to see that there are several companies supplying second-hand cars up and down the country, and of course they cost a lot less than a new one.

Here at Blades Power Generation, we always have used generators for sale in the UK. Many businesses who need a generator will purchase a new one from us and then simply trade in their old one. So, we always have a range of different sized used generators from which you can choose.

You will also need a changeover switch, and whether you choose a manual changeover switch or an automatic one is a matter of personal choice. A manual changeover switch will cost less than an automatic one, but it does have the disadvantage that you have to be on the premises when the power goes down. With an automatic changeover switch, the generator will kick in immediately the power goes down, and you will only be without it for a matter of seconds.