The reason you need a transfer switch on the generator is to guarantee you do not run the generator and electrical power together. If this would happen, you could damage the wiring in your home. The generator has a switch that is for generator, center off and utility. Having the switch will also prevent any type of back feed to the utility lines that are being worked on in the area, which could result in death to the utility worker. The switch needs to function properly and needs to be installed by a professional and licensed electrician or electrical contractor and not someone who thinks they can do it.

When the power in your home is shut down due to an outage, the generator switch allows the generator to kick in when no power is detected and the switch is set to generator. When the switch is set to center off, the information to the generator and the house is shut down. This is where it protects an electrician working on the lines or even in your home. If they were to shut the power down, the generator would kick in and supply the house with electricity. Having the switch in center off prevents this from happening.

When the switch is in the utility position, the house is operating on the electric service. This prevents accidental running of the generator and electrical service at the same time. If you have a generator, you must have a switch to prevent any problems. You can have the electrician install the generator, switch, and show you how everything works before they leave. It is better to have this service installed by an experienced and licensed electrical contractor. If you were to do this yourself, you could forget one simple step that can cause serious injury or even fire. Damage to your electrical wiring will cost you more than the cost of having a professional electrician install the generator and switch.