Why You Need an Automatic Transfer Switch for Your Commercial Generator

The ability to access power at all times is critical to running so many of Indianapolis’s successful businesses. From severe weather, to vehicle accidents, to high demand on the power grid – there are so many reasons why the power might go out. That’s why we stop at nothing to keep Indy’s businesses up and running, even when local power systems fail. So, what’s the key to staying ahead of the game? Install a backup generator with an automatic transfer switch at your business.

What is an Automatic Transfer Switch?

An automatic transfer switch (ATS) automatically transfers power from your utility to your generator in the event of a power outage. This means that when the power goes out, the generator automatically turns on, even if no one is there to switch it on. In addition, no one has to manually turn the generator off – it will automatically power down and switch power back to the grid when power is restored.

Why do you Need an Automatic Transfer Switch?

Any business that can’t afford a delay in regaining power should have a generator with an automatic transfer switch. An ATS is a safe way to guarantee power for your employees and your customers.

Although a backup generator can be installed and used without an ATS, automatic switches ensure a seamless transition of power at a moment’s notice. There are manual transfer switches, but they have to be manually switched on and off. This can be both a hassle and cause trouble for many businesses. For example, if you own a restaurant and power goes out in the middle of the night, when you open in the morning, you might find that many of your foods are below temp and have to be thrown out.

Businesses that rely on automatic transfer switches for their generators include:

Construction sites
Schools
Food service
Hospitality
Healthcare facilities
Shopping centers
Factories
Warehouses
… and the list goes on!

Here are just a few of the benefits of an ATS:

Safety

Any business owner knows (or should know) how important safety is to the success of their business. In addition to ruining their reputation, any breach of safety for employees or customers can be a serious liability issue as well. A generator with an ATS reduces these risks by ensuring that power will be instantly and automatically transferred back to the business during an outage, so that no one has to go outside during inclement weather to manually start the generator. Safety is one of the main reasons business owners choose to invest in a backup generator, anyway. So, why leave it to chance?

Reliability

Speaking of reasons to get a generator, reliability is probably at the top of the list for most business owners. Knowing that power will continue to be delivered to the business uninterrupted is important to many businesses. You want know with absolute certainty, without a doubt, that your business will continue to function, regardless of a power outage.

For many businesses, access to power is absolutely critical. For example, in a healthcare facility, without power, patients may not have access to medical devices they need. An ATS ensures that the power will be restored immediately, regardless of how many people are on staff at the time.

Even in businesses where power isn’t as critical as in a healthcare facility, it is still necessary, even outside of operating hours. Earlier we mentioned the food service industry, and how food will spoil if it isn’t kept at the proper temperature. And how about a business that relies on a security system during or after hours to keep the building secure? The cameras and alarms won’t be working if they don’t have power. An ATS will provide the reliability that these businesses need to continue to function, even outside of business hours.

Simplicity

Finally, with as complicated as running a business can be, you can have one less thing to worry about when you have a generator with an ATS. The simplicity of knowing the business will be protected instantly during a power outage is enough on its own for many business owners. All you have to do to keep your generator running is schedule your regular generator maintenance with Midwest Generator Solutions and you’re good to go!

Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help! Whether you need to purchase and install a new generator at your business, or you need help with your existing generator, we’re your guys. Give us a call or send us a message today.